Best 11 Green Herb Sauce For Fish Or Chicken Recipes

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Green herb sauce is a versatile sauce that can be used to enhance the flavor of various dishes, particularly fish and chicken. It is typically made with a blend of fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, chives, and tarragon, along with other ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, and capers. This sauce is known for its vibrant green color, fresh and herbaceous aroma, and tangy, savory taste.

The recipes in this article provide step-by-step instructions for creating delicious green herb sauces using different combinations of herbs and ingredients. You'll find variations such as a classic parsley-based sauce, a vibrant cilantro-lime sauce, a creamy dill sauce, a flavorful mint-chutney sauce, and a zesty sorrel sauce. These sauces are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize them to your taste preferences and the dish you're serving. Whether you're grilling, baking, or pan-frying your fish or chicken, these green herb sauces will add a burst of freshness, color, and flavor to your meal.

Let's cook with our recipes!

HOW TO MAKE GREEN SAUCE (VEGAN, GLUTEN FREE



How to Make Green Sauce (Vegan, Gluten Free image

This clean-out-the-fridge green sauce is the perfect way to use up leftover herbs! The recipe is more of a technique than an exact formula. You can use any leafy green herbs, such as parsley, cilantro, basil and/or mint (use just one or a mix!). Feel free to also throw in a few teaspoons of stronger herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, tarragon and/or chives. Garlic first gets blitzed in the food processor, then the herbs are added along with toasted nuts or seeds for body, and acid (in the form of lemon juice, lime juice or vinegar) for brightness. Don't skimp on the nuts, as they're essential for flavor and texture. Olive oil turns the ingredients into a lovely, spoonable sauce. For a lighter version, add a tablespoon or two of water before drizzling in the oil. Be sure to season the sauce well with salt and pepper, and aim for a good balance between the acid and the oil. The sauce is delicious as-is, but definitely check out the variations in the notes below! Spoon green sauce over meats or fish, toss it with pasta, slather it on sandwiches or drizzle it over roasted veggies or grain bowls. If you only have 1/2 cup of herbs or less, you can adapt the recipe using a mini food processor. *Check out my video above to see my herb storage tips!

Provided by Nicki Sizemore

Categories     Side Dish

Time 10m

Number Of Ingredients 16

1-2 garlic cloves
1-3 cups lightly packed parsley, cilantro, mint and/or basil
2-4 tablespoons (or more to taste!) toasted nuts or seeds, such as pine nuts, almonds, walnuts or pumpkin seeds
Fresh lemon juice, lime juice, red wine or sherry vinegar (*see note below)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1-2 anchovy fillets
1/2-1 small shallot, chopped
1/2-1 seeded jalapeño pepper
1/4-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or Aleppo style pepper
1/2-1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2-1 teaspoon ground cumin
1-2 teaspoons honey
2-4 tablespoons grated parmesan or pecorino cheese
1-2 tablespoons shredded unsweetened coconut
1-2 tablespoons water (optional)
Extra virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • In a food processor with the blade running, drop the garlic through the feed tube to chop. Add the herbs (whatever you have-feel free to use a mix!) and nuts or seeds. Process until finely chopped.
  • Add a splash of lemon juice, lime juice or red wine vinegar. I usually squeeze in the juice of a 1/2 small lemon or lime, or start with about 1 teaspoon of red wine vinegar (remember, you can always add more but you can't take it out!). Season with salt and pepper. If using any add-ins, add them now and puree until finely chopped.
  • If you prefer a lighter sauce, add a tablespoon or two of water. With the motor running, drizzle in extra virgin olive oil until you get a spoonable, pesto-ish consistency.
  • This is the most important step: taste the sauce! This is your time to adjust the seasonings as desired. More nuts will thicken up the sauce, a splash more acid will give the sauce more spunk, and another drizzle of olive oil will round things out. There should be a good balance of flavors, and the final result should taste good to you. If you have the time, let the sauce sit, covered, for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

HERB SAUCE IN 5 MINUTES



Herb Sauce in 5 Minutes image

This 5-minute fresh herb sauce is my go-to super versatile condiment. Herb-y, spicy as you like, zesty and garlic-y. Use it for anything that pairs with fresh herbs.

Provided by Cheryl

Categories     Condiments     sauces and spreads

Time 5m

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/2 cup herbs Note 1
2 small garlic cloves, minced
2 green onions
zest of 1 lemon (plus 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon -1/2 tsp red pepper flakes for medium heat (adjust to your taste)
6 tablespoon olive oil

Steps:

  • MAKE HERBS SAUCE: Finely chop herbs and green onions. Stir together with other dressing ingredients except oil. Slowly whisk in oil. Alternatively (I do this): put all herb dressing ingredients in a processor and pulse to blend well. Or use an immersion blender. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking. Serve at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 95 kcal, Carbohydrate 1 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 11 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 147 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g, ServingSize 1 serving

