Description
Aji Verde Sauce is a vibrant green, fresh herb and citrus-based sauce that delivers a creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy flavor. Made with fresh cilantro, green chili peppers, avocado, and plant-based yogurt, this versatile sauce is perfect as a dip, marinade, or complement for vegetables, grains, and plant-based meats. Its bright, zesty taste and smooth plant-based creaminess make it a delicious addition to a variety of dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, rinsed and roughly chopped
- 1–2 green chili peppers, seeded and chopped (adjust for desired heat)
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons plant-based yogurt (optional, natural)
Instructions
- Prepare Fresh Ingredients: Rinse and roughly chop the cilantro and green chili peppers. Peel and pit the avocado. Mince the garlic finely to help the sauce blend smoothly.
- Blend the Base: In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the cilantro, green chili peppers, avocado, garlic, lime juice, and apple cider vinegar. Blend until the mixture is chunky yet well combined.
- Add Olive Oil and Natural Gelling Agent: Slowly pour in the olive oil while the blender is running to emulsify the sauce. Add the natural gelling agent to provide body and help prevent separation.
- Season and Adjust: Add salt to taste and adjust acidity by adding more lime juice or apple cider vinegar as preferred. For extra creaminess, fold in plant-based yogurt and pulse briefly to combine.
- Final Blend and Chill: Give the sauce one last thorough blend to evenly incorporate all flavors. Transfer to a container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop fully before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs and chill ingredients for the brightest flavor and best texture.
- Adjust the number of chili peppers gradually to achieve your preferred spice level.
- Pulse the blender to maintain a slightly chunky texture instead of over-smoothing.
- If the sauce is too thick, thin with a splash of water or additional lime juice.
- Prepare the sauce a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Aji Verde Sauce, green sauce, plant-based sauce, cilantro sauce, creamy herb sauce, vegan sauce, dairy-free sauce, spicy green sauce