Mediterranean Diet Friendly Paleo Aji Verde Sauce
This vibrant green sauce is a punchy, herbaceous condiment that brings serious heat and brightness to just about anything you put it on. Ají amarillo peppers give it a fruity, floral warmth that's distinctly different from your average hot sauce, while fresh cilantro and lime juice keep things lively and fresh. A splash of avocado oil — a staple of heart-healthy cooking — brings the whole blend together into a silky, pourable consistency that clings beautifully to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even a simple grain bowl. The optional mint addition is worth trying at least once; it adds a cool, unexpected layer that plays brilliantly against the jalapeño heat. Everything comes together in a blender in under a minute, which means you're never far from having a restaurant-worthy sauce on the table. It stores easily in a jar, so you can make a batch ahead and reach for it all week long.
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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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