Chilean-Style Grilled Salmon with Aji Verde Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender grilled salmon served with a vibrant Aji Verde sauce, blending fresh herbs and spicy green chili for a bright finish. This latin american-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes blends (6 oz each) salmon fillets, olive oil, salt into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush 4 salmon fillets with 2 tbsp olive oil and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Grill salmon skin-side down for 5-6 minutes until grill marks form and edges begin to crisp, then flip carefully and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until just cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the Aji Verde sauce by blending 1 cup packed cilantro leaves, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 small seeded and chopped jalapeño pepper, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/4 cup olive oil, and 1/4 tsp salt in a food processor until smooth and vibrant green.
  4. Step 4: Serve grilled salmon fillets topped generously with the Aji Verde sauce for a fresh and spicy complement.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chilean-Style Grilled Salmon with Aji Verde Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Chilean-Style Grilled Salmon with Aji Verde Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chilean-Style Grilled Salmon with Aji Verde Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chilean-Style Grilled Salmon with Aji Verde Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Chilean-Style Grilled Salmon with Aji Verde Sauce?

Latin American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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