Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup Recipe

Zesty Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup Recipe: A Cozy Comfort Bowl

Soup lovers rejoice with this zesty salsa verde tortilla soup that brings a burst of Mexican-inspired flavors to your dinner table.

Every spoonful delivers a tangy punch of green salsa mingled with tender chicken and crisp tortilla strips.

The recipe blends comfort and excitement in one delightful bowl.

Aromatic herbs and fresh ingredients dance together, creating a harmony of textures and tastes.

Vibrant and satisfying, this soup promises to warm your soul and spark conversation around the table.

Each bite offers a delicious journey through authentic southwestern cuisine.

You’ll want to savor every moment of this culinary adventure.

Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup Standout Details

  • Packed with zesty salsa verde and red salsa, this soup delivers a punch of authentic Mexican-inspired taste that will make your taste buds dance.
  • Top with your favorite garnishes like crispy tortilla chips, creamy yogurt, melted cheese, and fresh avocado, creating a personalized meal that suits everyone's preferences.
  • Comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy families who want a delicious, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Loaded with vegetables, protein, and vibrant herbs, this soup provides a wholesome and hearty dish that nourishes both body and soul.

Ingredients List for Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken: Protein base that adds heartiness and flavor to the soup.
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetable that provides texture and substance to the soup.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Carrots, Celery, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a rich and flavorful soup base.
Sauces and Seasonings:
  • Taco Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Spice blend and basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.
  • Red Salsa, Salsa Verde, Hot Sauce: Tangy and spicy sauces that add complexity and depth to the soup.
Broth and Fat:
  • Butter, Broth: Cooking fat and liquid base that provide moisture and richness to the soup.
Toppings:
  • Tortilla Chips, Yogurt, Cheese, Green Onions, Avocado, Cilantro: Garnishes that add texture, freshness, and additional layers of flavor to the finished soup.

Tools for Preparing Tortilla Soup

  • Large Soup Pot: Essential for cooking and simmering all ingredients together.
  • Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for precise vegetable and herb chopping.
  • Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
  • Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure broth and other liquid ingredients.
  • Ladle: Ideal for serving the hot soup into individual bowls.
  • Cheese Grater: Useful for grating fresh cheese as a topping.

Tortilla Soup Cooking Steps

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Heat a large soup pot over medium flame.

Melt butter and toss in chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic.

Stir and cook until vegetables become soft and release their fragrant aroma, about 5 minutes.

Sprinkle in taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.

Step 2: Simmer Hearty Potatoes

Pour chicken broth into the pot and add diced potatoes.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Cook potatoes until they turn tender and easily pierced with a fork, approximately 10 minutes.

Step 3: Incorporate Zesty Sauces

Introduce vibrant flavor layers by stirring in:
  • Red salsa
  • Salsa verde
  • Hot sauce

If desired, fold in shredded chicken and fresh chopped cilantro.

Allow the ingredients to meld together for a few minutes.

Step 4: Create Delicious Toppings

Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls.

Customize each portion with an array of delectable garnishes.

Soup-Making Tips for Flavorful Bowls

  • SautĂ© vegetables in butter until golden brown for deeper, richer taste and aroma.
  • Adjust hot sauce and taco seasoning to match your personal heat preference, using less for mild or more for extra kick.
  • Replace chicken with black beans, tofu, or shredded turkey for versatile vegetarian or alternative protein choices.
  • Layer tortilla chips just before serving to maintain crispness and add delightful crunch to each spoonful.
  • Make soup base ahead and store in refrigerator, adding fresh toppings when ready to serve for faster weeknight dinner.

Ways to Switch Up Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with black beans or tofu, using vegetable broth for a hearty plant-based version that maintains the soup's rich flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwest Kick: Increase hot sauce amount, add diced jalapeños, and use pepper jack cheese for those craving extra heat and bold southwestern notes.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap taco seasoning for homemade gluten-free blend, use corn tortilla chips, and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diners.
  • Low-Carb Option: Skip potatoes, replace with cauliflower florets, use zucchini noodles instead of tortilla chips, and focus on protein and vegetable content for a lighter meal.

Serving Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup Warm

  • Fiesta Bowl Styling: Arrange tortilla chips around the soup's edge for a crunchy border that adds texture and visual appeal.
  • Garnish Galore: Layer shredded cheese, diced avocado, and chopped green onions on top to create a colorful, fresh presentation that enhances flavor profiles.
  • Creamy Twist: Swirl a dollop of yogurt in the center of each bowl, creating a beautiful contrast against the vibrant soup and adding a cool, tangy element.
  • Cilantro Confetti: Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves generously over the soup to bring brightness and an aromatic finishing touch that elevates the entire dish.

Tortilla Soup Storage Guidance

  • Store soup in airtight container up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months. Avoid freezing toppings like tortilla chips or fresh avocado.
  • Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Warm in pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of broth if soup seems thick. Heat until steaming and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Transfer portion to microwave-safe bowl. Cover with microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Stop when soup is hot and evenly warmed.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make salsa verde tortilla soup unique?

The combination of red salsa, salsa verde, and hot sauce creates a complex, tangy flavor profile that sets this soup apart from traditional chicken soup.

  • Is this soup spicy?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning and hot sauce you use. You can control the heat by adjusting these ingredients or choosing mild versions.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of regular broth. The soup will still be flavorful and satisfying.

  • How long can I keep this soup?

The soup can be refrigerated for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth if needed to maintain consistency.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup Recipe

Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Mexican salsa verde tortilla soup brings zesty comfort to hungry diners. Crisp tortilla strips and tangy green sauce create a hearty meal that delights with complex flavors you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients:

  • 2 russet potatoes, cubed
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) salted butter

Liquids & Sauces:

  • 3 1/2 cups (28 fluid ounces) broth
  • 2 cups chunky red salsa
  • 2 cups salsa verde
  • 1/4 cup hot sauce

Toppings & Add-ins:

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded chicken (optional)
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Plain yogurt for serving
  • Shredded cheddar cheese for serving
  • 1 avocado for serving
  • Limes for serving
  • Green onions for serving
  • Tortilla chips for serving

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in butter over medium heat for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and release aromatic flavors. Sprinkle taco seasoning, salt, and pepper to enhance the base.
  2. Pour chicken broth into the pot and add diced potatoes. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing potatoes to become tender and absorb the seasoned liquid.
  3. Incorporate red salsa, salsa verde, and hot sauce, stirring to create a harmonious blend of vibrant flavors. Fold in shredded chicken and fresh cilantro, letting the ingredients meld together.
  4. Transfer the steaming soup into serving bowls, creating a colorful canvas for toppings. Garnish with crispy tortilla chips, dollops of yogurt, shredded cheese, sliced green onions, creamy avocado chunks, and an extra sprinkle of cilantro for a dynamic presentation.

Notes

  • Prep Vegetables Ahead: Chop onions, carrots, and celery before starting to streamline cooking process and ensure even cooking.
  • Customize Spice Level: Adjust hot sauce and taco seasoning to personal heat preference, allowing flexibility for different taste tolerances.
  • Make It Vegetarian: Replace chicken with black beans or tofu for a protein-packed plant-based alternative that maintains the soup’s hearty texture.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Consider roasting vegetables before adding to the pot to develop richer, more complex taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star