Zesty Aji Verde Sauce for Holidays

Ready in: 10 minutes · Serves: 6 · Technique: Blending · Storage: Up to a week in the refrigerator.

Quick Answer

Aji Verde is a vibrant and zesty Peruvian green sauce made with fresh ingredients, perfect for enhancing your holiday dishes.

As the days grow shorter and the air turns brisk here in New York City, the anticipation of gathering for Thanksgiving feasts and Christmas celebrations fills the air with excitement. One thing I love to bring to the table that infuses holiday dishes with a burst of flavor is Aji Verde. This vibrant Peruvian green sauce is not only a fantastic accompaniment for roasted meats and grilled vegetables but also adds a festive hue to your holiday spread.

A Flavorful Addition to Your Holiday Table

Aji Verde is the perfect sauce to elevate your culinary experience during the holiday season, adding a delicious and refreshing flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Brightens up your holiday dishes with its vibrant green color.
• Adds a deliciously zesty and herbaceous flavor to meats and veggies.
• Easy to make with common ingredients found in your kitchen.
• Highly versatile – perfect as a dip, dressing, or topping!
• Can be made ahead of time, saving you prep during busy holidays.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your Aji Verde sauce:

Cilantro and Spices

• 1 cup fresh cilantro sprigs (packed)
• 1-2 jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat)
• 2 cloves garlic (peeled)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Creamy Base

• 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1-2 tablespoons water (to thin the sauce, if desired)

How to Make Aji Verde (Step-by-Step)

Follow these steps to create a delicious and vibrant green sauce that will elevate your meals.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Begin by rinsing the cilantro under cold water to eliminate any grit. Pat it dry thoroughly with a kitchen towel, as this ensures your sauce remains fresh and vibrant throughout the holidays.

Step 2: Blend it Up

In a blender or food processor, combine the cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, salt, and lime juice. As you blend, watch the vibrant green color meld into a smooth concoction. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.

Step 3: Creamy Base

Introduce the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt) and olive oil into the blender. Process until the mixture achieves a smooth, creamy, and glossy texture. If the consistency is too thick for your liking, gradually add water until you reach your desired thickness, being careful not to overdo it.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

This is your opportunity to customize the sauce! Sample it and adjust the seasoning with more salt or lime juice as necessary. Aim for that perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors; I often find myself adding a little extra lime juice for additional zest.

Step 5: Serve or Store

Transfer the Aji Verde into a serving bowl, making it ideal for drizzling over roasted vegetables or for use as a dip during your festive gatherings. If you plan to use it later, store it in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not washing the cilantro thoroughly: Any grit left behind will affect the fresh flavor of your sauce.
• Skipping the lime juice: This is crucial for balancing the flavors; don’t omit it!
• Over-blending: You want a nice, creamy texture but avoid blending to the point that it turns watery.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Aji Verde isn’t just for meats; try it as a dressing for salads or drizzle it on your holiday appetizers for a festive touch.
• If you prefer more spice, keep the seeds in the jalapeños or add an extra one. For milder sauce, use only half of a jalapeño.
• This sauce can be made several days in advance. The flavors deepen over time, making it a perfect addition to your holiday meal prep.

Variations

• Swap mayonnaise for avocado for a dairy-free option.
• Substitute lime juice with lemon juice for a different citrus flavor.
• Add herbs like parsley or mint for a unique flavor twist.
• Incorporate diced avocado for a creamier texture.

How to Serve

• Drizzle over roasted vegetables for a burst of flavor.
• Serve alongside grilled meats as a zesty condiment.
• Use as a dip for appetizers like chips or fresh veggies.
• Drizzle over salads for a refreshing twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: This sauce can be prepared several days in advance. The flavors deepen over time, enhancing your holiday meal prep.
• Storage: Store Aji Verde in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Reheating: No reheating needed; serve cold or at room temperature.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture may change; best enjoyed fresh.

Recipe Notes / What I Learned

While perfecting this recipe, I discovered the incredible versatility of Aji Verde. It’s not just a sauce; it can elevate almost any dish, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Who knew a zesty green sauce could be such a game-changer at my holiday table?

Yield and Serving Size

Yield: 1 cup · Serving Size: 2 tablespoons

Nutritional Snapshot

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~100 calories · 1g protein · 3g carbs · 9g fat

Amberly Vahn

Zesty Aji Verde Sauce for Holidays

A vibrant and zesty Peruvian green sauce made with fresh ingredients, perfect for enhancing your holiday dishes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Sauce

Cuisine: Peruvian

Calories: 100

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Group: Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh cilantro sprigs packed
• 1-2 pieces jalapeños seeds removed for less heat
• 2 cloves garlic peeled
• 1/2 tsp. salt or to taste
• 1 Tbsp. lime juice freshly squeezed
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1-2 Tbsp. water to thin the sauce, if desired

Equipment

• Blender or food processor

Method

 

1. Begin by rinsing the cilantro under cold water to eliminate any grit. Pat it dry thoroughly with a kitchen towel.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, salt, and lime juice. Blend until finely chopped.
3. Add the mayonnaise and olive oil. Process until smooth, adding water as needed to achieve desired thickness.
4. Sample the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt or lime juice as necessary.
5. Transfer Aji Verde into a serving bowl or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

This sauce can be prepared several days in advance. The flavors deepen over time.

FAQs

What can I serve Aji Verde with?

Aji Verde is incredibly versatile! It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, and can even be used as a dip for appetizers. Additionally, it adds a zesty kick to leftover turkey sandwiches and can enhance salads.

How long can I store Aji Verde?

You can store Aji Verde in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake or stir before serving, as it may darken slightly in color over time.

Can I adjust the heat level in Aji Verde?

Yes! If you prefer a spicier sauce, keep the seeds in the jalapeños or add an extra one. For a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of jalapeño used.