Aji Verde is a Creamy and Spicy Peruvian Green Sauce made of fresh ingredients like cilantro, aji (spicy pepper), garlic, and cheese. It is delicious on grilled foods and even as a salad dressing. Made with fresh ingredients and just 5 minutes to prepare.
This sauce will become a family favorite at your table!
Traditionally, Aji Verde is served as a condiment alongside Pollo a la Brasa (roasted chicken). Still, it also goes great with vegetables and as a dip for dipping delicious things like these Tostones or Yuca.
Authentic Peruvian Aji Verde is made with a Peruvian hot pepper called Aji Amarillo (hot yellow pepper). Still, since I did not have it, I used jalapeños. Peruvians also use an herb called huacatay (black mint or black mint paste), but I used Cilantro.
I also substituted the mayo with avocado and a little Greek yogurt to make it a bit healthier. There is so much flavor and creaminess from all the ingredients that you don’t miss the mayo.
Aji Verde is spicy, tangy, aromatic, creamy, savory, and simply delicious. Life will never be the same after you try this sauce!
Like in my country, where everyone has their own spin on Venezuelan Guasacaca Sauce, Peruvians are not different. Almost every restaurant has its own version, so I thought, why not add my own twist to my Aji Verde recipe? ?
Other Latin recipe creations to explore
- Carne Asada with Guasacaca sauce
- Chimichurri Steak Tacos
- Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
- Pulled Pork Carnitas Quesadillas
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How to Make Aji Verde in just 5 minutes
Equipment
- Electric blender (or food processor)
- Cutting board
- Large knife
- Glass container for storing.
See the printable version of the recipe card with ingredient quantities.
The Aji Verde ingredients
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- Avocado and Greek Yogurt - make up for the absence of mayo in this recipe.
- Cilantro adds that distintive Latin flavor
- Jalapeño Pepper - use Aji Amarillo if you are lucky to have it.
- Lime Juice
- Garlic
- Water
- Vegetable Oil (Olive oil is acceptable)
- Cotija Cheese
- Salt and Black pepper.
Instructions
Here is the best part!
This Peruvian sauce is so easy. All you need is to throw all ingredients in a blender or food processor and process until they are nicely blended. The perfect sauce should have a smooth, homogenous, and creamy consistency. Adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.
I hope you love this easy Peruvian Sauce recipe.
Enjoy! Disfruten!
Uses for Aji Verde (Creamy and Spicy Peruvian Green Sauce)
As in my other delicious Argentinian Chimichurri Sauce, this Aji Verde will elevate just about any dish from your grill (or kitchen!).
Ideas to pair your Aji Verde with:
- Grilled meats like Pollo a la Brasa or this Latin Roasted Chicken.
- For dipping Quesadillas
- These Oven-baked TOSTONES (Crispy Baked Green Plantains)
- My Baked PLANTAIN CHIPS
- Yuca
- Rice and beans
- Grilled or roasted vegetables.
Storage
- Aji Verde is best stored in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and green for about 4-5 days.
Other Latin Salsas and Sauces for inspiration
📖 GET THE RECIPE! 🍽️
Aji Verde (Creamy and Spicy Peruvian Green Sauce) Recipe
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
Ingredients
- 1 cup Fresh Cilantro leaves (no stems)
- 1 Jalapeño Pepper
- 1/2 Ripe Avocado (peeled and seeded)
- 2 tablespoons Lime Juice
- 2 Garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup Water
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil not Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Plain Greek Yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Mexican Cotija Cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- This Creamy and Spicy Peruvian Green Sauce is so easy. All you need is to throw all ingredients in a blender or food processor and process until they are nicely blended. The perfect sauce should have a smooth, homogenous, and creamy consistency. Adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.
- Enjoy this easy Peruvian Sauce recipe Aji Verde. Enjoy! Disfruten!
Would you like to save this recipe?
We'll email this recipe post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Criss says
This Aji Verde is amazing! I made it, and it’s the perfect blend of creamy and spicy. It goes well with everything. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
You are welcome! This sauce is the best. 🙂
swathi says
Aji verde is perfect spicy green sauce. Thanks for introducing me to this. so versitale.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
I agree! So glad you found a new sauce for your repertoire. 😉
Jean says
Love all your recipes and this was no exception. I've never even heard of a sauce like this so it was a delightful surprise.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Hi Jean,
It's amazing, isn't it? I'm so glad that you found this Peruvian gem on my website. Thank you for your review! ❤️ ?
