Aji Verde
A creamy, spicy, and vibrant Peruvian green sauce that's bursting with flavor from aji amarillo, cilantro, and huacatay mint. The perfect zesty companion for grilled chicken, roasted potatoes, or as a dipping sauce for just about anything.
For 16 servings
4 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Combine all ingredients in a blender
- b.Place the cilantro, jalapeño, and garlic in the blender jar.
- c.Add the aji amarillo paste, huacatay paste, crumbled queso fresco, and mayonnaise.
- d.Pour in the lime juice and vegetable oil.
- e.Finally, add the saltine crackers, salt, and black pepper.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Blend until smooth
- b.Secure the lid and blend on high speed for 60-90 seconds until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy.
- c.Stop the blender once or twice to scrape down the sides with a spatula, ensuring everything is fully incorporated.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Taste and adjust seasoning
- b.Taste the sauce. If it needs more brightness, add another squeeze of lime juice.
- c.If the flavors need to pop, add a small pinch more salt. Blend for another 10 seconds to combine.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Chill and serve
- b.Transfer the Aji Verde to a jar or airtight container.
- c.For the best flavor, chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, don't skip the aji amarillo and huacatay pastes. They are available at Latin American markets or online.
- 2Control the spice level by removing all seeds and membranes from the jalapeño for a milder sauce, or leaving some in for more heat.
- 3Saltine crackers are the traditional thickener. If you don't have them, a small piece of crustless white bread works well too.
- 4Let the sauce chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
- 5Store Aji Verde in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It may thicken when cold; stir in a little water or lime juice to loosen it.
- 6For an extra creamy texture without adding more mayo, blend in a quarter of a ripe avocado.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace mayonnaise with a vegan mayo and queso fresco with 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor.
dairy freeDairy free
Omit the queso fresco and use a dairy-free mayonnaise. You can add 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast to mimic the cheesy notes.
healthyHealthy
Replace the mayonnaise with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt for a lower-fat, higher-protein version.
quickQuick
This recipe is already very fast. To save more time, use pre-peeled garlic and bottled lime juice.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Cilantro and jalapeños are packed with antioxidants, which help protect your body from cellular damage.
Contains Capsaicin
The jalapeño pepper provides capsaicin, a compound known for its potential metabolism-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.
Flavorful Condiment
Using a flavorful sauce like Aji Verde can help you enjoy simpler, plainly cooked foods like grilled chicken or steamed vegetables, making healthy eating more exciting.
Frequently asked questions
Aji Verde is a popular Peruvian green sauce known for its creamy texture and vibrant, spicy flavor. It's traditionally served with Pollo a la Brasa (Peruvian roasted chicken) but is versatile enough for many other dishes.