This mint apple sauce is my fresh take on a classic mint jelly. It’s a simple combination of fresh mint and parsley leaves, tart apple, olive oil, and lemon juice, that’s it!
Why You’ll Love This Mint Apple Sauce
For holiday dinners, my family always served grilled lamb chops with store-bought, fluorescent green mint jelly. It was slightly reminiscent of green slime, and who knows what ingredients were in that? So, I decided to whip up my own version that’s more of a mint sauce—bursting with fresh mint flavor and naturally sweetened with apples. Now that’s what I deem to be a real mint sauce, especially if you’re pairing it with grilled meat. Here’s what else you’ll love about my recipe:
- It has multiple uses. Although mint and lamb are two peas in a pod, this also pairs well with other roasted meats, grilled fish, and more!
- It’s a crowd favorite. Ever since I served it at my family dinner, no one has bought store-bought mint jelly ever again.
- It just tastes fresh. Similar to homemade chimichurri sauce or basil pesto, sauces made from fresh herbs instantly elevate any meal.
Mint Apple Sauce Ingredients
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh mint leaves are the main ingredient, but I’m adding a few sprigs of parsley for an extra herby touch.
- Green Apple: I prefer an apple with a tart and slightly sweet flavor, so Granny Smith apples are perfect. But you could also use any variety of apple.
- Olive Oil & Lemon Juice: Use a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How To Make Mint Apple Sauce
For the best texture, I recommend using a small food processor. Add the mint, parsley, apple, olive oil, and lemon juice to it and pulse until perfectly mixed. You can use it immediately or store it in the fridge until needed, though do be aware that it will start to brown if stored for more than a day. So it’s best made right before enjoying it!
Ways To Use
- Dollop onto grilled or roasted meats and fish: Besides lamb chops, this pairs well with baked pork chops, roast chicken, or grilled salmon.
- Serve as part of an appetizer: If you’re serving crackers, this sauce will taste amazing with a slather of goat cheese with it.
More Easy Sauces
- Tartar sauce: The best sauce for crispy fish!
- Tahini sauce: A must-make for falafels.
- Horseradish sauce: Another great creamy sauce for meats.
- Hollandaise sauce: A brunch staple.
- Or browse through my list of sauces and dressings!
If you make this mint apple sauce recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re hungry for more healthy food inspiration (and exclusive content), join my free newsletter.
Description
Equipment
- Food Processor The best kitchen tool for making sauces.
- chef's knife One of my favorite knives!
Ingredients
- ½ cup (packed) mint leaves
- 3 sprigs flat leaf parsley (leaves only)
- 1 Granny smith apple, cored and sliced
- â…“ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Mix together. Add the mint, parsley, apple, olive oil, and lemon juice to a food processor and pulse until well combined.
- Use or store. Use immediately or place the sauce in a sealed container and store in the refrigerator until needed.
Lisa’s Tips
- Storage tips: It will start to brown if stored for more than a day. So, it’s best made right before enjoying it!
Nutrition
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This was so good. I made a Guinness glazed lamb chop recipe for Easter and the Mint Apple sauce paired perfectly with it. So easy to make and plenty of leftovers too. The next day I mixed some of the applesauce with plain Greek yogurt and a little honey, topped with chia seeds. It made a refreshing treat for breakfast.
Hi Paula – Loving how you not only used this sauce for your Easter lamb chops, but also as a sweet, creamy, and minty breakfast idea!
So easy, so fresh! It was a great pairing with your grilled lamb recipe. I’ve never tried the fluorescent mint jelly before and, thanks to this recipe, I’ll never have to! 😆
With this mint apple sauce, you won’t need the mint jelly, ever! Enjoy, Sammy!
Such a creative spin on the mint jelly! My Brit husband loves it.
Hi Shauna – Happy to hear he loved this fresh mint apple sauce!
This looks incredible. Can it be made using an immersion blender? I don’t have a food processor.
Hi Jen – if you dice the apples smaller, yes, that should work!