Aja Verde

Bursting with vibrant flavors, Aja Verde is a bold and zesty cilantro-based green sauce that’s perfect for adding a punch of freshness to any dish. Made with fresh cilantro, spicy jalapeños, garlic, and a tangy blend of lime juice and white vinegar, this 10-minute recipe delivers a creamy and versatile sauce that complements everything from grilled meats and roasted vegetables to tacos and rice bowls. With its balance of heat, acidity, and herbal brightness, Aja Verde is your go-to condiment for elevating everyday meals. Plus, it’s easy to customize—adjust the jalapeños for your ideal level of spice! Serve it fresh or let the flavors deepen by refrigerating for 30 minutes before use. This vibrant green sauce will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen arsenal.

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups, loosely packed fresh cilantro
• 2 whole jalapeño peppers
• 3 whole garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 0.25 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons water

Directions

Step 1

Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse 2 cups of fresh cilantro under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. It's okay if some of the stems are left on.

Step 2

Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds for a milder sauce, or leave them in for extra heat. Roughly chop the peppers.

Step 3

Peel 3 garlic cloves and set them aside.

Step 4

In a blender or food processor, combine the cilantro, jalapeños, and garlic cloves.

Step 5

Add 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 0.25 cup of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar to the mixture.

Step 6

Sprinkle in 0.5 teaspoon of salt and 0.25 teaspoon of ground black pepper.

Step 7

Add 2 tablespoons of water to help blend the ingredients smoothly.

Step 8

Blend the mixture on high speed until smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 9

Transfer the aja verde to a serving bowl or jar. For best results, allow the sauce to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Step 10

Use immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	235 grams (235.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	553

Total Fat 56.30g	72%
Saturated Fat 8.70g	43%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.30g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1202mg	52%
Total Carbohydrate 11.20g	4%
Dietary Fiber 2.30g	8%
Total Sugars 2.30g
Protein 1.90g	4%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 57mg	4%
Iron 2mg	11%
Potassium 357mg	8%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 90.6%

Protein: 1.4%

Carbs: 8.0%