Low-Calorie Salsa Verde is the perfect light, vibrant sauce you can use on everything from tacos to roasted veggies, grain bowls, or oil-free burritos. Made with tomatillos, cilantro, onion, jalapeño, and lime, this salsa delivers big flavor with almost no calories and zero oil.
Because it’s blended raw or lightly simmered, it keeps its bright green color and tangy freshness — making it one of the easiest healthy condiments to add to your weekly meal prep.
⭐ Why This Salsa Verde Is Low-Calorie & Healthy
This version is naturally low in calories because:
- Tomatillos are extremely low-calorie (only ~20 calories per 100g)
- No oil, no sugar, no processed ingredients
- Fresh herbs and vegetables provide flavor without added fats
- Lime juice boosts acidity and preserves freshness
A full 2-tablespoon serving = only ~15 calories.
🥣 Ingredients for Low-Calorie Salsa Verde
Here’s what you need:
- 1 lb tomatillos (husks removed, rinsed)
- 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper (more or less to taste)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped white onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
Optional additions:
- A splash of vegetable broth (for blending)
- A pinch of ground cumin
- Extra lime if you like it very bright and tangy
🔪 How to Make Low-Calorie Salsa Verde
You can prepare this two ways: raw or roasted.
Method 1 — Raw (freshest & lowest calorie)
- Add tomatillos, jalapeño, cilantro, onion, garlic, lime, and salt to a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Adjust salt and lime to taste.
Method 2 — Roasted (sweeter, richer flavor)
- Roast tomatillos, jalapeño, and garlic on a baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 10–12 minutes.
- Add to a blender with cilantro, onion, lime, and salt.
- Blend until smooth.
Both versions keep calories extremely low — roasting does not add calories.
🌮 How to Use Low-Calorie Salsa Verde
This dressing is incredibly versatile. Try it on:
- Tacos, burritos, tostadas
- Grain bowls
- Baked potatoes
- Oil-free roasted vegetables
- Grilled tofu
- Vegan quesadillas
- Salads (as a no-oil dressing base)
You can also mix it with:
- Mashed avocado (for a lighter guac)
- Silken tofu (for a creamy green sauce)
- Cooked white beans (for a high-protein dip)
🥫 How to Store
- Refrigerator: Up to 6 days
- Freezer: 2–3 months (use ice cube trays for portioning)
- Add extra lime before storing for maximum freshness and color
🧂 Tips for a Perfect Salsa Verde
- Want it spicy? Use 2 jalapeños or switch to serrano peppers.
- Want it milder? Remove pepper seeds before blending.
- Want it thinner? Add 1–2 tablespoons of water or broth.
- For extra brightness, add zest from half a lime.
🥗 Nutrition (Per 2 Tbsp Serving)
Approximate:
- Calories: 12–15
- Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: depends on added salt
About as light and healthy as a sauce can get.
FAQs — Low-Calorie Salsa Verde
Is Salsa Verde good for weight loss?
Yes! This recipe is naturally low in calories, contains no oil, and adds huge flavor to meals — making healthy eating easier.
Are tomatillos low in calories?
Very. Tomatillos contain only 20 calories per 100g, making them ideal for weight-loss or low-calorie cooking.
How do I make Salsa Verde less spicy?
Use only half a jalapeño and remove seeds and membranes for a mild version.
Can I use this as a salad dressing?
Absolutely. This recipe works perfectly as an oil-free, low-calorie dressing, especially over grain bowls or chopped salads.
Can I freeze Salsa Verde?
Yes — freeze it in ice cube trays for perfect portion control.



