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Aji Verde Recipe (Peruvian Green Sauce)
4.8 from 72 votes

Aji Verde Recipe (Peruvian Green Sauce)

Aji Verde is a vibrant Peruvian green sauce blending Serrano peppers, fresh cilantro, queso fresco, mayonnaise, lime juice, and garlic into a smooth, flavorful condiment. Its bright, tangy, and slightly spicy taste complements grilled meats, sandwiches, and vegetables. The sauce is emulsified in a blender to achieve a creamy texture with aromatic herbs and aji amarillo paste adding complexity.

Prep Time
15 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 2 cups
Calories: 185 kcal
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: South American, Peruvian

Ingredients

  • 1 whole lime juiced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise such as Hellmann's, good-quality
  • 3 ounces queso fresco or blanco
  • 2 Serrano peppers ends trimmed
  • 1 bunch cilantro with the leaves removed and stems discarded*
  • 4 garlic peeled, cloves
  • 2 green onions ends trimmed and roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon aji amarillo paste (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. To a blender, add the lime juice, olive oil, cheese, mayonnaise, serrano peppers, cilantro leaves, garlic cloves, green onions, huacatay paste, aji amarillo and salt. Blend for about 1 to 2 minutes, until very smooth. At first the cilantro leaves won't be totally smooth, but keep the blender running and it will eventually become cohesive and smooth.
  2. Give it a taste and adjust the salt according to your liking. Keeps in the fridge for up to a week. 

Notes

  • Use a high-powered blender to process cilantro stems along with leaves for a smoother sauce.
  • Add liquids to the blender first, then herbs and solids on top to help combine ingredients evenly.
  • Remove cilantro stems if your blender is less powerful to avoid bitterness.
  • To keep the sauce Whole 30 compliant, omit the queso fresco and increase mayonnaise slightly.

Nutrition Information

Serving 12g Calories 185kcal (9%) Carbohydrates 1.5g (1%) Protein 1.4g (3%) Fat 19.6g (30%) Saturated Fat 3.2g (16%) Cholesterol 11mg (4%) Sodium 222mg (9%) Potassium 34mg (1%) Fiber 0.4g (2%) Sugar 0.3g (1%) Calcium 80mg (8%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2 cups

Amount Per Serving

Calories 185

% Daily Value*

Serving 12g
Calories 185kcal 9%
Carbohydrates 1.5g 1%
Protein 1.4g 3%
Fat 19.6g 30%
Saturated Fat 3.2g 16%
Cholesterol 11mg 4%
Sodium 222mg 9%
Potassium 34mg 1%
Fiber 0.4g 2%
Sugar 0.3g 1%
Calcium 80mg 8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.