Italian Salsa Verde Recipe
This Italian Salsa Verde is a classic, vibrant sauce made with fresh herbs, tangy capers, and zesty lemon. It's the perfect companion for rich meats like porchetta, adding a fresh and bright flavor to every bite. It takes 5 minutes to make!
Servings: 8 servings (about 1 cup)
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh parsley leaves finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon capers rinsed and chopped to add a salty, briny punch.
- 2 anchovy fillets optional, but traditional, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Sea salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredient: Finely chop the parsley leaves and mince the garlic. Rinse the capers to remove excess salt, then chop them along with the anchovy fillets (if using).
- Mix the Base: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped parsley, garlic, capers, and anchovies. Add the Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- Whisk in the Olive Oil: Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the mixture and create a smooth, slightly thick sauce. Alternatively, the sauce can be made using a mini food processor.
- Season to Taste: Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste the salsa verde and adjust the acidity or seasoning to your liking.
- Let it Rest: Allow the salsa verde to sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors meld and develop.
Notes
Tips
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before using, as the oil may separate.
- Variations: You can add fresh mint or basil for extra layers of flavor, or substitute lemon juice with white wine vinegar for a slightly different taste.
- Uses: This sauce isn’t just for porchetta! Try it with grilled meats, fish, roasted vegetables, or even as a zesty salad dressing.
Nutrition
Calories: 125kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 40mg | Potassium: 50mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 634IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg
