Creamy Jalapeno Salsa, also known as la salsa verde taqueria, tastes just like your favorite taqueria's salsa! It is made with a few simple ingredients for a fresh green salsa with a spicy kick.
Top Beef Birria Quesatacos or these Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas with this delicious jalapeno salsa!
Jump to:
- Why We Love This Jalapeno Salsa Recipe:
- Jalapeno Salsa Ingredients:
- How to Make Jalapeno Salsa:
- Alternatives and Variations:
- Pro-Tips:
- Storing and Reheating:
- FAQ:
- More Mexican Inspired Recipes to Try
- 📖 Recipe
- Be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook when you make this La Salsa Verde Taqueria recipe! I would love to see your creation, and give you a shoutout!

Moment of honesty- I judge a Mexican restaurant by its salsa. I know I am not the only one who scrutinizes each menu item for sauces!
So the next time you have some extra jalapenos from the grocery store, whip this up! All it needs are the tacos to put it on. Fresh salsa complements top street tacos, enchiladas, tortilla chips, or even eggs! But beware- it is super spicy!
Why We Love This Jalapeno Salsa Recipe:
Quick and Easy! This is made with just a handful of simple ingredients. Once the jalapenos and onion are softened after boiling them, everything gets blended together.
Delicious Salsa! This is a bright blend of fresh, savory, spicy elements that results in great flavors. You will want to add this mouthwatering creamy green sauce to everything.
Versatile! When it comes to Mexican dishes, this is just as essential as hot sauce, sour cream, pico de gallo, and guacamole. Serve it with the best tacos, over nachos, or on eggs for an ideal meal. Use it on your favorite dishes or as a quick snack. The serving options are endless!
Jalapeno Salsa Ingredients:
- Fresh Jalapenos: The peppers are boiled so they soften before they are pureed.
- Onion: Chopped into 1" pieces.
- Vegetable oil: This ingredient is essential. The vegetable oil is what creates the creamy texture of the salsa. Start with just a little bit. Maybe a teaspoon at a time; until the salsa is smooth and creamy.
- Seasoning: Add salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (to taste).
- Lime: Fresh lime juice adds a pop of bright, citrus flavor.
How to Make Jalapeno Salsa:
Boil Jalapenos & Onions
Boil the jalapenos and onion for about 10 minutes. Once they are softened, take the jalapenos out of the water and cut off the stems.
Blend Ingredients
Put the onions, jalapeno, and seasoning in a blender or food processor, then add a tiny bit of the boiling liquid. Add the oil, squeeze of lime, and puree the salsa until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Finally, enjoy!
Alternatives and Variations:
- Peppers: You can use serrano peppers or poblano peppers as substitutes for jalapeño peppers.
- Heat Level: La Salsa Verde Taqueria is super hot because we don't scoop out the ribs or seeds. If you prefer milder jalapeno salsa, use food-safe gloves to core the boiled jalapenos.
- Roasted Jalapenos: Instead of boiling, you can roast the peppers for about 20 minutes in the oven at 425°F.
- More Ingredients: For some added sweetness add fresh tomatoes like cherry tomatoes or roma tomatoes. You can also add fresh cilantro and garlic cloves.
Pro-Tips:
- Having tried this homemade salsa without the vegetable oil (substituted water), IT IS NOT THE SAME! Not even coconut, or olive oil will give the creamy consistency. So please do not omit the oil!
- Remember to reserve a bit of the boiling water. This improves the overall consistency of the salsa.
- Be conservative when adding lime juice and seasonings. Then taste test and add more if necessary. It is easier to add more than try to dilute if you add too much.
Storing and Reheating:
Mason jars with an air-tight, twist-on lid, are the best way to store the salsa. Any container with an airtight lid will work though. Ensuring that it is closed, and refrigerated is the best bet here.
Store the prepared salsa in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator for up to one week. Longer than one week, and the salsa will start to separate and get a bit acidic. If desired warm it up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving
FAQ:
What is in creamy jalapeño sauce?
This salsa recipe includes jalapenos, chopped onions, vegetable oil, seasonings, and lime juice.
Can I use pickled jalapenos instead of fresh jalapenos in salsa?
No. The oil changes the flavor and consistency of the salsa.
Is spicy ranchero the same as creamy jalapeno?
Taco Bell's spicy ranch sauce is made with habanero peppers, whereas creamy jalapeno is made with jalapeno peppers.
More Mexican Inspired Recipes to Try
- Carne Guisada Recipe - Mexican Beef Stew Recipe
- Better Than Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
- Better Than Taco Bell Breakfast Crunchwrap
- Migas with Chorizo
📖 Recipe
Taqueria Style Jalapeno Salsa
Taqueria Style Creamy Jalapeno Salsa taste just like the salsa served by your favorite taco trucks and taquerias! Super smooth, creamy, and perfectly spicy.
Ingredients
- 6 Jalapenos
- ¼ Onion, chopped in 1" pieces
- 1 ½ tablespoon Vegetable oil
Seasoning (to taste)
- ½ tablespoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 squeeze Lime
Instructions
- Boil the jalapenos and onion for 10 mins. Once they are softened, take jalapenos out of the water and cut off the stems.
- Put the onions, jalapeno, and seasoning in a blender, add a tiny bit of the boiling liquid. Add the oil, squeeze of lime, and puree the salsa until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Notes
This salsa is very spicy!
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Kali
I make this all the time now! I use 1/3 of the salt, but otherwise keep the recipe exactly the same. My boyfriend says it tastes like the taqueria green sauce they give him with his tacos, and that it's better than any store bought ones we've tried. Thanks for the recipe!
Tamara J.
I'm glad you guys love it!
Dorothy
Wow, delish!! We love this salsa at our local taqueria but I never knew how to make it..so simple! I used 4 large peppers because I misread/remembered the recipe but it works out fine. I confess I added a couple of teaspoons of crema at the end to try to make it a tiny less spicy for my hubs (I think it would take more than that to get it to his heat level but I refuse..the flavor is too good as is!
Tamara J.
I love that you adapted it ot make it your own! Thanks for stopping by to review! 🙂
Deborah Turner
Thank you so much for this recipe. My husband swears it’s better than the green salsa at his favorite taqueria! Coming from a Texan, that’s a huge compliment. This is the second summer I’ve been able to make it with peppers from my garden 😋
Tamara J.
Fellow Texan here, and I love to hear that! thank you! ☺️
Lisa
Is this recipe ok for canning? I would love to have a shelf full of jars. We love it.
Tamara J.
Hey Lisa. I don't know the first thing about canning, or I'd love to say YES! If you find out, please come back and let me know!
Saniah Safdar
Our favorite local Taqueria burned down a year back, and we've been craving the salsa that they had. This recipe is almost the same taste! It's perfect on everything too, we use it on eggs, chicken, other things that need a little dip. Thank you for sharing this!
Tamara J.
Aww! I love to hear that. I’m so happy you enjoy it as much as we do! 🙂
Lina
Excellent and more authentic than other recipes that have a lot more ingredients.
Tamara J.
I appreciate that feedback! It’s definitely my favorite salsa recipe for that reason!!
Gil
That was simple and oh so tasty. Thanks for the great recipe. Topped my bean burritos with it. used canola oil as a sub as I didn’t have any vegetable oil. Put it in a squirt bottle.
Tamara J.
It is one of my favorites too! So happy you enjoyed it. 🙂