This fresh green tomato salsa recipe is a zesty way to put that farmer’s market haul to good use! Easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect with chips, tacos, or grilled dishes!
If you’ve ever found yourself with more green tomatoes than you know what to do with (looking at you, late summer garden overflow), this Farmer’s Market Green Tomato Salsa is about to become your new go-to. This recipe came to life during a particularly bountiful farmer’s market run, and it’s now a staple in our kitchen from early summer through fall.
Bright, tangy, a little spicy, and loaded with fresh flavor; this salsa is the perfect blend of green tomatoes, sweet peppers, zippy lime, and just the right amount of heat. It’s a fresh twist on your typical red salsa and an absolute must if you love seasonal cooking!
Why You Will Love This Green Tomato Salsa
- Great way to use up green tomatoes – especially when they’re in season and you’re not sure what else to do with them.
- Customizable heat – use a seeded jalapeño for mild, or go full spicy if you’re feeling bold.
- Fresh from the garden flavor – perfect for dipping, topping tacos, or spooning over grilled meats.
- Clean, simple ingredients that let the veggies shine.
Ingredients You Will Need
Green tomatoes – These are the star! If you can’t find them, tomatillos make a great substitute.
Red tomatoes – Add sweetness and balance.
Cilantro – Brings in that classic salsa flavor.
Garlic & onion – A must for depth and aromatics.
Jalapeño – Adjust to your heat preference. Seed it for mild, or leave seeds in for a kick!
Banana peppers – These add a subtle sweetness and tang. You can also sub with a sweet orange or yellow pepper, just check the spice level first.
Lime juice and zest – For brightness and acidity.
Salt, pepper & sugar – A pinch of each brings everything into balance.
Cayenne – Optional, but great for turning up the heat.
How to Make Farmer’s Market Green Tomato Salsa
- Prep your produce: Roughly chop your green and red tomatoes, onion, garlic, peppers, and cilantro.
- Toss everything in a blender or food processor: Add the lime juice and zest, and blend until smooth or slightly chunky, depending on your texture preference.
- Taste and adjust: Add salt, pepper, a pinch of sugar, and cayenne if using. Blend again to mix.
- Chill before serving: Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can mingle and deepen.
Tips & Swaps
- If your green tomatoes are especially tart, balance them with a touch more sugar or ripe red tomato.
- No fresh banana peppers? A sweet bell pepper will do. Just avoid green ones, or it might get too grassy.
- Want it smokey? Char the tomatoes and peppers on the grill before blending.
Delicious Ways to Serve
- Serve it with tortilla chips (duh) for an easy appetizer
- Spoon it over grilled chicken, fish, or tofu
- Drizzle on tacos, nachos, or burrito bowls
- Mix into avocado toast or eggs for a morning kick
Can I Use Tomatillos Instead of Green Tomatoes?
Yes, absolutely. Tomatillos have a similar tart flavor and are a common base for many green salsa recipes. If you cannot find green tomatoes where you live, tomatillos are a perfect substitute.
Storing & Serving
This salsa keeps well in the fridge for about 5 to 7 days in an airtight container. The flavor actually gets better after a day or two! You can also freeze it in small portions to enjoy even after tomato season winds down.
This green tomato salsa is the kind of recipe that comes together with whatever you’ve got on hand. It’s flexible, flavorful, and makes the most of what’s in season. It’s a celebration of the garden, the farmers market, and those spontaneous kitchen wins we all love!
More Summer Recipes You’ll Love
- Easy Summer Orzo Pasta Salad – A refreshing 15-minute pasta salad featuring orzo, cucumbers, tomatoes, chickpeas, feta, and olives; all tossed in zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings!
- Vegetarian Campfire Nachos – Ideal for camping trips, these nachos are layered with tortilla chips, cheese, peppers, and vegetarian chili, then cooked over a campfire for a smoky flavor.
- Ranch Cream Cheese Rollups – A make-ahead appetizer combining tortillas, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, green onions, and peppers. Slice into pinwheels for a crowd-pleasing snack.
Happy Salsa Making, Friends!
Let me know if you try it! I’d love to hear how you made it your own.
Also, tag me (IG @homemade_haley) or use the hashtag #homemadehaleyrecipes in your post or stories! I can’t wait to see how it turned out.
From my home to yours,
xo Haley
Farmer’s Market Green Tomato Salsa
Equipment
- 1 Food Processor or High-Speed Blender
Ingredients
- 2 green tomatoes tomitillos would also work
- 2 red tomatoes
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ medium white onion
- 1 jalapeno seeded or unseeded depending on spice
- 2 fresh banana peppers can sub orange or yellow pepper, be sure to check spice level
- Juice and zest of 2-3 limes
- Pinch of salt pepper & sugar to taste
- Pinch of cayenne depending on spice level
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Roughly chop the tomatoes, onion, peppers, and garlic for easier blending.2 green tomatoes, 2 red tomatoes, 2 garlic cloves, ½ medium white onion, 1 jalapeno, 2 fresh banana peppers
- Blend: Add all ingredients into a food processor or blender. Pulse until you reach your desired salsa texture; smooth or chunky, it’s totally up to you.2 green tomatoes, 2 red tomatoes, ¼ cup chopped cilantro, 2 garlic cloves, ½ medium white onion, 1 jalapeno, Juice and zest of 2-3 limes, Pinch of salt, Pinch of cayenne depending on spice level, 2 fresh banana peppers
- Taste and adjust: Season with more salt, pepper, sugar, or cayenne as needed. Want it tangier? Add a little extra lime juice.Juice and zest of 2-3 limes, Pinch of salt, Pinch of cayenne depending on spice level
- Chill (optional): Let the salsa rest in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the flavors marry, though it’s delicious straight away too.
Notes
- Spice level: Keep or remove the seeds from the jalapeño and banana peppers depending on your heat preference. Always taste a small piece before blending—some banana peppers can surprise you!
- Roast for extra flavor: Want a smokey twist? Try roasting the tomatoes, onion, and peppers before blending.
- Batch it: This recipe is easy to double or triple if you have lots of green tomatoes on hand.
