Salsas & Dips

Salsa De Cilantro

Name: Salsa De Cilantro
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 dried arbol chiles; 2 dried guajillo chiles; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves; 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice; 1/2 cup chopped red onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh epazote

By Nathaniel Underhill · June 19, 2026 · Salsas & Dips

Prep20 min

Cook10 min

Total30 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I tasted my abuela's Salsa De Cilantro. It was like a symphony of flavors on my tongue - the brightness of the cilantro, the depth of the toasted chiles, and the tang of the lime juice all came together in perfect harmony. As a child, I would watch her carefully prepare each ingredient, from toasting the chiles on the comal to chopping the fresh cilantro. And when she finally combined everything in the blender, the aroma that filled the kitchen was incredible.

As I grew older, I began to appreciate the art of making Salsa De Cilantro. It's not just about throwing a few ingredients together; it's about understanding the technique and the why behind each step. My abuela would always say that the key to a great Salsa De Cilantro is in the toasting of the chiles and the freshness of the cilantro. And I couldn't agree more.

Today, I want to share my abuela's recipe with you. It's a recipe that has been passed down through generations of my family, and one that I'm sure you'll love just as much as I do. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients. So let's get started and make some delicious Salsa De Cilantro!

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Mexican cuisine and is looking for a fresh and flavorful salsa to add to their repertoire. It's great for topping tacos, grilled meats, and vegetables, and is also delicious as a dip for chips. And the best part is that it's incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and experience the bold flavors of Mexico in the comfort of your own home. I'm sure you'll love it just as much as I do, and it will become a staple in your kitchen just like it has in mine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, and vegetables
It's a great dip for chips and can be customized to suit your taste preferences
It's a fresh and flavorful salsa that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen
It's a great way to add some excitement to your meals and try something new
It's a recipe that's been passed down through generations of my family and is sure to become a favorite of yours too

Why This Recipe Works

The reason this Salsa De Cilantro recipe works so well is because of the technique used to prepare the ingredients. By toasting the chiles on a hot comal or under the broiler, we're able to bring out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor. This is a crucial step, as it adds a rich and smoky flavor to the salsa that would be impossible to replicate with raw chiles.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of fresh cilantro. Cilantro is a delicate herb that can easily become bitter if it's not used fresh, so it's essential to use it within a day or two of purchasing it. And when chopping the cilantro, be sure to use a sharp knife and chop it just before adding it to the blender, as this will help preserve its flavor and texture.

Finally, the key to a great Salsa De Cilantro is in the balance of flavors. By combining the toasted chiles, fresh cilantro, and lime juice in just the right proportions, we're able to create a salsa that's both bold and refreshing. And by adding a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lime juice, we're able to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients and add a touch of brightness to the salsa.

Overall, this recipe is a masterclass in balance and restraint. By using just a few high-quality ingredients and preparing them with care, we're able to create a salsa that's truly greater than the sum of its parts. So go ahead, give it a try, and taste the difference for yourself!

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making Salsa De Cilantro, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. You'll need a few key players, including toasted chiles, fresh cilantro, and lime juice. Be sure to choose the freshest ingredients you can find, as this will make all the difference in the flavor and texture of the salsa.

One of the most important ingredients in this recipe is the toasted chiles. You can use either Anaheim or poblano chiles, depending on your preference. If you can't find either of these, you can also use jalapeno or serrano chiles as a substitute. Just be sure to adjust the level of heat to your taste.

4 dried arbol chilesThese chiles have a bright, fiery flavor and a crunchy texture that adds depth to the salsa. You can find them at most Mexican markets or online.
2 dried guajillo chilesThese chiles have a rich, slightly sweet flavor and a soft, velvety texture that adds body to the salsa. You can find them at most Mexican markets or online.
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leavesFresh cilantro is essential to this recipe, as it adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the toasted chiles perfectly. Be sure to choose leaves that are bright green and have no signs of wilting.
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juiceFreshly squeezed lime juice is essential to this recipe, as it adds a tangy, refreshing flavor that balances out the richness of the chiles. You can use either manual or electric juicer to extract the juice.
1/2 cup chopped red onionRed onion adds a sweet, crunchy texture to the salsa and a touch of flavor that complements the chiles and cilantro. Be sure to choose an onion that is firm and has no signs of sprouting.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a deep, rich flavor to the salsa that complements the chiles and cilantro perfectly. Be sure to choose garlic that is firm and has no signs of sprouting.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt is essential to this recipe, as it enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and adds depth to the salsa. You can use either kosher or sea salt, depending on your preference.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper adds a touch of flavor to the salsa and helps to balance out the other ingredients. You can use either freshly ground or pre-ground pepper, depending on your preference.
2 tablespoons olive oilOlive oil is used to toast the chiles and add a touch of flavor to the salsa. You can use either extra-virgin or regular olive oil, depending on your preference.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh epazoteEpazote is a fragrant, slightly bitter herb that adds depth and complexity to the salsa. You can find it at most Mexican markets or online. If you can't find epazote, you can also use parsley or oregano as a substitute.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or comalBlender or food processorCutting boardSharp chef's knifeMeasuring cups and spoonsJuicer or manual citrus squeezerSpatula

