If you’ve ever found yourself captivated by that vibrant green sauce drizzled over Peruvian roasted chicken, you’re not alone! Aji Verde is a zippy, addictive condiment boasting bold flavors and a beautifully creamy texture. Its secret lies in the vibrant combination of cilantro, jalapeño, and lime, all whipped together for a spicy, tangy, and utterly crave-worthy sauce that’s a highlight of South American kitchens. Whether you’re spooning it over grilled meats or tucking it into sandwiches, once you taste Aji Verde, you’ll want to keep a jar in the fridge at all times!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Aji Verde is its simplicity—every ingredient has a specific purpose, coming together to create the perfect green sauce. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one deserves a spot in your kitchen lineup!
- Fresh cilantro leaves (1 cup, packed): The backbone of the sauce, cilantro brings an unmistakable herbal freshness and striking green color.
- Jalapeños (1-2, seeded and roughly chopped): These deliver a gentle kick; adjust the number and whether you leave the seeds for your preferred level of heat.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Adds a salty, umami punch, giving the sauce impressive depth and savory notes.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Brings brightness and aroma that lift the flavor of every spoonful.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): The key to ultra-smooth, creamy texture and just a touch of richness.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds tang and balances the heat from the peppers while making the sauce luscious.
- Fresh lime juice (2 tablespoons): Delivers acidity and zing that wakes up every other ingredient.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps emulsify the sauce and gives it a silky mouthfeel.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for drawing out and enhancing all the wonderful flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a bit of background warmth that rounds out the sauce.
- Water (1-2 tablespoons, as needed): Lets you adjust the consistency to your liking, whether for drizzling, dipping, or spreading.
How to Make Aji Verde
Step 1: Gather and Prep the Ingredients
This sauce comes together fast, so it helps to have everything ready to go. Rinse and dry your cilantro thoroughly, seed (or leave some seeds in for extra heat) and roughly chop the jalapeños, then measure out your creamy elements and cheese. A little mise-en-place makes blending a breeze!
Step 2: Add Everything to Your Blender
Drop the cilantro, jalapeños, Parmesan, garlic, mayo, sour cream, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper straight into your blender or food processor. This all-in-one approach ensures the flavors blend fully and the texture becomes silky smooth.
Step 3: Blend Until Creamy and Vivid Green
Start blending on low, scraping down the sides once or twice to catch any leafy bits. If your Aji Verde seems too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until you reach that perfect saucy consistency. You want it smooth enough to pour but thick enough to hug whatever you drizzle it on! Taste and tweak the heat or salt if you like.
Step 4: Pour, Serve, and Enjoy
Transfer your finished Aji Verde into a small bowl, and it’s ready to dazzle! Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors, or chill for an hour for a slightly thicker, mellower result.
How to Serve Aji Verde
Garnishes
While Aji Verde is eye-catching on its own, a sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro or a quick zest of lime on top adds color and a burst of fresh aroma. For extra flair, consider thinly sliced radishes or a few rings of raw jalapeño to hint at the heat inside.
Side Dishes
This green sauce is the soulmate of classic Peruvian rotisserie chicken, but it also plays beautifully with roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, steaming rice, or as a dip for crispy yucca fries. Anywhere you want a hit of tangy heat and creaminess, Aji Verde delivers.
Creative Ways to Present
Beyond the usual drizzles and dips, try using Aji Verde as a sandwich spread, a mayo-swapping burger topper, or even swirled through your next batch of egg salad. You can spoon it over grain bowls or use it as a salad dressing for a creamy, bold twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Aji Verde tasting its best, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors remain bright and punchy for up to 5 days, making it a handy condiment for busy weeknights.
Freezing
If you want to keep Aji Verde even longer, you can freeze it! Pour the sauce into ice cube trays and freeze, then pop out the cubes and transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge and stir well before using—just note that the texture may be slightly less creamy after thawing but the flavor will still impress.
Reheating
Aji Verde is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating required! If the sauce thickens up in the fridge, just stir in a splash of water or extra lime juice to bring it back to its pourable, dippable glory.
FAQs
What makes Aji Verde different from other green sauces?
The secret is in its balanced blend: creamy mayonnaise and sour cream, plus the bold, herby punch of cilantro and just the right heat from jalapeños. Parmesan cheese gives it a salty depth not found in other green sauces, setting it apart instantly.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt makes a great stand-in for sour cream if you want a slightly tangier, lighter version of Aji Verde. Just make sure you use plain, unsweetened yogurt for the best results.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes! Swap the mayonnaise and sour cream for dairy-free alternatives, and either skip the Parmesan or use a vegan substitute. You’ll still get a deliciously creamy sauce with all the cilantro-lime punch.
What if I want it extra spicy?
Craving more fire? Leave the jalapeño seeds in, add a second pepper, or even toss in a bit of fresh serrano for a definite heat upgrade. Taste as you go, and adjust to suit your spice-loving palate!
Can I make Aji Verde ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! Aji Verde actually tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, allowing the flavors to mingle. Just whisk or shake well before serving for maximum creaminess and fresh aroma.
Final Thoughts
There’s simply nothing like the creamy, herb-packed intensity of Aji Verde to liven up meals and impress friends around your table. Give it a try—you may find yourself putting it on everything from tacos to toast, and loving every bite!
Print
Aji Verde Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
Aji Verde is a vibrant and zesty Peruvian green sauce that adds a burst of flavor to any dish. This creamy and spicy cilantro sauce is perfect for pairing with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or simply used as a dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Fresh Cilantro Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed
- 1–2 jalapeños, seeded and roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1–2 tablespoons water, as needed for desired consistency
Instructions
- Blend the Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the cilantro, jalapeños, Parmesan cheese, garlic, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Adjust Consistency: If too thick, blend in water until desired consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Transfer to a bowl and serve with your favorite dishes.
Notes
- Store any leftover aji verde in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For extra heat, keep jalapeño seeds or add serrano pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
