Finding a gluten-free green enchilada sauce can be tricky for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. With so many brands on the market, it’s hard to know which ones are truly gluten-free. This article will explore the top gluten-free green enchilada sauce options, ingredients to look out for, and tips for finding safe enchilada sauces. After reading, you’ll know exactly which green enchilada sauces to choose to keep your Mexican recipes gluten-free.
Quick Overview: Top 3 Gluten-Free Green Enchilada Sauces
If you’re just looking for a quick recommendation, here are my top 3 picks for gluten-free green enchilada sauces:
- Herdez Salsa Verde
- Frontera Tomatillo Green Taco Sauce
- Trader Joe’s Green Enchilada Sauce
I’ll go into more detail on each of these options below. But if you’re in a rush, any of those 3 green enchilada sauces are gluten-free and delicious!
Watch Out for Potential Gluten Ingredients
When scanning enchilada sauce labels, there are a few key ingredients to watch out for that may contain gluten:
- Wheat – Wheat contains the gluten protein and is not safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
- Barley – Like wheat, barley contains gluten and must be avoided on a gluten-free diet.
- Malt – Malt is often derived from barley and contains gluten. Look for malt or malt extract on labels.
- Soy Sauce – Traditional soy sauce contains wheat. Make sure any soy sauce is marked “gluten-free”.
- Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP) – HVP may be derived from wheat and contain gluten.
- Modified Food Starch – Can be made from wheat. Confirm the source is gluten-free.
As long as the enchilada sauce doesn’t contain any of those ingredients, it should be gluten-free. Now let’s look at some recommended brands:
Herdez Salsa Verde
Herdez Salsa Verde is one of the most popular gluten-free green enchilada sauce options. It has a smooth, medium-spicy tomatillo flavor and vibrant green color. Here are some pros of Herdez Salsa Verde:
- Explicitly labeled “gluten-free” on the bottle
- Made from tomatoes, tomatillos, onions, garlic, cilantro
- Vegan and kosher
- Comes in a convenient squeeze bottle for easy use
- Available at most major grocery stores
Herdez Salsa Verde has a nice bright, tangy flavor that makes it tasty on enchiladas. It goes well with chicken, cheese, beans, potatoes, and more enchilada fillings. The medium heat level isn’t overpowering. An excellent all-around gluten-free green enchilada sauce choice.
Frontera Tomatillo Green Taco Sauce
If you want a really authentic tasting enchilada sauce, go for Frontera Tomatillo Green Taco Sauce. This gourmet sauce is made by Rick Bayless, a well-known chef and Mexican cuisine expert. Here’s what makes it a great gluten-free sauce:
- Made with simple ingredients – tomatillos, chiles, onion, garlic, cilantro
- Naturally gluten-free and vegan
- Tangy, robust flavor with medium heat
- Contains real toasted cumin and Mexican oregano
- No preservatives or stabilizers
Although a bit more expensive than other brands, Frontera sauce is high quality and tastes like traditional homemade salsa verde. The depth of flavor pairs wonderfully with cheese, chicken, or steak enchiladas. If you want top-notch authentic enchilada sauce, Frontera is the way to go.
Trader Joe’s Green Enchilada Sauce
For an affordable gluten-free option, Trader Joe’s Green Enchilada Sauce is a great choice. Here are the highlights:
- Only $2.49 per 16 oz jar
- Made with tomatillos, chiles, onion, garlic, cilantro
- Smooth, medium-thick consistency
- Pleasant balance of tangy and mildly spicy
- Gluten-free certified
This is Trader Joe’s take on salsa verde using only simple, real food ingredients. It has a nice bright green color and lighter body than some enchilada sauces. The flavor strikes a nice balance between the tang of tomatillos and a gentle chile kick. And you can’t beat the affordable price! Good quality for everyday gluten-free cooking.
What About Restaurant or Homemade Enchilada Sauce?
Finding gluten-free green enchilada sauce at restaurants or making your own at home is also an option. Here are some tips:
- Ask about gluten ingredients if ordering enchiladas at a restaurant. Many use pre-made salsa verde that should be gluten-free.
- When making your own, use corn tortillas, real tomatillos, onions, garlic, chiles, cilantro, chicken broth, oil, spices like cumin. Leave out wheat flour.
- Try recipes from gluten-free bloggers who’ve already perfected homemade salsa verde.
- Roast vegetables first for deeper flavor. Broil tomatillos until browned.
- Add some heat by including serrano, jalapeno, or other chiles.
With homemade salsa verde, you have total control over the ingredients. Make it as spicy or mild as you like! Just stick to naturally gluten-free ingredients.
Other Important Factors When Choosing Enchilada Sauce
In addition to being gluten-free, here are some other factors to consider when selecting green enchilada sauce:
- Spice Level – How much heat do you want? Mild, medium or extra spicy?
- Type of Chile – Green jalapeno, serrano, Anaheim or tomatillo-based?
- Consistency – Thicker sauces cling to enchiladas better.
- Additional seasonings – Cumin, oregano, garlic, cilantro?
- Sodium content – Watch salt for health reasons.
- Preservatives – Avoid if you want a natural sauce.
Test out a few different enchilada sauce brands and types to discover your favorites. You may prefer certain ones for specific recipes or ingredients.
How to Use Enchilada Sauce
Using your gluten-free enchilada sauce is easy. Here are some tips:
- Pour sauce over cooked corn tortillas stuffed with filling and rolled up.
- For stacked enchiladas, dip tortillas in sauce then layer with filling in a baking dish.
- Use for tacos – just skip rolling them up.
- Make enchilada casseroles by layering sauce, tortillas and fillings in a pan then baking.
- Use as a sauce for grilled meats like chicken, fish, shrimp.
- Stir into chili, soups, stews for flavor.
- Mix with mayo for a creamy salad dressing or vegetable dip.
Enchilada sauce livens up so many recipes beyond just enchiladas. Get creative with gluten-free salsa verde in your cooking and dipping!
FAQs
Is enchilada sauce usually gluten-free?
Many enchilada sauces are naturally gluten-free, being made with ingredients like tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, spices, etc. However, always check the label. Some brands may add thickening agents or other ingredients that contain gluten.
What about corn tortillas – are they gluten-free?
Yes, traditional corn tortillas only contain corn, water, and maybe a little lime or salt. They are naturally gluten-free. Just check that any packaged corn tortillas don’t have questionable added ingredients.
Can I make gluten-free enchiladas with flour tortillas?
No, you can’t use traditional flour tortillas unless they are a gluten-free brand. Substitute with corn or gluten-free tortillas instead for a gluten-free enchilada recipe.
Are there any risks from cross-contamination with enchilada sauce?
It’s unlikely that enchilada sauce would contain traces of gluten from cross-contamination during manufacturing. However, those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity may still wish to check for a certified gluten-free label to be extra cautious.
The Best Gluten-Free Green Enchilada Sauces
Finding trustworthy gluten-free enchilada sauce is key to keeping your Mexican dishes safe and delicious. Based on quality, flavor, and availability, here are my top recommendations again:
| Brand | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| Herdez Salsa Verde | Widely available, balances flavor and heat |
| Frontera Tomatillo Green Taco Sauce | Authentic gourmet flavor, artisanal quality |
| Trader Joe’s Green Enchilada Sauce | Affordable, tasty choice using simple ingredients |
With so many delicious salsa verde options, there’s no need to miss out on green enchiladas or other recipes. Whip up some gluten-free enchiladas tonight using any of these recommended green sauces!
