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Peruvian Green Sauce, also known as Aji Verde, is a rich and creamy herby sauce with a kick of spice to level up all your meals. Drizzle it over fish, chicken, pork, vegetables, or use it as salad dressing.
You know me…when it comes to making food fun and interesting, I’m always all about a great sauce.
Peruvian Green Sauce (or aji verde) is one of those magical wonders of the world that combines savory richness with bright herby flavor, a touch of tang and a kick of heat to generate a flavorful, unforgettable experience.
It is classically used to drizzle over a hearty main dish, like grilled chicken, fish, or pork. I also think it is a great addition to a veggie and grain bowl and can double as a salad dressing.
But you don’t need to be an expert at cooking authentic Peruvian food to enjoy this beautiful sauce! It is easy to whip up in mere minutes for drizzling over everything.
Green Sauce Ingredients:
Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the sauce, mayonnaise builds a rich and creamy texture to create our foundation. Use your favorite quality mayonnaise. I like using avocado oil mayo.
Fresh Cilantro: Much of the flavor of aji verde comes from fresh cilantro. This wildly herby sauce is perfect for those who enjoy big flavor.
Red Onion or Green Onions: Use either red onion for a sharper bite or green onion for a more subtle onion flavor.
Fresh Lime Juice or White Vinegar: Adds an acidic punch to the otherwise rich and herby flavor to balance everything out. This tangy sauce is sensational on most main dishes!
Fresh Garlic: Garlic clove adds a big infusion of garlicky goodness. Adjust the amount to your personal taste.
Jalapeno Peppers: Some smoky flavor and a spicy kick comes from fresh chilis such as jalapenos or serrano peppers. Make it mild by removing the seeds and innards, or spicy by leaving them in.
Aji Amarillo Paste: This optional ingredient is included in many traditional aji verde recipes, although it can be difficult to find at any regular grocery store.
Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Season the sauce to taste using salt and pepper.
Ways to Customize:
- Some people add 2-4 teaspoons of yellow mustard for additional flavor. Feel free to add it.
- If you aren’t a fan of cilantro, you can also use fresh parsley, fresh mint, or fresh basil, or any combination of the three.
- Swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter aji verde sauce.
- Add 2 to 3 ounces of cotija cheese for added richness and tang.
- A drizzle of olive oil brings savory richness and generates a creamy consistency.
How to Make Peruvian Green Sauce:
Add all of the ingredients to a food processor or a high-powered blender and blend until smooth.
The longer you blend, the smoother the consistency. You can also leave the sauce somewhat chunky if you prefer. Refrigerate in a sealed container until ready to use. The sauce will thicken as it sits.
Drizzle Peruvian green sauce over chicken, fish, pork, or vegetables for extra flavor.
Store in an airtight container such as a glass jar with a lid for up to 1 week.
The next time you’re looking for ways to enhance your meals, whip up this easy sauce recipe! You may just enjoy it so much that you end up putting it on repeat.
If you love making homemade sauces, also try some of my other personal favorites.
More Sauce Recipes:
- Cuban Mojo Sauce
- Chipotle Dipping Sauce
- Easy Stir Fry Sauce
- Maple Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
- Chimichurri Sauce
Your new secret ingredient to vibrant flavor is this easy Peruvian green sauce!
Peruvian Green Sauce (Aji Verde)
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 ½ cups fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 Tbsp red onion, or 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice , or white vinegar
- 3 large cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large jalapenos, chopped*
- ½ tsp sea salt, to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a food processor or a high-powered blender and blend until smooth. The longer you blend, the smoother the consistency. You can also leave the sauce somewhat chunky if you prefer. Refrigerate in a sealed container until ready to use. The sauce will thicken as it sits.
- Drizzle Peruvian green sauce over chicken, fish, pork, or vegetables for extra flavor.
- Store in an airtight container such as a glass jar with a lid for up to 1 week.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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