CHICKEN WITH A LEMON HERB SAUCE



Chicken with a Lemon Herb Sauce image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 clove garlic, peeled
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
1/3 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • For the Chicken: Preheat an oven to 450 degrees F.
  • Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat the skillet. Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper on the smooth side of each breast. Place in the skillet seasoned side down and cook without disturbing until brown and crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes. Season the top side of the chicken and flip. Cook 1 minute over the burner; then transfer the skillet to the oven until chicken registers 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, about 6 to 8 minutes more. Place on a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  • For the sauce: smash the garlic clove, sprinkle with the salt, and with the side of a large knife, mash and smear the mixture to a coarse paste. Transfer to a blender with the parsley, mint, pepper, lemon zest, and juice. Pulse until coarsely chopped and then slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Pour into a small bowl and adjust seasoning. Deglaze pan with the sauce, if desired, and serve with the chicken.

ALL-PURPOSE GREEN SAUCE



All-Purpose Green Sauce image

This tangy, creamy sauce is the perfect home for all those extra herbs you may have on hand from other recipes - that leftover sprig of mint, the stemmy part of that bunch of cilantro, the droopy basil. You can use any combination of soft herbs here; you'll need two packed cups altogether. And you don't have to limit yourself to herbs. Other flavorful, leafy options include arugula, celery leaves or pea shoots. For a vegan version, skip the yogurt and use more olive oil, along with a small squeeze of lemon for some acidity.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     sauces and gravies

Time 10m

Yield About 2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 packed cup basil leaves
1/2 packed cup parsley leaves and tender stems
1/2 packed cup chopped chives
2 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
Pinch of black pepper
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal), plus more to taste

Steps:

  • Place herbs, garlic and pepper in a food processor or blender, and pulse to combine, stopping to scrape down the sides of the container if necessary.
  • Add yogurt and purée until smooth. (This may take a minute or so; scrape down the sides of the container as needed.) With the motor running, gradually drizzle in the olive oil. Pulse in lemon zest and salt. Taste and add more salt if needed.
  • Use immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Spoon over grilled or roasted chicken, seafood (especially shrimp and salmon), sausages, steaks, lamb chops and vegetables. Use as a marinade for chicken, lamb or pork; as a dressing for starchy salads with beans, potatoes or grains, or for hearty vegetable salads, like those with cucumbers or blanched and sliced sugar snap peas or green beans. Serve as a dip for crudité or chips. Spread in roast beef, lamb or pork sandwiches.

FRESH HERB SAUCE



Fresh herb sauce image

This fresh green purée is a light alternative to traditional heavy sauces and goes well with an Italian-style roast turkey or chicken

Provided by Good Food team

Categories     Condiment, Dinner

Time 10m

Number Of Ingredients 6

85g watercress
50g parsley
50g walnut
150ml olive oil
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp sugar

Steps:

  • Place the watercress, parsley and walnuts in a blender and pulse until finely chopped. Add the oil, lemon juice and sugar, and season well. Blend for 1 min until everything has combined into a thick green sauce. Can be made several hours ahead.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 203 calories, Fat 22 grams fat, SaturatedFat 3 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 1 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 1 grams sugar, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 1 grams protein, Sodium 0.02 milligram of sodium

SEARED HERB-MARINATED CHICKEN



Seared Herb-Marinated Chicken image

Pungent from the fish sauce and garlic, sweet and sour from the honey and lime, and spicy from the jalapeño, the Houston chef Chris Shepherd likes to serve these golden-skinned chicken thighs with a green papaya salad. But anything crunchy and coleslaw-like will fare just as well. The longer you marinate the thighs, the more complex they become; four hours is a bare minimum. If you'd like to use white meat, choose bone-in, skin-on breasts for the juiciest result.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     dinner, poultry, main course

Time 4h20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 bunch scallions, chopped
1/2 bunch cilantro, plus more for garnish
5 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded if you like
1/4 cup fish sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
Juice of 2 limes, plus 1 lime for garnish
3 tablespoons neutral oil, such as sunflower or grapeseed
2 pounds boneless chicken thighs, preferably with skins attached (ask your butcher)
Green papaya salad, for serving (optional)

Steps:

  • Place scallions, cilantro, garlic, jalapeño, fish sauce, honey, lime juice and 2 tablespoons oil in a blender. Purée until smooth.
  • Scrape marinade into a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Add chicken, tossing to coat, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  • Heat oven to 400 degrees. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Use tongs to remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess drip away. Do not pat dry.
  • Place chicken in skillet skin-side down and sear until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes (2 to 3 minutes if using skinless chicken), being careful not to let it burn as the sugars from the honey will start to caramelize.
  • Flip chicken, transfer to oven, and continue to cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 3 to 4 minutes. Serve with more cilantro, limes wedges and green papaya salad if you like.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 640, UnsaturatedFat 33 grams, Carbohydrate 11 grams, Fat 48 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 39 grams, SaturatedFat 11 grams, Sodium 1602 milligrams, Sugar 8 grams, TransFat 0 grams

