Best Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce)

Fresh and zesty, this is the Best Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) we’ve ever made. Use it as a bold dip, or a sauce to spoon over grilled chicken and veggies!

Peru Aji Verde Sauce

Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong country.

Not that I don’t love the United States, with all the freedoms and conveniences it provides. We are very fortunate indeed.

It’s just that when it comes to cooking and eating, I always choose ethnic cuisine over standard American comfort food.

Authentic Aji Verde

I revel in the bold spices and fragrant produce found in Asian and Latin-American recipes. So much so, that when I do make classic American meals, I tend to doctor them up with ethnic ingredients.

I can’t seem to help myself.

So for all you fellow fusion-loving cooks, today’s Best Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) recipe is a lovely light quick-prep sauce that improves every dish it graces, from cheeseburgers to pasta.

Aji Verde is not a “mashup” recipe on its own. In fact, it’s a classic Peruvian sauce traditionally served as a dipping sauce and as a topper for grilled meats and vegetables.

But seriously… It tastes good on everything, including breakfast hash, pizza, and Korean beef!

How to Make This Green Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 bunch fresh cilantro leaves
• 15 fresh mint leaves
• 1-2 cloves garlic
• 1 jalapeno pepper seeded
• 1/2 cup low-fat mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup grated cotija cheese (or Parmesan)
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons Aji Amarillo Paste
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Break the bottom half of the stems off the cilantro and discard. Place all ingredients in the bowl of a food processor.

Lock the lid into place and puree until the mixture is very smooth. Taste, then add additional salt if needed.

Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Use within one week.

Notes

Aji Amarillo Paste is an optional ingredient, but it does make the sauce taste more authentic. It is a simple puree of Peruvian yellow chile peppers. You can find Aji Amarillo online, and at most international markets.

So what is Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) you ask?

Aji Verde is a standard fresh-made condiment in Peruvian cooking that decidedly falls somewhere between salsa, pesto, and aioli.

Made with a little mayonnaise, nutty cheese, cilantro, spicy peppers, garlic, and lime, Aji Verde is comforting and packed with vibrant flavor.

Tips and Tricks 

The secret ingredient is a pepper puree commonly used in Peruvian cooking called, Aji Amarillo Paste. Although this is not a standard grocery store item here in the US, it is readily available at Latin markets, and of course, online.

You can omit the Aji Amarillo pepper puree if you don’t want to hunt it down, but it does offer a flavor that is distinctly Peruvian.

I just buy it on Amazon.

Making the Best Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) takes no time at all. Simply dump the ingredients in a food processor and puree until it is very smooth.

Then refrigerate the sauce until ready to use for… Chip dipping, burrito rolling, patty melt grilling, salad dressing, soup boosting, and toast topping. I could go on and on. *wink*

Check out our recipe card below…

Frequently Asked Questions 

Does this have any spice (heat) to it?

Just a little! You can take out the jalapeno if you need it to be less spicy.

What to Eat with Peruvian Green Sauce?

This is a great dipping sauce for chips or potato wedges/french fries, and great to drizzle over your tacos and chicken shawarma. 

Can you freeze this recipe?

Yes you can! I sometimes make this recipe in bigger batches and then pour it into an ice cube tray. Once they harden, store them in an airtight freezer bag or container for up to 6 months. 

How long does this recipe last in the fridge?

You can store this sauce in a large mason jar for up to 1 week in the fridge.

Other Ethnic Food Recipes

• Pozole Verde de Pollo
• Best Refried Beans
• Easy Spanish Rice
• Spanish Paella Sheet Dinner
• Fluffy Yellow Rice (Arroz Amarillo)
• Tomatilla Salsa Verde

Check the printable recipe card below for the nutrition information including calories, carbohydrates, protein, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, and fiber percentages.

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