If you’re looking for a burst of fresh, tangy, and herbaceous flavor to elevate your meals, this Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe is an absolute game-changer. With its vibrant green appearance and robust taste, chimichurri is a classic Argentine condiment that turns even the simplest grilled meats and vegetables into something extraordinary. This recipe combines fresh parsley, garlic, and just the right balance of vinegar and spices to create a sauce that’s both bright and savory, making it a must-have addition to your kitchen repertoire. Once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed your dishes without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe plays a crucial role, creating a harmony of flavors that’s both bold and fresh. The list is straightforward, and you likely have many of these staples already in your pantry or fridge!
- 1 cup finely chopped flat leaf parsley: This fresh herb is the vibrant base of the sauce, bringing color and brightness.
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced: Garlic adds a pungent kick that is essential for that classic chimichurri flavor.
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil: The olive oil smooths and binds the sauce, adding richness and a silky texture.
- 2 1/2 Tbsp red wine vinegar: The vinegar provides acidity that balances the oil and herbs, giving the sauce its signature tang.
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or 1 Tbsp fresh oregano: Oregano offers an aromatic, earthy undertone, enhancing the herbaceous profile.
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt: Salt is essential to bring all the flavors together and enhance their intensity.
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the sauce.
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes: For just a touch of spiciness to awaken the palate.
How to Make Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Parsley and Garlic
Start by finely chopping the flat leaf parsley until it’s almost like a green confetti. Then, mince the garlic cloves as finely as you can. The finer these ingredients, the more evenly their flavors will infuse throughout the sauce, giving you that authentic texture and burst of freshness with every bite.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, gently mix the chopped parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano (or fresh if you’re using that), sea salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. This step ensures the herbs and spices get evenly distributed before adding the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Add the Vinegar and Olive Oil
Pour the red wine vinegar over the herb mixture, then slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while stirring continuously. This emulsification is key to creating a cohesive sauce that’s both tangy and rich, piling on layers of flavor that complement rather than overpower your dish.
Step 4: Let It Rest
One of the secrets of the Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe is to let it sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to marry perfectly, resulting in a sauce that’s vibrant, aromatic, and ready to elevate any meal.
How to Serve Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
This chimichurri sauce isn’t just a condiment; it doubles as a gorgeous, herbaceous garnish. Drizzle it over grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or even grilled shrimp to add a pop of brilliant green color and zesty flavor. Sprinkle some extra chopped parsley on top for an eye-catching finish.
Side Dishes
Pair chimichurri with simple sides that soak up its tangy, herby goodness. Roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette all complement the sauce beautifully, making your whole meal vibrant and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the box by using your Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe as a dipping sauce for crusty bread or as a dressing for grain bowls. It also makes a fantastic marinade — just coat your favorite protein in the sauce before grilling or roasting, and enjoy the infusion of flavor throughout.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover chimichurri in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will deepen over time, making it even more delicious to enjoy the next day or for quick meal enhancements throughout the week.
Freezing
While chimichurri is best fresh, you can freeze it in small portions for up to 3 months. Use ice cube trays to freeze individual servings, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge before use; keep in mind the fresh herbs might lose a bit of texture but the flavor will remain vibrant.
Reheating
Chimichurri is typically served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. Simply bring it out of the fridge and let it warm slightly on the counter before serving for best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use other herbs instead of parsley?
Absolutely! While flat leaf parsley is traditional, you can experiment with cilantro or a mix of parsley and cilantro for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful that cilantro will add a more assertive, citrusy note.
Is chimichurri spicy?
It has a mild kick due to the crushed red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat level to your liking by adding more or less. It’s a versatile sauce that can be made as mild or as spicy as you prefer.
Can I make chimichurri in a blender?
Yes, but be careful not to over-blend. The goal is a slightly chunky texture, so pulse the ingredients just enough to combine. Over-processing can create a green puree which loses some of the fresh bite that makes chimichurri special.
How long does the Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe keep fresh?
Stored properly in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for about one week. Always use a clean spoon to prevent contamination and keep the flavors bright.
What dishes pair best with chimichurri?
Chimichurri shines with grilled meats such as steak, chicken, and pork, but it’s equally delicious on roasted vegetables, fish, or even drizzled over eggs. Its versatility means you can get creative!
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe, it will become your go-to sauce for adding a fresh, zesty kick to so many dishes. It’s simple to make but packs a flavorful punch that brightens everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions. Give it a whirl — your taste buds will thank you!
PrintEasy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
This Easy Chimichurri Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful Argentinean condiment made with fresh parsley, garlic, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Perfect for adding a zesty, herbal kick to grilled meats, vegetables, or as a dipping sauce. Its quick preparation and fresh ingredients make it a staple for enhancing any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings as a condiment
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Argentinean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chimichurri Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup finely chopped flat leaf parsley (from 1 bunch parsley)
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 1/2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or 1 Tbsp fresh oregano
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Chop parsley and garlic: Finely chop the flat leaf parsley until you have about 1 cup. Mince the garlic cloves finely to ensure the best infusion of flavor in the sauce.
- Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped parsley, minced garlic, and oregano (dried or fresh). Ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. Stir thoroughly to create a cohesive sauce. Add the sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste, mixing well.
- Rest and meld flavors: Allow the chimichurri to sit for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature before serving to enable the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve and store: Serve as a condiment with grilled meats, vegetables, or as a dipping sauce. Store any leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to one week.
Notes
- For a smoother sauce, you can pulse the ingredients briefly in a food processor but avoid over-blending to preserve texture.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Fresh oregano gives a brighter flavor, but dried oregano works well too if fresh is unavailable.
- Chimichurri improves in flavor after sitting, so prep ahead if possible.
- This sauce is naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly.
