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Peruvian Green Sauce (Aji Verde)

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Peruvian green sauce, or aji verde, is a creamy, fresh, and spicy addition to just about any meal. It’s great with Peruvian chicken, over rice, with empanadas, or just about any meal you can think of. 

A Peruvian classic, aji verde has been enjoyed for generations. This spicy sauce is often used to add flavor and heat to many classic Peruvian dishes. 

A jar of Peruvian green sauce surrounded by limes, cilantro, and jalapenos.

What Exactly is Peruvian Green Sauce?

Similar to salsa verde in Mexican cuisine, aji verde is a creamy and refreshing dip or dressing with a definite kick. The key ingredients are mayonnaise, cilantro, lime juice, jalapenos, a sharp cheese – like parmesan, and aji amarillo pepper.

Aji amarillo is a Peruvian orange chile pepper that is native to South America, and known its surprisingly fruity flavor for the heat it packs. 

It can be difficult to find (I went to 4 stores to find aji amarillo paste). If you’re having trouble, habanero and Scotch bonnett peppers are similar in flavor. If you go this route, add less jalapeno, as they are both spicier. 

Fresh ingredients for Peruvian green sauce like cilantro, limes, green onions, and jalapenos.

Let’s Make It

Peruvian green sauce is SO easy and will spice up just about any meal – from cilantro lime rice to Peruvian chicken. All you have to do is blend the ingredients together and serve. 

Aji verde is spicy. If you’d like a milder sauce, just use one jalapeno. If it comes out too spicy, add a little extra mayo. 

How Long Will Peruvian Green Sauce Last?

Peruvian green sauce should last for about 5 days in the refrigerator. If you used a Bullet blender, just add the lid. You can also pour it into a cleaned out dressing container or a mason jar for easy pouring! 

I suggest against freezing aji verde. Mayonnaise tends to lose its emulsion when thawed, and it could cause the green sauce to separate. 

An overhead shot of a jar of Peruvian green sauce with cilantro and jalapenos next to it.

More Delicious World Recipes

5 from 4 ratings

Pervian Green Sauce (Aji Verde)

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 cup
Author: Bailey
This spicy, fresh, and creamy sauce is a delicious addition to just about any meal!
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Ingredients

  • 2 jalapenos seeded
  • 1 cup cilantro leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 green onion
  • 1 tablespoon aji amarillo paste
  • 2 teaspoons lime juice fresh
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest of 1 lime
  • โ…” cup mayonnaise
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth. Aji verde will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Notes

If you have trouble finding aji amarillo, habanero and Scotch bonnett peppers make good substitutes.ย 
If you prefer a milder sauce, only use 1 jalapeno.
Nutrition information is based on 1 tablespoon of aji verde.
Tried this recipe?Please leave a rating and review!
Calories: 68kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 65mg | Potassium: 13mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 100IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg

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Peruvian green sauce in a jar with text overlay that reads "Peruvian green sauce (aji verde)"

8 thoughts on “Peruvian Green Sauce (Aji Verde)”

  1. I am making your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta tonight and decided to scroll through your recipes. This Peruvian chicken and green sauce looks amazing! I was just curious if you have a preferred cooking method for the chicken. Thanks!

  2. Recipe was good but I feel like the mayonnaise I used messed it up a bit. Do you have a suggested brand or type of mayonnaise you use?

5 from 4 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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