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Canary Islands Atlas

Blog 18 Jul 2026

Mojo verde

Canary Islands — The Green Sauce of Island Cooking

Mojo verde
MiguelAlanCS / CC BY-SA 4.0 — via Wikimedia Commons

Mojo verde is the Canary Islands’ traditional green sauce, made with coriander, garlic, olive oil and a touch of vinegar. Bright, herbal and refreshing, it is commonly served with papas arrugadas, fish dishes and vegetables.

Mojo verde is the fresh, herbal counterpart to mojo rojo — a green sauce built around coriander, garlic and olive oil. It is lighter and more aromatic than its red sibling, making it a favourite accompaniment to fish, potatoes and vegetables.

The sauce’s distinctive colour comes from generous amounts of coriander, sometimes blended with parsley. Garlic adds sharpness, while olive oil and vinegar create a smooth, balanced texture. The flavour is bright and refreshing, ideal for dishes that benefit from a lighter touch.

Mojo verde is especially common in coastal restaurants, where it appears alongside grilled fish and seafood. It is also served with papas arrugadas, offering a greener, more herbal alternative to mojo rojo.

Across the islands, the sauce reflects the Canarian approach to cooking: simple ingredients, bold flavours and a strong connection to local produce. For visitors, mojo verde is an essential part of understanding the archipelago’s culinary identity.

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