GREEN HERB SAUCE



Green Herb Sauce image

Jalapeño chile turns up the heat on a colorful, pesto-style sauce.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Condiment

Time 10m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro
1/4 cup lightly packed fresh parsley
2 tablespoons lightly packed fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh chives
1/4 cup Progresso™ chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
1 clove garlic, chopped
1/2 to 1 jalapeño chile, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Place all ingredients in food processor or blender. Cover and process, stopping to scrape sides if necessary, until smooth.
  • Serve sauce with grilled pork, poultry or fish.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 50, Carbohydrate 1 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 0 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, ServingSize 2 tablespoons, Sodium 170 mg

GREEN SAUCE FOR FISH



Green Sauce for Fish image

Provided by Amanda Hesser

Categories     easy, quick, condiments, side dish

Time 5m

Yield 3/4 to 1 cup; enough for 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 small peeled onion, coarsely chopped
2 medium cloves garlic, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 good-sized bunch Italian parsley, large stems removed (about 2 to 2 1/2 cups)
2 tablespoons drained, brined capers
1/3 cup olive oil and more for consistency
Small pinch of dried red pepper flakes
Few drops of lemon juice
Sea salt
Bread soaked in milk (optional and to taste)

Steps:

  • Scrape onion and garlic into a food processor. Add parsley, capers, olive oil, pepper flakes and lemon juice.
  • Process in bursts, stirring occasionally and adding more oil if necessary. Do not overblend. Add salt to taste. If garlic is too powerful, you can add a little bread soaked in milk to tame sauce. Serve on side.

GREEN-HERB SAUCE FOR FISH OR CHICKEN



Green-Herb Sauce for Fish or Chicken image

This citrus-based sauce adds low-sodium flavor to salads, chicken, or seafood.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Quick & Easy Recipes

Yield Makes 1/2 cup

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, leaves
2 tablespoons Orange-Juice Reduction
Salt and freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 tablespoons canola oil

Steps:

  • Place the basil, parsley, and orange-juice reduction in the jar of an electric blender, and season with salt and pepper. Puree mixture, adding the lemon juice 1 tablespoon at a time. With the mixer running, slowly drizzle in the canola oil. Store the vinaigrette in an airtight container, refrigerated, up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 51 g, Fat 5 g, Sodium 3 g

SALSA VERDE (GREEN SAUCE)



Salsa verde (green sauce) image

Try our delicious salsa verde recipe with tarragon, parsley, capers and wild garlic. This herby green sauce is perfect with traditional roast chicken and fish

Provided by Rosie Birkett

Categories     Side dish

Time 10m

Number Of Ingredients 7

1small pack tarragon
2 small packs flat-leaf parsley
30g wild garlic (or 2 garlic cloves)
3 tsp Dijon mustard
40g small capers , drained, rinsed and roughly chopped
200ml extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp sherry vinegar

Steps:

  • Chop the herbs and garlic, mixing with 1 tsp sea salt, until very fine.
  • Add the mustard and capers, and combine. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the olive oil.
  • Add the vinegar, little by little, stirring and tasting as you go - trust your palate!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 474 calories, Fat 51 grams fat, SaturatedFat 7 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 2 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 1 grams sugar, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 2 grams protein, Sodium 2.4 milligram of sodium

CHICKEN WITH HERB SAUCE



Chicken with Herb Sauce image

"My grandmother gave me the recipe for these moist golden chicken breasts topped with a tangy butter sauce made with chives, parsley and basil," says Irene Cooney of Manheim, Pennsylvania. "It's simple but very good- our family loves it."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons butter, divided
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons minced chives
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
2 teaspoons lime juice
1 teaspoon minced fresh basil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Steps:

  • Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of waxed paper; flatten evenly with a mallet. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon each of butter and oil; brown chicken over medium-high heat for about 6 minutes on each side or until juices run clear. Remove and keep warm., Stir broth, chives, parsley, lime juice, basil, mustard and remaining butter and oil into drippings; cook and stir until butter is melted. Serve over chicken.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 237 calories, Fat 15g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 78mg cholesterol, Sodium 556mg sodium, Carbohydrate 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 23g protein.

Tips:

  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but they will not have as much flavor as fresh herbs.
  • Chop the herbs finely. This will help them to distribute their flavor evenly throughout the sauce.
  • Use a variety of herbs. This will give the sauce a more complex flavor. Some good combinations include parsley, basil, thyme, and oregano.
  • Use a good quality olive oil. This will help to bring out the flavor of the herbs.
  • Don't overcook the sauce. Overcooking will make the sauce bitter.
  • Serve the sauce immediately. This will ensure that it is at its best flavor.

Conclusion:

Green herb sauce is a simple and delicious way to add flavor to fish or chicken. It is also a great way to use up fresh herbs. This sauce can be made in just a few minutes and it is sure to become a favorite in your home.

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