If you’ve ever wondered how to brighten up grilled meats, roasted chicken, or crispy fries with a vibrant, tangy kick, look no further than this Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) Recipe. This delightful sauce is a perfect harmony of fresh cilantro, spicy peppers, creamy mayonnaise, and a subtle cheese note, blending into a smooth, luscious condiment that will awaken your taste buds and elevate any meal in mere minutes. Whether you’re new to Peruvian flavors or a longtime fan, this recipe is an absolute must-try for your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is truly half the joy in making this sauce. Each component is simple yet essential, bringing fresh, creamy, spicy, or tangy notes that balance perfectly in the final blend.
- Fresh cilantro leaves (1 cup, packed): This bright herb is the green heart of the sauce, giving it that iconic color and fresh flavor.
- Jalapeños or aji amarillo pepper (1-2, seeded for less heat): These peppers add that signature spicy kick—adjust the seeds to control the heat level just how you like it.
- Garlic cloves (2): Garlic adds a punch of savory depth that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
- Mayonnaise (¼ cup): This creamy base smooths out the flavors and lends richness without overpowering.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (2 tbsp): These offer a tangy creaminess and balance the heat with their coolness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tbsp): A savory, salty touch that adds depth and a subtle nuttiness to the sauce.
- Lime juice (1 tbsp): Fresh lime juice cuts through the creaminess and brightens the whole sauce with citrus zest.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): This enriches the texture, making the sauce silky and luscious.
- Salt to taste: Essential for enhancing all the fresh flavors and tying everything together.
- Water (1-2 tsp as needed): Used sparingly to adjust the consistency for your perfect dip or drizzle.
How to Make Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Fresh Ingredients
Start by rinsing your cilantro thoroughly and roughly chopping it to help your blender do its magic. If you’re using jalapeños or aji amarillo, remove seeds if you prefer milder heat, and peel your garlic cloves for a smoother sauce.
Step 2: Blend Everything Together
Pop the cilantro, peppers, garlic, mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan, lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt into your blender or food processor. Pulse and blend until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency, stopping to scrape down the sides to ensure everything gets evenly mixed.
Step 3: Adjust Consistency and Flavor
If the sauce seems thicker than you want, add a teaspoon or two of water and blend again until it reaches that perfect pourable or dip-able texture. Taste and tweak with extra salt or lime juice as needed to ramp up brightness or seasoning.
Step 4: Serve or Store
Your Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) Recipe is ready to enjoy immediately, but if you want those flavors to harmonize even more, pop it into the fridge for an hour or two before serving.
How to Serve Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) Recipe
Garnishes
This sauce shines best when topped with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or a dusting of extra Parmesan cheese, adding a fresh or savory crunch that elevates the presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside crispy fries, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even as a flavorful drizzle over rice bowls. Its bright, spicy creaminess pairs especially well with smoky or charred dishes, balancing rich flavors effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the traditional. Use Aji Verde as a spread on sandwiches or burgers, a dip for fresh veggie sticks, or even swirl it into creamy soups for an unexpected twist. Its fresh green hue makes any plate pop with color and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Aji Verde tightly sealed in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh and vibrant for up to five days. Give it a quick stir before using as natural separation may occur.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to avoid it as the sauce’s creamy components may separate or change texture upon thawing. For best taste and consistency, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated within the recommended window.
Reheating
No reheating needed! Serve this sauce cold or at room temperature to enjoy its full fresh flavors and creamy texture. If it’s been refrigerated, just let it sit out for a few minutes to soften slightly before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different pepper if I don’t have aji amarillo?
Absolutely! Jalapeños are a common substitute and work beautifully. Just adjust the amount and seed quantity to suit your heat preference.
Is this sauce gluten-free and vegetarian?
Yes, this Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) Recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making it a versatile option for many dietary needs.
Can I make this sauce ahead for a party?
Definitely! It actually benefits from chilling a bit so the flavors meld beautifully. Just prepare it a few hours in advance and keep refrigerated until serving.
What can I use this sauce on besides grilled chicken?
The possibilities are endless! Try it with roasted vegetables, sandwiches, tacos, or simply as a dip for fresh veggies or crispy potatoes to add a delicious zing.
How spicy is this sauce, and how can I control the heat?
The heat level depends mostly on the peppers and whether their seeds are included. Removing seeds reduces the heat, while adding them or including a serrano pepper will boost the spice factor.
Final Thoughts
I promise once you make this Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) Recipe, it will become your go-to secret weapon for brightening up so many dishes. It’s fresh, bold, creamy, and just the right amount of spicy—a combination that never gets old. Give it a try and watch your everyday meals transform into vibrant, flavor-packed experiences your friends and family will rave about.
Print
Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup
- Category: Sauce, Condiment
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Peruvian
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
Aji Verde is a spicy, creamy, and vibrant green sauce from Peru, traditionally served with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or fries. Bursting with the fresh flavors of cilantro, garlic, and spicy peppers, this irresistible sauce is blended with mayonnaise, lime juice, and cheese for a rich yet zesty kick. It’s quick to make and adds bold flavor to any dish.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (packed)
- 1–2 jalapeños or 1 aji amarillo pepper (seeded for less heat)
- 2 garlic cloves
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 1–2 tsp water (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather fresh cilantro leaves, jalapeños or aji amarillo pepper (remove seeds for milder heat), garlic cloves, mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, grated Parmesan cheese, lime juice, olive oil, and salt.
- Blend Ingredients: Add cilantro, peppers, garlic, mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan, lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt into a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as necessary to ensure even blending.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add one to two teaspoons of water gradually and blend again until your desired consistency is achieved.
- Season to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust salt or lime juice to enhance the flavors according to your preference.
- Serve or Store: Serve the Aji Verde immediately as a dip or sauce for grilled meats, roasted chicken, or fries, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
- For extra heat, leave the pepper seeds in or add a small serrano pepper.
- Aji amarillo paste can be used in place of fresh peppers if available.
- This sauce is perfect on grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, rice bowls, or as a dip.