Krystle says
This stuff is just too good! We love it on steak and chicken.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Hi Krystle,
So glad you're a fan! Aji Verde is a game-changer for any meal. Thanks for leaving a review!
Nicole Kendrick says
This is the perfect sauce if you love heat AND flavor! I made it last night to go with our steaks, and it was fantastic.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Hi Nicole,
So glad you loved the sauce with your steaks! Thanks for sharing your love for it. 🙂
Jeri says
This green sauce is SO GOOD! I drizzled it over my grilled chicken AND potatoes! Yum!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
We're doing our happy dance here ??and calling dibs on you being our "official aji verde taste tester"!! So glad you're loving it on everything and anything. Thanks for your raving review, Jeri! Much appreciated. ❤️
Jacqueline Debono says
I love this version of aji verde! The ingredients were all easy to find, it's simple to make and very versatile. We had it with grilled fish and prawns. Yum!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Hi Jacqui!
We're so glad this aji verde recipe checked all the boxes! Easy, versatile, and delicious? That's a winning combo ? and we couldn't be more stoked.
Sounds like you found the perfect sauce for your seafood?? Thanks for your 5 start review!
Nora says
This is such a good sauce! We made it for steak and will make it again soon! So flavorful!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
That's fantastic, Nora! We're so glad our aji verde is a hit with steak too. It really is the perfect way to elevate a classic. Can't wait to hear what you pair it with next! ???
Adriana says
This ají verde is so good!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
We're so glad you love it, Adriana! ❤️ ?
Liz says
I served this yummy green sauce with grilled flank steak. It was a marvelous pairing!!!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Flank steak and aji verde? That's a match made in flavor heaven! We're so glad you loved the combo. This sauce is a classic for a reason. ???
Alejandra says
You can do everything wrong and still get this recipe to taste delicious! I used what I had on hand and it was really good. I used frozen cilantro, 2 Serrano peppers with seeds, butter instead of oil (I only had coconut oil and didn't want it to taste like coconut), nonfat probiotic yogurt, and cheddar cheese. My outcome was AMAZING but slightly runny because I eyeballed the measurements and used nonfat yogurt which is way thinner than greek yogurt.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Hi Alejandra,
I love to hear your Aji Verde turned out amazing! The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility - thanks for sharing your creative substitutions, especially the butter and nonfat yogurt. I'll add a note about consistency for future chefs. Thanks for trying the recipe and leaving your review! 🙂 ?
Amy says
This was delicious! I upped the jalapenos as we have friends who really love their spice!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Love the jalapeno upgrade! Aji Verde is all about that green heat - thanks for sharing!
Melinda says
This is a delicious, spicy green sauce and was a great change of pace from salsa. I liked the texture and tang that the Greek yogurt added. I will definitely be making this again!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Absolutely! Aji Verde is a refreshing salsa alternative, and the Greek yogurt keeps it cool and creamy. Thanks for making it!
Sonja says
The swap from mayo to avocado and greek yoghurt made this perfect for dipping even while on a diet. This sauce is incredibly flavoured and I'll be using it for dipping all sorts of stuff into during summer.
Swapped the Cotija for Feta, as I can't find it in Ireland and it was lovely.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Hi Sonja!
Thank you for making the recipe. Feta sounds like a delicious swap for Cotija. You can also use Parmesan.
Perfect for summer dipping? we're on the same page! 🙂
Oscar says
I love this sauce over my grilled ribeyes. It's super fresh, I added extra garlic and lime juice. Love it!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Ribeyes with Aji Verde - sounds like a great match to me! Extra garlic and lime, perfect call. Thanks for sharing your delicious twist!
Claudia Cristina Ciorteanu says
Just whipped up some Aji Verde, and it's amazing! Creamy, spicy, and packed with fresh flavors. Perfect for dipping or drizzling over everything. You've got to try this Peruvian green sauce!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Hi Claudia,
So glad you tried Aji Verde! It's got that creamy kick that goes with everything. 🙂