Zesty Mojo Verde: The Bold Spanish Green Sauce Recipe

Zesty and vibrant, this mojo verde dances across your plate with bold Mediterranean flavors that instantly transport you to sunny Spanish coastlines.

Originating from the Canary Islands, this green sauce packs an herbal punch that electrifies simple grilled meats and vegetables.

Each spoonful bursts with fresh cilantro, garlic, and bright citrus notes that sing with authenticity.

The blend of ingredients creates a condiment so dynamic, it turns ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Chefs and home cooks alike treasure this versatile sauce for its ability to add instant depth and excitement to countless recipes.

Green, garlicky, and gloriously simple, this mojo verde will become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.

Dive into this recipe and let your taste buds celebrate a true Spanish classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 60 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients for Mojo Verde (Spanish Green Sauce)

• Parsley: Brings vibrant green color and fresh, grassy notes; choose bright green leaves without wilting or yellowing.
• Cilantro: Adds zesty, citrusy undertones; select bunches with crisp leaves and no brown spots.
• Chives: Provides mild onion flavor and delicate texture; look for firm, bright green stems.

• Garlic: Delivers robust, pungent depth; pick firm cloves without sprouts or soft spots.
• Cumin: Introduces warm, earthy undertones; use freshly ground for maximum aroma.
• Sherry Vinegar: Contributes tangy brightness; select aged varieties for complex flavor profile.
• Kosher Salt: Balances and intensifies overall taste; adjust to personal preference.

• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Creates smooth, silky consistency; choose high-quality, cold-pressed oil with fruity notes.

Tools for Mojo Verde Prep

• Food Processor or Blender: Essential for creating smooth, well-blended sauce by chopping herbs and mixing ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Needed for coarsely chopping parsley, cilantro, and chives.
• Sharp Chef's Knife: Perfect for precise herb chopping and preparation.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula: Helpful for scraping down sides of processor or blender during mixing.

Steps to Make Mojo Verde

• Fresh Herb Gathering

Collect vibrant bunches of parsley, cilantro, and chives from your local market or garden. Choose herbs that look bright green and smell intensely aromatic.

• Herb Preparation

Wash herbs gently under cool water and pat dry with clean kitchen towels. Remove any wilted or brown leaves, keeping only the most tender and fresh parts.

• Chopping Station

Use a sharp knife to coarsely chop the herbs on a wooden cutting board. Create a colorful pile of green fragments that will transform into a zesty sauce.

• Flavor Fusion

Drop the chopped herbs into a food processor or blender. Add peeled garlic cloves, extra-virgin olive oil, sherry vinegar, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt.

• Sauce Transformation

Pulse the mixture until it becomes a smooth, vibrant green sauce with a consistency similar to pesto. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides and ensure even blending.

• Taste Adventure

Sample your creation and adjust seasonings. The sauce should sing with herbal brightness and have a balanced, tangy profile that makes your taste buds dance.

Adjusting Flavors in Mojo Verde

• Dial up the spiciness by adding a small jalapeño or serrano pepper for extra kick, or keep it mild for sensitive palates.
• Store mojo verde in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning and maintain vibrant green color for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Blend ingredients longer for a smoother sauce or pulse briefly for a chunkier, more rustic consistency that showcases herb textures.
• Experiment with replacing half the parsley with mint or adding some tarragon for a unique flavor profile that keeps the sauce exciting and versatile.
• Use this sauce as a marinade for grilled chicken, drizzle over roasted vegetables, or serve as a dipping sauce for seafood to maximize its culinary potential.

Pairing Mojo Verde with Dishes

• Green Herb Dip Delight: Serve this vibrant sauce as a zesty accompaniment for crispy roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or as a dipping sauce for warm bread and chips.
• Mediterranean Meal Companion: Drizzle over grilled fish, roasted chicken, or use as a flavorful marinade to add a burst of fresh herb intensity to your main dishes.
• Sandwich and Salad Booster: Spread generously on sandwiches, mix into salad dressings, or use as a vibrant topping for grain bowls to elevate everyday meals with tangy, herbaceous goodness.
• Tapas Style Presentation: Serve in a small ceramic bowl at the center of a Spanish-inspired appetizer spread, allowing guests to dollop the sauce onto various small plates and enjoy its bright, bold flavors.

Keeping Mojo Verde Fresh

• Green Herb Freshness Window: This vibrant sauce stays deliciously crisp for 3-5 days when stored in an airtight container inside the refrigerator. Keep quality high by sealing tightly and minimizing air exposure.
• Flavor Concentration Technique: Transfer mojo verde to a small glass jar with a tight lid, ensuring the surface is covered with a thin layer of extra olive oil to prevent herb discoloration and maintain bright green color.
• Smart Storage Strategy: Divide sauce into smaller portions using ice cube trays for convenient single-serve freezing. Once frozen, transfer cubes to a freezer-safe bag for easy future use within 2-3 months.
• Temperature Intelligence: Always store sauce in the coldest part of your refrigerator, away from the door where temperature fluctuations can impact taste and texture. Gently stir before serving to reincorporate any natural separation that might occur during storage.

Vibrant Mojo Verde

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Zesty mojo verde sauce brings vibrant herbs and tangy flavors from Spanish cuisine. Drizzle this quick condiment over grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or use as a dynamic dipping companion that will elevate your culinary experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 bunches fresh parsley (medium)
• 2 bunches fresh cilantro (medium)
• 1 bunch fresh chives
• 3 cloves garlic (large) or 4 cloves (small)
• ¼ cup + 2 tbsps (90 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) sherry vinegar
• 2 tsps ground cumin
• 1 tsp kosher salt (plus more as needed)

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Instructions

1. Herb Preparation: Coarsely chop parsley, cilantro, and chives, ensuring a uniform, rustic texture that captures the essence of fresh greenery.
2. Blending Foundation: Combine chopped herbs in a food processor, creating a verdant base for the traditional Spanish sauce.
3. Flavor Infusion: Add garlic cloves, extra-virgin olive oil, sherry vinegar, ground cumin, and kosher salt to the herbal mixture, layering complex Mediterranean flavors.
4. Sauce Transformation: Pulse and process the ingredients for 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides to achieve a smooth, vibrant green sauce with a consistent, pesto-like consistency.
5. Taste Calibration: Evaluate and fine-tune the seasoning, adjusting kosher salt to elevate the sauce’s bright, herbaceous profile.
6. Serving Presentation: Transfer the mojo verde to a serving dish, positioning it as a versatile condiment ready to enhance grilled proteins, roasted vegetables, or as a bold dipping sauce.

Notes

• Herb Selection Matters: Choose fresh, crisp herbs at peak ripeness for maximum flavor intensity and vibrant green color.
• Precise Chopping Technique: Rough chop herbs consistently to ensure even blending and prevent stringy texture in the final sauce.
• Balanced Seasoning Strategy: Taste and adjust salt incrementally to control the sauce’s flavor profile without overpowering the delicate herb notes.
• Storage Wisdom: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation and maintain bright green color.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Spanish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 60
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg