Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup: A Zesty, Comforting Mexican Classic
When it comes to warm, comforting, and flavor-packed soups, Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup is an absolute winner. This dish brings together tender shredded chicken, crispy tortilla strips, creamy avocado, and fresh cilantro, all swimming in a tangy, slightly spicy salsa verde broth.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy meal on a chilly day, or a dish to impress at your next gathering, this soup is bold, zesty, and incredibly satisfying. With just one pot and simple ingredients, you can create an authentic Mexican-inspired favorite that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
Why You’ll Love This Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup
✔ Zesty & Flavorful – Salsa verde, lime, and cilantro give this soup a fresh, tangy kick.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 40 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
✔ One-Pot Meal – Easy cleanup with big flavor in just one pot.
✔ Customizable – Adjust the spice level, toppings, and protein to your taste.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!
What is Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup?
This soup is a variation of classic tortilla soup, made with a salsa verde-based broth instead of the traditional red tomato broth. The result? A bright, tangy, and slightly smoky soup that’s rich yet refreshing.
The toppings make all the difference—crispy tortilla strips, creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, and crumbled cheese elevate this dish into something truly spectacular.
Ingredients for Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup
This recipe uses simple ingredients that pack a big punch of flavor.
For the Soup Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 (16 oz) jar salsa verde (or homemade)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 small jalapeño, diced (optional, for spice)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Tortilla Strips:
- 6 small corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
Toppings (Choose Your Favorites!):
- 1 avocado, diced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup crumbled queso fresco or feta
- ¼ cup diced white onion
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Sour cream or Mexican crema
- Extra tortilla chips for crunch
- Sliced jalapeños (for extra heat!)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tortilla Strips
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss the tortilla strips with olive oil, salt, and chili powder in a bowl.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Set aside for serving.
Step 2: Make the Salsa Verde Broth
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the garlic, cumin, chili powder, and oregano, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the salsa verde and chicken broth, stirring well.
- Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Chicken & Beans
- Stir in the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and diced jalapeño.
- Simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Squeeze in the juice of 1 lime, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt & pepper.
Step 4: Serve & Garnish
- Ladle hot soup into bowls.
- Top with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, fresh cilantro, queso fresco, and diced onion.
- Serve with a lime wedge on the side and extra tortilla chips for dipping.
Tips for the Best Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup
✔ Use Fresh Salsa Verde – If possible, use homemade salsa verde for the best flavor.
✔ Simmer for Extra Flavor – Let the soup sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance the depth of taste.
✔ Make it Vegetarian – Swap chicken for roasted sweet potatoes or extra beans.
✔ Crisp Up the Tortillas – Bake or fry them for a delicious crunch.
✔ Adjust the Spice Level – Add more jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
Delicious Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these fun twists:
1. Creamy Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup
- Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer, creamier version.
- Add ½ cup shredded cheese for a melty texture.
2. Spicy Chipotle Tortilla Soup
- Blend in 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy twist.
- Top with sliced serrano peppers for extra heat.
3. Vegan Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup
- Replace chicken with diced tofu or roasted chickpeas.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
4. Slow Cooker Version
- Add all ingredients (except toppings) to a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the chicken and serve!
How to Store & Reheat
Refrigeration:
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
- Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally.
What to Serve with Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup
This bold, flavorful soup pairs well with:
- Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice 🍚
- Warm corn tortillas or cheesy quesadillas 🌮
- A fresh Mexican street corn salad (elote salad) 🌽
- Margaritas or agua fresca 🍹
For a full Mexican feast, serve with guacamole, chips, and homemade salsa.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use store-bought tortilla chips instead of homemade?
Yes! Store-bought tortilla chips work great as a time-saver.
2. Is this soup spicy?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat by adding or omitting jalapeños.
3. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors develop even more when stored overnight.
Final Thoughts
This Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup is bold, zesty, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect comfort meal for any season. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a cozy gathering, it’s a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
So grab your ingredients, crisp up those tortillas, and enjoy a bowl of warm, comforting goodness today!