How to Make Salsa De Cilantro

1
Start by toasting the arbol and guajillo chiles on a hot comal or in a dry skillet over medium-high heat. You can also toast them under the broiler for about 5-7 minutes, or until they're fragrant and slightly puffed.
2
Once the chiles are toasted, remove them from the heat and let them cool down. Then, stem and seed them, and tear them into small pieces.
3
In a blender or food processor, combine the toasted chile pieces, cilantro, lime juice, onion, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Blend until you get a smooth, slightly chunky salsa.
4
Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped epazote and cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until it's fragrant and slightly softened.
5
Add the cooked epazote to the blender and blend until well combined.
6
Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more lime juice, salt, or pepper to taste.
7
Transfer the salsa to a serving bowl and garnish with additional cilantro, onion, and lime wedges, if desired.
8
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salsa for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
9
Before serving, give the salsa a good stir and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
10
Serve the salsa with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled meats, or vegetables, and enjoy!
11
You can also store the salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Expert Tips

Use fresh and high-quality ingredients to get the best flavor out of your salsa.
Don't over-toast the chiles, as this can make them bitter and unpleasant.
Adjust the level of heat in the salsa to your taste by using more or fewer chiles.
Add a splash of vinegar to the salsa if you want to give it a bit of acidity and brightness.
Experiment with different types of chiles and herbs to create unique and delicious flavor combinations.
Make the salsa ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer to save time and effort.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not toasting the chiles enough, which can result in a bland and flavorless salsa.
Over-blending the salsa, which can make it too smooth and lose its texture.
Not adjusting the seasoning, which can result in a salsa that's too salty or too bland.
Not using fresh and high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the salsa.
Not storing the salsa properly, which can cause it to spoil or lose its flavor.
Not experimenting with different flavor combinations, which can result in a boring and uninteresting salsa.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced mango or pineapple to the salsa for a sweet and fruity twist.
Use different types of chiles, such as habanero or ghost peppers, for an extra spicy kick.
Add some chopped fresh cilantro or parsley to the salsa for extra freshness and flavor.
Use lime or lemon juice instead of vinegar for a different flavor profile.
Add some grated ginger or garlic to the salsa for an extra depth of flavor.
Experiment with different types of onions, such as red or yellow, for a different flavor and texture.

What to Serve With Salsa De Cilantro

This Salsa De Cilantro is perfect for serving with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled meats, or vegetables. You can also use it as a topping for grilled fish or chicken, or as a dip for raw or roasted vegetables.

Some other ideas for serving this salsa include using it as a topping for nachos or quesadillas, or as a sauce for grilled or roasted meats. You can also add it to soups or stews for an extra burst of flavor.

Tortilla chipsTacosGrilled meatsVegetablesGrilled fishChicken

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Salsa De Cilantro can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator when you're ready to use it.

To freeze the salsa, simply transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag, and label it with the date and contents. You can also divide the salsa into smaller portions and freeze them individually, which can be convenient for meal planning or cooking for one.

When you're ready to serve the salsa, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, or thaw it quickly by leaving it at room temperature for a few hours. You can also reheat the salsa gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's warmed through and ready to serve.

It's also important to note that the salsa will thicken slightly as it cools, so you may need to stir it well before serving. You can also add a splash of water or lime juice to thin it out, if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chiles should I use for this recipe?

You can use either arbol or guajillo chiles, depending on your preference. If you can't find either of these, you can also use jalapeno or serrano chiles as a substitute.

How do I toast the chiles?

You can toast the chiles on a hot comal or in a dry skillet over medium-high heat. You can also toast them under the broiler for about 5-7 minutes, or until they're fragrant and slightly puffed.

Can I use fresh chiles instead of dried?

Yes, you can use fresh chiles instead of dried. Simply char them over an open flame or in a dry skillet, then peel off the skin and remove the seeds and stem.

How long does the salsa last?

The salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I make the salsa ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the salsa ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to serve it.

What can I serve the salsa with?

You can serve the salsa with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled meats, or vegetables. You can also use it as a topping for grilled fish or chicken, or as a dip for raw or roasted vegetables.

Can I customize the salsa to my taste?

Yes, you can customize the salsa to your taste by adjusting the level of heat, adding different herbs or spices, or using different types of chiles or onions.

Is the salsa spicy?

The salsa has a moderate level of heat, depending on the type of chiles you use. You can adjust the level of heat to your taste by using more or fewer chiles.

The Full Recipe

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