Whip up this fresh and zesty French sauce for a dazzling appetizer or snack.
Have you ever heard of French salsa? It might seem strange, but “salsa” just means “sauce,” and this one is particularly similar to the Mexican salsa we know and love. But there’s a twist—capers, which are unripe flower buds of a bush that are pickled in vinegar and seasoned with salt. They add a sharp and earthy taste to the blend that makes this sauce incredibly unique.
French for “virgin sauce,” sauce vierge is a refreshing condiment that’s not cooked at all but rather is left to sit so all the flavors mix and mingle. It ends up all bold and bright, perfect for sharing with loved ones at parties. All you need is some French bread crusts, and let the dipping begin!
With its bright blend of sun-ripe tomatoes, olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, sauce vierge is also an excellent complement to chicken, fish, and other light summer meals. It tastes super zesty, which is why it goes great with bland baked goods like bread or crackers. However you choose to serve it, this simple sauce is bound to become a favorite.
Where did sauce vierge come from?
The French “virgin sauce” is believed to have originated during the 1970s “nouvelle cuisine” movement, which sought to move away from the heavier dishes of traditional French cuisine. Most folks accredit its creation to chef Michel Guérard, who popularized the sauce sometime in the late 1970s or early 1980s. While the sauce was also likely influenced by the fresher, lighter flavors of Mediterranean cuisine, it’s clear that nouvelle cuisine played a significant role in making sauce vierge what it is today.
How do I store leftovers?
Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or portion your sauce vierge into well-sealed jars. Then refrigerate it for up to 1 week. I don’t recommend freezing it because this will ruin the texture.
Serving suggestions
Every vibrant sauce vierge needs a dippable treat to dig in with. Try French bread crusts, Flatbread, Flaxseed Crackers, or Air-Fryer Tortilla Chips. Alternatively, this would make a tasty topping to jazz up Poulet Rôti Recipe (French Roast Chicken), Chipotle Cilantro-Lime Rice, or Black Bean Salad. Both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike can enjoy this scrumptious sauce.
Ingredients
- 3 medium tomatoes seeded and diced
- 1 small shallot finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoons capers in vinegar chopped
- 2 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl, add the tomatoes, shallot, basil, parsley, and capers. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice, then season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix gently to combine.
- Add more oil if desired and adjust salt as needed.
- Let the sauce sit at room temperature to rest for 1 hour so the flavors can meld, then serve over your favorite dish.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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