Easy Delicious Aji Verde: The Best Peruvian Green Sauce Recipe

If you love vibrant, healthy comfort food that adds a burst of flavor with almost no effort, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Aji Verde. This easy weeknight dinner hack comes together in just minutes and brings a fresh, zesty, and slightly spicy punch to everything it touches. Whether you’re looking to elevate grilled chicken, jazz up sandwiches, or drizzle over roasted veggies, this high protein meal companion is a game-changer.

The beauty of Aji Verde lies in its simplicity—just a handful of fresh herbs, creamy mayo, tangy lime, and fiery peppers, blended into a smooth, irresistible sauce. It’s perfect for anyone following a keto meal plan or hunting for best high protein ready meals to boost flavor without loading on carbs or calories. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and totally customizable to your heat preference.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Peruvian green sauce is fast, fresh, and insanely flavorful. If you want a sauce that’s budget-friendly yet packs a gourmet punch, Aji Verde fits the bill perfectly.

You can whip it up in under 10 minutes, making it one of the best dinner prep meals that instantly transform your cooking.

Whether you’re serving meals for two delivered or cooking for a family, it’s an effortless way to add freshness and complexity.

It’s also a healthy boxed meal staple—low in calories but high in flavor, perfect for low calorie premade meal delivery or no prep healthy lunches.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

Unlike ordinary green sauces, Aji Verde stands out with its bold mix of cilantro, garlic, and spicy peppers balanced by creamy mayonnaise and tangy lime juice.

The addition of Parmesan cheese or traditional Huacatay (Peruvian black mint) adds a uniquely herby, aromatic twist that’s impossible to replicate.

Its signature electric green color makes it as beautiful as it is delicious, elevating everything from tacos to grilled veggies.

Plus, the smooth, emulsified texture—thanks to a slow drizzle of olive oil—is what gives this sauce that silky richness you won’t find in any ordinary condiment.

Ingredients

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• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (packed, stems removed)
• 2–3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, stems removed (seeded for milder heat)
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt (use dairy-free for vegan option)
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 2 tbsp olive or vegetable oil
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2–4 tbsp water (to thin as needed)
• Optional: Parmesan cheese or Huacatay (Peruvian black mint)

How to Make It Step-by-Step

Start by tossing fresh cilantro, garlic, jalapeño, mayo, sour cream (or yogurt), lime juice, oil, and cumin into a blender or food processor. Blend it all until you get a bright, creamy green sauce.

With the blender running, add water a tablespoon at a time to reach your perfect consistency—whether you like it thick for dipping or thin for drizzling.

Season with salt and pepper, then blend briefly again to marry the flavors.

Transfer to a jar and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the zesty, herbal notes can fully develop.

Serve chilled or at room temperature. It’s delicious dolloped on grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, sandwiches, tacos, or as a dip for fries.

Tips for Best Results

For a creamier texture, add a ripe avocado or swap sour cream with Greek yogurt.

Adjust the heat by removing seeds from your peppers or swapping jalapeños for milder Aji Amarillo or spicier serrano.

If you want an authentic Peruvian twist, try to find Huacatay (Peruvian black mint) to blend in or sprinkle Parmesan for umami richness.

Make sure to chill the sauce before serving—it really lets the flavors meld into something magical.

Use fresh, high-quality cilantro and lime juice for the brightest, most vibrant taste.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

• Replace mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives like cashew cream or dairy-free yogurt for a best vegan meal prep plan.
• Swap olive oil with avocado oil for a milder flavor.
• Add a touch of honey or agave syrup if you prefer a sweeter balance to the heat and tang.
• Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a cheesy vegan twist.
• Use serrano or fresno peppers to ramp up the spice if you love high protein high carb low fat meals with a kick.

Serving Suggestions

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This sauce is a superstar served alongside:

• Peruvian-style grilled chicken (Pollo a la Brasa)
• Roasted or grilled vegetables
• Tacos and burritos
• Sandwiches and wraps
• Rice bowls or quinoa salads
• Sweet potato fries or regular fries for dipping

It’s perfect for meals for 2 delivered or as part of healthy meal plans for two who crave bold, fresh flavors.

Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)

Pair Aji Verde with a crisp, citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling water infused with lime and mint.

Try it alongside a simple cucumber salad, pickled red onions, or a light slaw to balance the richness.

For a full healthy boxed meal, add a side of quinoa or brown rice with black beans for a wholesome, balanced plate.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store your Aji Verde in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

No reheating is needed—serve it chilled or at room temperature to preserve its fresh flavor and creamy texture.

Avoid freezing as the oil and mayo can separate, changing the consistency.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

Prepare this sauce ahead of time for effortless meal prep.

It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep microwave lunches or low calorie premade meal delivery plans.

For freezing, portion the sauce into ice cube trays, freeze, then thaw as needed—but texture may slightly change.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t skip removing seeds from peppers if you want to control heat—it can easily become too spicy.

Avoid over-blending or overheating the sauce as it can turn bitter.

Make sure to chill the sauce before serving to let the flavors marry.

Use fresh ingredients; wilted cilantro or stale lime juice will dull the flavor.

Don’t substitute mayo with heavy cream—that changes the flavor and texture significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Aji Verde made of?
A vibrant blend of cilantro, garlic, spicy peppers, lime juice, mayo, and herbs like Huacatay or Parmesan cheese.

Is it very spicy?
It can be, but you control the heat by removing seeds or choosing milder peppers.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use vegan mayo and yogurt or cashew cream.

How long does it keep?
Up to 5 days refrigerated in an airtight container.

Can I freeze it?
Freezing is possible but not recommended due to texture changes.

What dishes go well with it?
Grilled meats, sandwiches, tacos, roasted veggies, fries, and rice bowls.

Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes, and it tastes even better after chilling.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

• High-powered blender or food processor
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Airtight container for storage

This sauce is your secret weapon for quick family meals and an essential addition to protein eating plans and healthy eating for two. It’s fresh, zingy, and just spicy enough to keep you coming back for more.

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!