If you want a vibrant, punchy sauce that transforms any meal, you need to try Aji Verde. This creamy, spicy Peruvian green sauce dances with cilantro, lime, and a little heat—just one drizzle and suddenly, plain grilled chicken or roasted veggies taste restaurant-level. This is my not-so-secret addiction!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lightning-Fast: You can whip up fresh, tangy Aji Verde in less than five minutes—perfect for last-minute flavor boosts.
- Bold, Irresistible Flavor: Aji Verde delivers a punchy blend of herbs, mellow cheese, zippy lime, and a tingle of heat that makes everything you drizzle it on taste special.
- Super Versatile: This is your universal sauce for grilled meats, tacos, salads, bowls, and even plain old chips.
- Totally Customizable: From adjusting heat levels to playing with herbs or cheese, you can make Aji Verde truly your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the simple, vibrant ingredients that give Aji Verde its magic. Each one plays a starring role in balancing creaminess with a fresh, spicy kick and that gorgeous emerald green color. Don’t skip or substitute at first—taste it as it’s intended!
- Olive oil: Adds a lovely silky body and rounds out the flavor with a hint of fruitiness.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of Aji Verde, giving it that classic dip-able texture.
- Queso fresco: This mild, crumbly cheese brings a subtle richness and a little tang (or swap for feta or cotija if needed).
- Jalapeño pepper: Provides heat and peppery freshness—remove seeds and ribs for a mellow vibe; leave some in if you love spice.
- Cilantro: The heart and soul! Cilantro gives Aji Verde its signature color and bright, herbaceous flavor.
- Garlic: Just two cloves for zesty, aromatic depth.
- Lime juice: Brings citrusy zing and keeps those greens vibrant.
- Salt: A final seasoning to make all the flavors pop.
Variations
The beauty of homemade Aji Verde is that you can easily tailor it to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Here are a few fun twists to make this Peruvian green sauce your own special creation.
- Vegan Aji Verde: Use vegan mayo and skip the cheese or use a vegan feta for an equally lush, tangy sauce.
- Extra Spicy: Add a whole jalapeño (or a serrano for a bolder punch), seeds and all, for true heat-lovers.
- Dairy-Free: Replace queso fresco with soaked cashews or sunflower seeds to keep it creamy without the dairy.
- Herb Remix: Throw in some fresh parsley or a touch of mint for an intriguing flavor shift and extra green color.
How to Make Aji Verde
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Give the cilantro a gentle rinse and dry—it’s the king of color here, so make sure it’s fresh. Slice the jalapeño (removing seeds and ribs if you like it mild), crumble the queso fresco, and juice the lime. There’s no need for fancy chopping, just rough cuts to help your blender or food processor work its magic.
Step 2: Blend Until Creamy
Add all ingredients—olive oil, mayo, queso fresco, jalapeño, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and a pinch of salt—to your food processor or blender. Blend on high until the sauce is almost completely smooth, but still has a bit of texture. You’re aiming for a silky green sauce that runs off a spoon—no big chunks, just magic.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Spoon out a little Aji Verde and taste! Need more salt? An extra squeeze of lime? A little more heat? Adjust to your heart’s content, then blend again for a second or two. Don’t be shy; this sauce is all about personal taste and bright flavors.
Step 4: Serve or Store
Pour your Aji Verde into a bowl, jar, or squeeze bottle. If you’re not serving it right away, pop it in the fridge to let the flavors meld together—it just gets better after a little chill time. Bask in its electric green beauty and prepare yourself for dipping, drizzling, or slathering it on everything!
Pro Tips for Making Aji Verde
- Heat Control: For gentle warmth, remove the pepper’s seeds and ribs before blending; want more fire? Toss some back in and blend again until you reach your preferred spice level.
- Fresh Herb Power: Always use bright, leafy cilantro (including the tender stems) for the most intensely green and aromatic Aji Verde—skip sad, wilted bunches.
- Smooth or Chunky: Blend for longer if you like a creamier, drizzle-ready sauce; leave it a bit chunky for a rustic, dip-like texture with some bite.
- Zingy Finish: Add lime juice at the end if you crave extra brightness—it’s the secret trick for truly addictive green sauce.
How to Serve Aji Verde
Garnishes
Top your bowl or plate with a little extra crumbled queso fresco, a sprinkle of finely chopped cilantro, or a few rings of fresh jalapeño for a pop of color and flavor. Even a wedge of lime on the side gives a bright finishing touch that makes Aji Verde truly photogenic and inviting.
Side Dishes
Aji Verde is legendary alongside roasted chicken, but don’t stop there—it lights up grilled steak, roasted potatoes, fried yucca, or even simple grilled veggies. It’s also fabulous on tacos, rice bowls, burgers, or as a dipping sauce for crispy fries and tostones.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Aji Verde in a squeeze bottle for artful drizzles, swirl onto platters for a painterly effect, or offer it as a communal dip at your next party. Pour into mini glass jars for take-home gifts, or try a zigzag over nachos and salads to really wow your guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Aji Verde in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 5 days, and actually gets even more flavorful after a rest as the ingredients mingle and mellow together.
Freezing
While Aji Verde is best enjoyed fresh for peak color and texture, you can freeze extra sauce in small freezer-safe containers if needed. Thaw in the fridge and give it a stir—expect it to lose its bold bright color, but the flavor stays zippy.
Reheating
No reheating required! Simply give your chilled Aji Verde a brisk stir before serving to restore its creamy consistency. If it’s thickened up too much in the fridge, a splash of lime juice or olive oil will help loosen it right up.
FAQs
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Is Aji Verde very spicy?
Aji Verde has a gentle, pleasant heat, especially if you remove the ribs and seeds from the jalapeño. If you want it spicier, use a serrano or keep some of those seeds in when blending. It’s truly customizable!
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Can I make Aji Verde without a food processor?
Absolutely! A high-speed blender works perfectly, and even an immersion blender will do the trick (just be sure to chop everything finely first). The key is blending enough to get it creamy, with just a touch of texture left.
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What can I substitute for queso fresco?
If you can’t find queso fresco, try feta or cotija cheese—they both have a similar salty tang. In a pinch, even cream cheese or ricotta will give creaminess, though the flavor will be milder.
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How do I keep my Aji Verde bright green?
The trick is fresh cilantro and just enough lime juice, plus a quick blend (not over-blending, which can dull the color). Store it in an airtight container and enjoy within a few days for peak vibrancy.
Final Thoughts
This Aji Verde is honestly life-changing—the kind of sauce that’ll have friends asking for your secret. Please give it a try and let it become your go-to green sauce; it brings happy, zesty energy to everything!
Print
Aji Verde Recipe
- Prep Time: N/A
- Cook Time: N/A
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: about 8 servings
- Category: Blending
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Description
Aji Verde is a vibrant and zesty green sauce that originates from Peru. This creamy and flavorful sauce is perfect for adding a kick to grilled meats, veggies, tacos, salads, or simply as a dip for chips.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 3 ounces queso fresco
- 1 jalapeño pepper (for milder sauce, remove ribs and seeds)
- 1 cup cilantro
- 2 cloves of garlic
- juice of 1 lime
- a pinch of salt, to taste
Instructions
- Blend Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine olive oil, mayo, queso fresco, jalapeño, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and salt. Blend until smooth.
- Adjust Consistency: Blend until the sauce reaches a smooth texture with a slight amount of texture remaining for added depth.
- Serve: Use the sauce as a flavorful accompaniment for grilled meats, vegetables, tacos, salads, or as a delicious dip for chips.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
