This Peruvian green sauce, also known as aji verde, is the kind of condiment you'll want to put on absolutely everything.
This Peruvian green sauce, also known as aji verde, is the kind of condiment you'll want to put on absolutely everything.
I first fell in love with it at a local Peruvian restaurant my coworkers and I used to frequent for lunch. Fun fact: when I went to Peru, I couldn't find it there. The aji verde you know from Peruvian restaurants in the US is actually a stateside creation. The traditional version uses aji amarillo peppers and huacatay (black mint). The jalapeño and cilantro swap happened here.
It goes on everything. Peruvian chicken, pork chops, fish, steak, rice and beans. I think you'll love it too.
Love, Tanya
Ingredients
Ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions are on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Cilantro — Use mostly leaves, but small stems are fine.
- Jalapeños — These vary a lot in heat. Start with seeds removed if you're unsure, then adjust next time.
- Garlic - I use whole cloves and add them to the blender.
- Olive oil - for the marinade.
- Cotija cheese — This adds a salty, tangy richness that mayonnaise alone can't replicate. If you can't find cotija, feta, or Parmesan, either one works.
- Lime juice — Use fresh. Bottled won't give you the same brightness.
- Duke's mayo — My go-to. Use your favorite.
How to Make Peruvian Green Sauce
Add all your ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. That's it. Seriously.
The only real decision you need to make is how spicy you want it.
Spice level:
- Spicy: Leave the seeds and membranes in the jalapeños
- Mild: Remove seeds and membranes before blending
- Extra mild: Use just one jalapeño
How long does Green Sauce last?
In the fridge, it can last for up to one week.
I hope you enjoy this green sauce as much as we do.
Suggested Recipes to eat this with?
- Peruvian Chicken - Juicy chicken that pairs perfectly with a drizzle of this bright green sauce.
- Air Fryer Whole Chicken (Peruvian Style) - same traditional flavor, made in the air fryer.
- Yellow rice - perfect for soaking up every drop of this bright, delicious green sauce.
Peruvian Green Sauce (Aji Verde)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Place ingredients in blender. Blend until smooth.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!This post was originally published on June 8, 2019. It has been updated with new information and photos.
Larry says
Unable to find the cotija cheese in local stores
Can you substitute with feta cheese or something else ?
Thanks
Larry
Tanya says
Hi Larry, feta would work just fine.
Tradia says
@Larry, I use Parm in place of cotija sometimes.
Nell says
I just tried the Peruvian chicken recipe in the regular oven instead of an air fryer and made this aji verde recipe. Both are amazing! My husband also loved the aji sauce on his broccoli.
Tanya says
Thanks Nell! I love the idea of using the sauce on broccoli.
Adam says
This is an amazing recipe! Hands down the best aji verde sauce I've ever had. The cojita cheese makes a big difference - I made your recipe without it once and it wasn't quite the same.
Tanya says
Thanks so much Adam 🙂