If you are craving a vibrant, fresh sauce that bursts with flavor and adds a lively kick to any dish, this Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) Recipe is an absolute must-try. This creamy, herbaceous sauce combines the bright zest of cilantro and lime with just the right touch of jalapeño spice, creating the perfect balance of tanginess, smoothness, and heat. Whether you’re drizzling it over grilled meats or using it as a dip, this sauce is easy to whip up and guaranteed to elevate your meals with its authentic Peruvian flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) Recipe is simple, but each one plays a crucial role in bringing out the vibrant color, creamy texture, and perfect blend of flavors you want. From fresh herbs to dairy and a hint of sharp cheese, these ingredients come together harmoniously.
- Fresh cilantro leaves (1 cup, packed): The star of the sauce, providing that unmistakable bright green color and fresh, herbaceous flavor.
- Jalapeños (1–2, seeded): Adds heat and a little bite—keep the seeds if you love it spicy!
- Garlic cloves (2, peeled): Infuses the sauce with a subtle punch of aromatic depth.
- Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Gives the sauce its creamy, smooth body and richness.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (¼ cup): Adds tang and creaminess, balancing the spice perfectly.
- Lime juice (2 tablespoons): Brings bright acidity that wakes up the palate.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons): Inserts a savory, umami note that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Smooths out the texture and adds a touch of luscious body.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors without overwhelming them.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- Water (1–2 tablespoons): Used to thin the sauce to your desired consistency, if needed.
How to Make Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) Recipe
Step 1: Blend Fresh Ingredients
Start by adding the fresh cilantro leaves, jalapeños, and peeled garlic cloves into a blender or food processor. These ingredients form the fresh, herbal base that gives the Aji Verde its distinctive vivid green color and lively flavor. Blending them initially ensures the sauce starts off smooth with a burst of fresh herbal flavor.
Step 2: Add Creamy and Tangy Components
Next, include the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative), lime juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. These add a luscious creaminess and tangy brightness that balances the heat from the jalapeños, while the Parmesan enriches the sauce with a subtle savory depth.
Step 3: Season and Blend Until Smooth
Pour in the olive oil along with salt and black pepper. Blend everything together until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. The olive oil will help unify the flavors and improve the texture.
Step 4: Adjust Consistency
If your sauce feels too thick, slowly add water one tablespoon at a time and pulse again until it reaches a pourable, drizzling consistency. Taste and tweak the salt, lime, or heat as you go to tailor it exactly to your liking.
Step 5: Chill and Store
Transfer your finished Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) Recipe into a jar or airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve. Chilling it allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly.
How to Serve Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) Recipe
Garnishes
This sauce shines brightest when garnished with a sprinkle of additional fresh cilantro or parsley just before serving. A light drizzle of olive oil or a zest of lime can also enhance its appeal and brightness on the plate.
Side Dishes
Aji Verde goes especially well with grilled chicken, roasted meats, steak, or fresh-cut fries. It also makes an excellent companion to roasted vegetables or even as a lively topping for sandwiches and burgers. The creamy, spicy tang complements many dishes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond just serving it on the side—use Aji Verde as a vibrant salad dressing by diluting it with a bit more lime juice and water. You can also swirl it over rice bowls or tacos, or use it as a dipping sauce for crispy empanadas or fried appetizers to make your meal more exciting and colorful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Aji Verde in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 5 days. Keeping it cold helps preserve the bright flavors and fresh green color. Before using, give it a good stir to reincorporate any thickening or separation that happens naturally in refrigeration.
Freezing
While freezing is technically possible, it is not recommended as the creamy base may separate and lose its smooth texture once thawed. It’s best to enjoy this sauce fresh or refrigerated within a few days to capture the full spectrum of flavors.
Reheating
This sauce is best served chilled or at room temperature and does not require reheating. If you want to warm it slightly, do so gently in a small bowl placed over warm water, but be cautious not to overheat as it may separate.
FAQs
Can I make Aji Verde without dairy?
Absolutely! For a dairy-free version of this Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) Recipe, substitute the sour cream and Parmesan cheese with extra mayonnaise or ripe avocado. The avocado adds creaminess and richness while maintaining the luscious texture.
How spicy is this Aji Verde?
The heat level is entirely up to you depending on how many jalapeños you use and whether you keep the seeds. For milder sauce, use one jalapeño without seeds; for more heat, add another jalapeño and leave the seeds in.
Can I use dried cilantro if I don’t have fresh?
Fresh cilantro is crucial for the signature vibrant flavor and bright green color in an Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) Recipe. Dried cilantro lacks the intensity and won’t give you the same fresh taste or color.
What dishes pair best with Aji Verde?
This sauce is a perfect match for grilled or roasted chicken, steak, fish, and fries. It’s also fantastic drizzled over vegetables, used as a dip, or even as a sandwich spread to brighten up your meal.
How long does the sauce keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this sauce stays fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Beyond that, the flavors and texture may begin to deteriorate, so it’s best enjoyed within that timeframe.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a sauce that can transform the simplest of dishes into a feast of flavor, and this Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) Recipe does just that. Its fresh, creamy, and spicy personality is perfect to have on hand all the time. Once you try it, you’ll find countless reasons to spoon it over dinner. Go ahead and give it a whirl—you might just discover your new favorite sauce!
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Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Peruvian
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
Aji Verde is a vibrant and spicy Peruvian green sauce made with fresh cilantro and jalapeños, blended with creamy mayonnaise and sour cream or Greek yogurt. Perfect as a condiment or dip, this sauce adds a zesty kick to grilled meats, roasted chicken, fries, and more. Its creamy texture and bold flavors make it a versatile addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (packed)
- 1–2 jalapeños, seeded (or keep seeds for more heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1–2 tablespoons water (to thin, if needed)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, add the fresh cilantro leaves, seeded jalapeños, peeled garlic cloves, mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring that all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time and blend again until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and Season: Sample the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt, lime juice, or jalapeño for extra heat.
- Chill and Serve: Transfer the aji verde to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use. Serve the sauce chilled with your favorite grilled meats, roasted chicken, fries, or as a flavorful dipping sauce.
Notes
- Aji verde is traditionally served with grilled meats, roasted chicken, fries, or as a dip.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute avocado or extra mayonnaise for sour cream and Parmesan cheese.
- The sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container.
