Cinnamon Free Paleo Aji Verde Sauce
This vibrant Peruvian-inspired green sauce is punchy, herbaceous, and seriously addictive — the kind of condiment that makes everything it touches taste better. Ají amarillo peppers bring a fruity, medium heat that pairs beautifully with fresh cilantro and a bright hit of lime, while avocado oil gives the whole thing a silky, pourable consistency. It comes together in under a minute of blending, which means you're basically one quick whirl away from something that tastes like it came from a great restaurant. Many store-bought green sauces and spice blends sneak in unexpected warming spices, so making this from scratch with whole, simple ingredients keeps everything clean and worry-free. The ingredient list is naturally grain-free and dairy-free as well, so it fits neatly into a paleo lifestyle without any substitutions or compromises. Use it as a dipping sauce, drizzle it over grilled chicken or roasted vegetables, or spoon it straight onto a grain bowl — it genuinely elevates whatever it lands on. The optional fresh mint is worth trying at least once, adding a cool, unexpected layer that makes the sauce feel even more alive.
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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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