Peruvian Aji Verde Chicken Salad (Printable Version)

A vibrant blend of grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and spicy ají verde sauce with pasta and herbs.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
06 - ½ teaspoon salt
07 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Pasta

08 - 10 ounces short pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
09 - Salt for boiling water

→ Vegetables

10 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
11 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
12 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
13 - ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
14 - ½ cup corn kernels, cooked or canned, drained
15 - ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

→ Ají Verde Sauce

16 - 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, firmly packed
17 - 1–2 jalapeños or Peruvian ají amarillo peppers, seeded and chopped
18 - 2 cloves garlic
19 - ½ cup mayonnaise
20 - ¼ cup sour cream
21 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
22 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
23 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
24 - ½ teaspoon salt
25 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

# How to Make:

01 - In a bowl, toss chicken breasts with olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
02 - Grill or pan-sear chicken over medium heat for 6 to 7 minutes per side until cooked through; rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
03 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
04 - Combine cilantro, jalapeños or ají amarillo, garlic, mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a blender; blend until smooth and creamy.
05 - In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, corn, cilantro, and sliced chicken.
06 - Pour ají verde sauce over salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
07 - Refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes to enhance flavors before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • One-pot meal
  • Freezer-friendly
02 -
  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours before cooking.
  • Swap mayonnaise and sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
03 -
  • Adjust the heat by using more or fewer peppers.
  • Great with a side of crusty bread or as a meal prep lunch.
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