Bright, tangy, and packed with herby goodness, this chunky Lemon Caper Salsa Verde is your new go-to condiment! Made with fresh parsley, briny capers, garlic, and zesty lemon, this sauce is a flavor-packed addition to your dishes, ready in just about 10 minutes.
I have a full-blown love affair with dips, sauces, and dressings - they’re, many times, the unsung heroes of a meal.
Let’s be honest - a simple dish can go from “meh” to a chef’s kiss with the right drizzle or dollop. I think of them as food accessories, adding personality, flavor, and that extra oomph that turns a good dish into an unforgettable one. If you ask me, there’s no such thing as too many sauces and dressings in your arsenal.
This chunky sauce packs a punch. Much like the Cuban Chimichurri Sauce, Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto, or Pistachio Pesto, a little goes a long way. Though it makes only about a cup, this small amount delivers many servings.
Perfectly drizzled over roasted vegetables, spread onto sandwiches, tossed with pasta, or drizzled over rustic bread, this versatile salsa verde will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Brings a bold and vibrant punch to any dish.
- You can drizzle it over roasted veggies, grilled tofu, pasta, or salads. It’s also amazing as a spread for sandwiches or a dip for crusty bread.
- With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a gourmet-level sauce ready in minutes.
Ingredients
Round up these simple ingredients for some serious goodness. See the printable recipe card for quantities.
Salt - Salt in very small amounts if adjusting the flavor. Capers already have salt so you may not want to add any.
How To Make Caper Salsa Verde
Roll up your sleeves. Here are some pictures of how it's done. See the printable recipe card for detailed directions.
Step 1: Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the chopped capers, parsley, basil, mint, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Step 2: Add Olive Oil and Mustard: Drizzle in the olive oil and add the Dijon mustard, stirring to combine. The sauce should be loose and slightly chunky. Add salt and black pepper as needed.
Top Tips
- If you have time, let the salsa verde sit for 10–15 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- This salsa verde tastes best when served at room temperature, so pull it out of the fridge a little before serving.
- If you are salting, do it slowly in very small amounts when adjusting the flavor. Capers already have salt, so you may not want to add any.
Serving Suggestions
- Drizzle over roasted potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a tangy, herby finish. Try over Sheet Pan Oven Roasted Vegetables.
- Add a spoonful to grain bowls with quinoa, farro, or bulgur for a burst of flavor. Try it on some of these Vegan Salad and Grain Bowls.
- Toss a small amount with pasta, gnocchi, or potatoes as a light, fresh alternative to heavier sauces.
- Spread it on sandwiches, wraps, or veggie burgers for an instant flavor boost.
- Serve alongside crusty bread, pita, or breadsticks as a dipping sauce.
Storage
- Store your caper salsa verde in an airtight container or a sealed jar in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
- If the salsa thickens after chilling, simply stir in a small splash of olive oil or water to bring it back to the desired consistency.
Salsa Verde FAQS
Yes. Caper salsa verde can be made up to 3 days in advance. The flavors improve as it sits, so making it ahead is a great idea.
Yes, this caper salsa verde is naturally gluten-free as written.
Got a minute? I'd love for you to dive into the comments and rate this Caper Salsa Verde. Your feedback is invaluable—did you love it? Did you make any fun twists? Let me know how my directions worked for you so I can keep improving my recipes.
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Lemon Caper Salsa Verde
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons capers drained and roughly chopped
- ½ cup fresh parsley packed and chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves packed and chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves packed and chopped
- 1 large clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- optional: salt and black pepper to taste
- optional: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the chopped capers, parsley, basil, mint, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Add Olive Oil and Mustard: Drizzle in the olive oil and add the Dijon mustard, stirring to combine. The sauce should be loose and slightly chunky.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and black pepper as needed, and stir in the red pepper flakes if you’d like a little heat.
- Serve or Store: Let the salsa verde sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Suzy S. says
Wow! This was good I drizzled it on some air fried potatoes and it did pack a punch. I didn't add salt cause I didn't it want it too salty and it was perfect.
Regi Pearce says
Wonderful Suzy! So glad you liked it.
Robert says
Yum!
Regi Pearce says
Thank you for your comment!