Peruvian Aji Verde

Name: Peruvian Aji Verde (Green Sauce Recipe)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Peruvian
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh cilantro; 3 jalapeños, roughly chopped; 1 lime, juiced; 1/4 cup parmesan cheese; 3 cloves garlic; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp white vinegar; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1 tsp salt

Peruvian aji verde is a creamy, herbaceous green sauce made with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and mayonnaise that comes together in a blender in under 10 minutes. Its bright, spicy-tangy profile makes it an essential condiment for grilled proteins and root vegetables.

🌍Peruvian 🏷️Aji verde 🏷️Green sauce 🏷️Cilantro 🏷️Jalapeno Creamy

🏷️

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TikTok

Total

5 min

Servings

2

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$19–$31

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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Ingredients

2 cups fresh cilantro
3 jalapeños, roughly chopped
1 lime, juiced
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp white vinegar
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp salt

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Instructions

1
In a blender, combine the fresh cilantro, jalapeños, lime juice, parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, olive oil, and white vinegar.
2
Blend the ingredients until well combined.
3
Add the mayonnaise and salt to the blender.
4
Blend again until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5
Pour the sauce into a serving dish and enjoy.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Roughly chop jalapeños before blending to ensure even breakdown; remove seeds if you prefer less heat without sacrificing flavor.
Add mayo last to the blender to prevent it from breaking; blend until completely smooth for creamy texture.
Taste and adjust salt and lime juice in small increments—acid and salt brighten the sauce and balance spice.
For thinner consistency, drizzle in water or olive oil one tablespoon at a time while blending rather than adding it all at once.

Substitutions

Cilantro → parsley (milder, less peppery flavor, slightly less bright)
Jalapeños → serrano peppers (hotter; use 2 instead of 3)
Mayonnaise → Greek yogurt (tangier, less creamy, use 3/4 cup to account for thinner consistency)
Parmesan → queso fresco (crumbled; adds saltiness, less umami)

Storage & make-ahead

Store aji verde in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before each use; it will not need reheating.

Equipment

blender

Common Questions

Can I make aji verde ahead of time?

Yes. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The color may dull slightly but flavor holds well.

How spicy is aji verde?

Heat depends on jalapeño quantity and whether you remove seeds. Three jalapeños deliver moderate spice; remove seeds for milder sauce, add serrano peppers for extra heat.

What if my blender doesn't have a lid vent?

Blend carefully in batches or fill the blender only halfway to prevent pressure buildup. A food processor also works, though texture will be chunkier.