Nitrate & Nitrite Free Paleo Aji Verde Sauce
This vibrant Peruvian-inspired green sauce is punchy, herbaceous, and genuinely addictive — the kind of condiment that makes you want to drizzle it on absolutely everything. The combination of ají amarillo peppers, jalapeño, and a full cup of fresh cilantro creates a layered heat that's bright rather than overwhelming, with avocado oil and fresh lime juice pulling it all together into something silky and bold. Store-bought versions of this sauce often sneak in preservatives and cured ingredients that can be a real headache to navigate, but this one is built entirely from whole, fresh produce with nothing hidden in the label. Every single ingredient here is exactly what it looks like — peppers, herbs, garlic, citrus, and a clean oil — so you know precisely what you're putting on your plate. The optional fresh mint is a subtle but genuinely lovely touch that adds a cool, unexpected finish to the heat. It comes together in under a minute of blending, making it one of the easiest ways to add serious flavor to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even a simple grain bowl.
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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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