Dairy Free Paleo Aji Verde Sauce
This vibrant Peruvian-inspired green sauce is punchy, herby, and seriously addictive — the kind of condiment that makes you want to drizzle it on absolutely everything. Ají amarillo peppers bring a fruity, medium heat that's distinctly different from your average hot sauce, while fresh cilantro and lime juice keep things bright and lively. A splash of avocado oil gives the sauce its silky, pourable consistency without any cream or dairy in sight, which is exactly what makes it such a natural fit for plant-forward and paleo-style eating. Traditional aji verde recipes often rely on mayonnaise or cheese to build body and richness, so this version is a genuinely clever workaround — you get that luscious texture purely from the oil and the blending process. The optional mint is a small addition that makes a surprisingly big difference, adding a cool, aromatic note that plays beautifully against the pepper heat. It comes together in under five minutes with just a blender and a handful of fresh ingredients, making it one of the easiest flavor upgrades you can keep in your fridge. Spoon it over grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or use it as a dipping sauce — it's the kind of recipe that quietly becomes a weekly staple.
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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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