Description
Aji Verde Sauce is a vibrant, zesty Peruvian-inspired plant-based sauce combining fresh herbs, tangy lime, creamy plant-based dairy, and spicy green chilis. Perfect as a dip, dressing, marinade, or topping, it brings a lively punch to grilled vegetables, sandwiches, and more, making simple dishes bright and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2–3 green chilis, chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup plant-based yogurt or plant-based cream
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (for thicker texture)
- Toasted walnuts or pumpkin seeds (for nutty crunch)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Wash and roughly chop the green chilis, removing seeds if you want less heat. Roughly chop the cilantro and garlic cloves. Squeeze fresh lime juice. Gather your plant-based dairy, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional natural gelling agent to have everything ready for blending.
- Blend the base: Place chopped green chilis, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, plant-based dairy, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), olive oil, salt, and pepper into a blender. Blend until creamy and smooth, scraping down the sides as needed to combine thoroughly.
- Adjust consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a small amount of natural gelling agent and pulse briefly to incorporate. Alternatively, thin the sauce with a little water or plant-based milk for dressings or drizzling.
- Taste and tweak: Taste the sauce and adjust with more salt, lime juice, or additional chili to modify spice level. Blend again after adding ingredients to ensure a balanced flavor.
- Chill and serve: Transfer the Aji Verde Sauce to a jar or container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cilantro and lime juice for the best flavor and brightness.
- Adjust the amount and type of green chilis to control the heat level.
- A high-speed blender works best for achieving a smooth, creamy texture.
- Letting the sauce chill enhances the melded fresh and spicy flavors.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Peruvian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Aji Verde, Peruvian sauce, green chili sauce, plant-based sauce, vegan sauce, creamy herb sauce, lime sauce
