Aji Verde Recipe

Introduction

Aji Verde is a vibrant, tangy green sauce from Peru that adds a fresh kick to any meal. Its creamy texture and bright flavors make it perfect for grilled meats, vegetables, or as a dip. This simple recipe comes together quickly and elevates everyday dishes with just a few ingredients.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup mayo
• 3 ounces queso fresco (a small chunk)
• 1 jalapeño pepper (remove ribs and seeds for mild heat; serrano pepper can be used)
• 1 cup cilantro
• 2 cloves garlic
• Juice of 1 lime
• A pinch of salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender.
2. Step 2: Blend until the sauce is smooth but still has a little texture, just enough to drip off a spoon easily.
3. Step 3: Serve immediately with grilled meats, vegetables, tacos, salads, bowls, or as a dip for chips.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier sauce, keep the seeds in the jalapeño or use a serrano pepper instead.
• To make it dairy-free, substitute queso fresco with crumbled tofu or omit it entirely.
• Add a bit of Greek yogurt to lighten the texture without losing creaminess.

Storage

Store Aji Verde in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before using, as some separation may occur. It can be served chilled or at room temperature. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Aji Verde without queso fresco?

Yes, you can omit the queso fresco or replace it with a mild crumbly substitute like feta or tofu if you prefer a dairy-free option. The sauce will still be flavorful and creamy.

How spicy is this sauce?

The heat level depends on how much of the jalapeño pepper’s ribs and seeds you include. Removing them results in a mild sauce, while keeping them or using a serrano pepper increases the spiciness.

Aji Verde Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 76 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 3/4 cup 1x

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Description

Aji Verde is a vibrant and creamy Peruvian green sauce that combines fresh cilantro, jalapeño, queso fresco, and lime juice for a tangy, mildly spicy condiment perfect for grilled meats, vegetables, tacos, salads, or as a flavorful dipping sauce.

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Ingredients

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 3 ounces queso fresco (a small chunk)
• 1 jalapeño pepper (for a mild sauce, remove ribs and seeds; serrano pepper can also be used)
• 1 cup fresh cilantro
• 2 cloves garlic
• Juice of 1 lime
• A pinch of salt, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients ensuring the jalapeño is deseeded if you prefer a milder sauce. Wash the cilantro and peel the garlic cloves.
2. Blend Ingredients: Place olive oil, mayonnaise, queso fresco, jalapeño, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and salt into a food processor or blender. Blend until the sauce is smooth with a slightly drippy consistency—no large chunks but still a bit of texture remains.
3. Serve: Pour the sauce into a serving dish. Use immediately or refrigerate to enhance flavors. Excellent served with grilled meats, vegetables, tacos, salads, bowls, or as a dip for chips.

Notes

• Adjust jalapeño quantity or remove seeds to control spiciness.
• Queso fresco can be substituted with feta or cotija if unavailable.
• This sauce keeps refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• For a vegan version, substitute mayo with vegan mayo and queso fresco with a plant-based cheese alternative.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Peruvian

Keywords: Aji Verde,Peruvian green sauce,cilantro sauce,jalapeño sauce,grilled meats sauce,spicy mayo sauce