Artificial Food Coloring Free Paleo Aji Verde Sauce
This vibrant Peruvian-inspired green sauce is punchy, herby, and seriously addictive — the kind of condiment that makes everything it touches taste better. The electric color comes entirely from fresh cilantro, ají amarillo peppers, and jalapeño, so there's no need to second-guess what's giving it that gorgeous hue. Bottled versions of this sauce often sneak in artificial dyes or preservatives to maintain their appearance on store shelves, but here every drop of color is earned the natural way. Avocado oil gives it a silky, pourable body while fresh lime juice brightens the whole blend into something that tastes alive. The ají amarillo peppers bring a fruity, medium heat that's distinctly different from a standard hot sauce, and the optional mint adds a cool, unexpected finish. It comes together in under a minute of blending, making it one of the easiest flavor upgrades you can keep in your fridge. Drizzle it over grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or use it as a dipping sauce — once you make it, you'll find excuses to put it on everything.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, loosely packed
- 2 ají amarillo peppers, stems and seeds removed, roughly chopped
- 1 jalapeño, stem removed, roughly chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
- ¼ cup avocado oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 1 lime)
- ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the cilantro, ají amarillo peppers, jalapeño, garlic, avocado oil, lime juice, and salt in a blender or food processor. Add the mint, if using.
- 2
Blend on high until the sauce is smooth and bright green, about 30–45 seconds, scraping down the sides once halfway through. The sauce should be pourable but not watery — if it seems too thick, add water 1 tsp at a time and blend briefly.
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