Elevate your condiment game with this nutrient-packed High Protein Aja Verde recipe, a vibrant twist on the classic green sauce. Featuring fresh cilantro, parsley, creamy Greek yogurt, and protein-rich pumpkin and chia seeds, this zesty, herb-forward blend is a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition. Spiced with garlic and green chili and brightened by a squeeze of lime, itβs perfect as a dipping sauce, marinade, or drizzle for grilled meats, vegetables, or grain bowls. Ready in just 15 minutes, this easy, no-cook recipe combines bold taste with wholesome ingredients, making it a must-try for health-conscious foodies searching for high-protein, gluten-free, and keto-friendly options.
Begin by preparing your greens. Thoroughly wash the cilantro and parsley to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with paper towels and roughly chop them, including the stems, as they have great flavor.
In a small bowl, combine chia seeds and water. Stir and let sit for about 5 minutes to create a gel-like consistency. This will help thicken the Aja Verde while adding a boost of protein.
Peel the garlic cloves and roughly chop them. Slice open the green chili pepper, removing the seeds if you prefer a milder sauce, and roughly chop it.
In a food processor, combine the cilantro, parsley, Greek yogurt, pumpkin seeds, garlic, green chili, the juice of one lime, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Blend until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a bit more olive oil or a tablespoon of water to achieve your desired consistency.
Add the soaked chia seeds to the food processor and blend again to incorporate.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.
Once the Aja Verde is well blended and seasoned, transfer it to a serving bowl or jar. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together more deeply.
This high-protein Aja Verde can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Calories |
1153 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 94.4 g | 121% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.5 g | 88% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 12 mg | 4% | |
| Sodium | 2558 mg | 111% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 50.5 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.7 g | 63% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.9 g | ||
| Protein | 41.5 g | 83% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 556 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 15.2 mg | 84% | |
| Potassium | 2094 mg | 45% | |
*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.