If you are craving a cozy bowl that bursts with freshness and zest, the Flavorful Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup Recipe is your new best friend. It combines the tangy brightness of salsa verde with comforting shredded chicken and hearty white beans, all simmered to perfection in a fragrant broth. Every spoonful delivers a wonderful balance of smoky spices, citrusy lime, and a satisfying crunch from tortilla strips, making this soup an absolute crowd-pleaser any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully simple but relies on a handful of key ingredients that each bring their own magic. From the aromatic cumin and smoky paprika to the vibrant salsa verde and creamy avocado, all contribute to the rich layers of flavor, luscious texture, and inviting color in the soup.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic to build a fragrant base.
- Small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Essential for that warm, savory aroma.
- Ground cumin: Provides earthy, mildly spicy notes that marry well with the salsa verde.
- Dried oregano: Brings a subtle herbal touch to round out the spices.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses a gentle smoky flavor that enhances the soup’s complexity.
- Chicken broth: The comforting liquid base that carries all flavors beautifully.
- Salsa verde: The vibrant star ingredient, offering zesty tomatillo goodness and fresh heat.
- White beans (canned, drained, and rinsed): Adds creamy texture and protein, making the soup hearty.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Keeps the dish protein-rich and satisfying.
- Corn kernels: Adds sweetness and bursts of texture from fresh, frozen, or canned.
- Lime juice: Brightens the soup with fresh citrus zing.
- Salt and pepper: To taste — essential seasoning that balances every flavor.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: Sprinkles of herbal freshness at the end.
- Crispy tortilla strips: For that irresistible crunchy topping.
- Sliced avocado: Creamy and cooling contrast against the tangy, spicy soup.
- Crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese: Adds a mild, salty richness.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: To dollop on top, lending creaminess and tang.
- Additional lime wedges: For guests who like extra citrus punch.
How to Make Flavorful Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. This step is crucial to developing that mellow sweetness which forms the foundation of the soup’s flavor.
Step 2: Add Spices and Garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic along with ground cumin, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook everything together for an additional minute so the spices release their wonderful aroma and blend well with the garlic.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Pour in the chicken broth followed by the salsa verde. Give it a good stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is when all those bright green flavors from the tomatillos begin to infuse the broth with zing and depth.
Step 4: Add Main Ingredients
Stir in the white beans, shredded chicken, and corn kernels. Let everything simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes to marry the flavors beautifully while keeping the chicken tender and juicy.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Finish the soup by adding fresh lime juice to add a lively brightness. Season with salt and pepper to balance the savory and tart flavors perfectly. Lastly, fold in chopped fresh cilantro to add a fresh herbal note that makes every spoonful sing.
Step 6: Serve
Once your Flavorful Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup Recipe is ready, ladle it into bowls and pile on the garnishes — crispy tortilla strips, creamy sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, and a generous dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a finishing touch that’s simply irresistible.
How to Serve Flavorful Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The magic of this soup is in the toppings. Crispy tortilla strips add a wonderful crunch that contrasts perfectly with smooth avocado slices and creamy sour cream. Queso fresco adds just the right salty kick, while extra cilantro and lime wedges invite everyone to customize their bowl exactly to their tastes. They turn a simple soup into a festive meal that excites every bite.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own but pairs beautifully with a side of warm, buttery cornbread or a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. If you want to keep things light yet satisfying, a plate of grilled vegetables or roasted sweet potatoes will complement the flavors without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve this Flavorful Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup Recipe in individual hollowed-out bell peppers or mini bread bowls. You can also layer the toppings buffet-style, letting guests build their own creations. Another fun idea is to sprinkle in some pickled jalapeños for extra heat or add a swirl of chipotle sauce for smoky depth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps incredibly well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the vibrant flavors and freshness. Just remember to keep the crunchy toppings separate and add them fresh before serving to maintain their texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for longer storage. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room at the top as it expands. It’s best to freeze without the fresh garnishes, which you can add after thawing and reheating. The soup itself retains its wonderful taste and texture after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid boiling to keep the chicken tender. Add fresh lime juice and cilantro after reheating to freshen the flavors.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the shredded chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Consider adding extra beans or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein and texture.
What if I don’t have salsa verde?
Salsa verde is central to the flavor profile of this soup, but in a pinch, you can make a quick substitute using tomatillos, jalapeños, onion, and cilantro blended together. Alternatively, a green enchilada sauce can work, though the taste will differ slightly.
How spicy is this soup?
The soup has a mild to medium heat level, depending on your salsa verde. You can always adjust the spiciness by choosing a milder or hotter salsa or by adding extra jalapeños or hot sauce to your bowl.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the soup a day in advance to allow the flavors to deepen. Store it in the fridge, and add fresh garnishes just before serving for the best experience.
What are the best toppings to use?
The classics like crispy tortilla strips, avocado slices, crumbled queso fresco, and sour cream or Greek yogurt are unbeatable. Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice brighten every bite. Feel free to get creative with pickled vegetables or spicy salsas to customize your bowl.
Final Thoughts
This Flavorful Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup Recipe has become one of my favorite easy dinners, perfect for any day when you want comfort with a fresh, zesty twist. It’s incredibly satisfying, packed with wholesome ingredients, and bursting with bold flavors. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your go-to recipe for sharing warmth and happiness around your table.
Print
Flavorful Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Flavorful Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup is a comforting and zesty Mexican-inspired dish, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Made with tender shredded chicken, white beans, fresh corn, and vibrant salsa verde, this soup is rich in texture and flavor. Topped with crispy tortilla strips, creamy avocado, crumbled queso fresco, and a dollop of sour cream, it offers a perfect balance of hearty and fresh ingredients in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups salsa verde
- 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Toppings
- Crispy tortilla strips
- Sliced avocado
- Crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Additional lime wedges
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent, which helps build the flavor base for the soup.
- Add Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook for another minute until the spices become fragrant, enhancing the depth of the soup.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth and salsa verde, stirring well to combine all ingredients evenly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to start melding the flavors together.
- Add Main Ingredients: Add the drained and rinsed white beans, cooked shredded chicken, and corn kernels. Let everything simmer together for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Season and Finish: Stir in fresh lime juice, then season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Add the chopped cilantro last to maintain its fresh flavor and vibrant color.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with crispy tortilla strips, slices of avocado, a sprinkling of crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Serve with additional lime wedges on the side for extra zest.
Notes
- Use fresh or good-quality store-bought salsa verde for best flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth and omit chicken or use shredded jackfruit or tofu.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat well on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adjust the seasoning at the end to suit your taste, adding more lime or spices if desired.
- Crispy tortilla strips can be homemade by baking or frying thin sliced corn tortillas.
