Chimichurri Sauce: A Fresh and Zesty Argentinean Condiment

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy .

Looking for a sauce that adds a burst of fresh flavor to your grilled meats, vegetables, and salads? Chimichurri sauce is the answer.

This Argentinean condiment is made with a mixture of herbs, garlic, red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar, and olive oil, creating a zesty and refreshing flavor profile that will elevate any dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chimichurri sauce recipe is easy to make and requires just a few ingredients. It’s perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or any occasion when you want to add a little extra flavor to your food.

The best part? You can customize it to your taste by adjusting the amount of garlic, red pepper flakes, or herbs to your liking.

So, what makes this chimichurri sauce recipe so special? For starters, it’s incredibly versatile.

You can use it as a marinade, a sauce for grilled meats, or even as a dip for vegetables. It’s also very healthy, with a mix of antioxidants and vitamins from the fresh herbs and garlic.

Ingredients

Here is everything you need to make this recipe from scratch.

1 cup fresh parsley leaves and stems , Parsley is the main herb in chimichurri sauce, and it adds a bright, fresh flavor. You can use either curly-leaf or flat-leaf parsley, depending on your preference.

1 cup fresh oregano leaves , Oregano adds a pungent, earthy flavor to the sauce. Make sure to use fresh oregano, as dried oregano can be quite bitter.

4 cloves garlic, minced , Garlic is a fundamental component of chimichurri sauce, and it adds a depth of flavor. You can adjust the amount of garlic to your taste, but keep in mind that it will mellow out a bit as the sauce sits.

1 cup red wine vinegar , Red wine vinegar gives the sauce a tangy, slightly sweet flavor. You can substitute it with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar if you prefer.

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil , Olive oil is the base of the sauce, and it helps to bring all the flavors together. Use a high-quality, extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

1 teaspoon salt , Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and helps to balance out the acidity of the vinegar.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper , Black pepper adds a subtle kick to the sauce. You can adjust the amount to your taste.

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes , Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat to the sauce. If you prefer a milder sauce, you can reduce or omit them altogether.

Why These Ingredients

Parsley

Parsley is the star of the show in chimichurri sauce. It adds a fresh, green flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled meats and vegetables.

When choosing parsley, look for fresh, curly-leaf or flat-leaf parsley with no signs of wilting or browning.

If you don’t have parsley, you can substitute it with other herbs like basil, cilantro, or dill. However, keep in mind that each herb will change the flavor profile of the sauce slightly.

Garlic

Garlic is a fundamental component of chimichurri sauce, and it adds a depth of flavor. When mincing garlic, make sure to use a sharp knife and mince it just before adding it to the sauce.

This will help to release the enzymes that give garlic its characteristic flavor.

If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can reduce the amount or omit it altogether. However, keep in mind that garlic helps to balance out the acidity of the vinegar and adds a richness to the sauce.

Instructions

Let’s walk through every step in detail so your chimichurri sauce turns out perfectly.

Step 1: Chop the Parsley and Oregano , Start by chopping the parsley and oregano leaves. You can use a food processor or a sharp knife to chop them finely.

Make sure to remove any stems or woody parts, as they can be bitter.

Step 2: Mince the Garlic , Mince the garlic cloves using a sharp knife or a garlic press. Make sure to mince it just before adding it to the sauce, as this will help to release the enzymes that give garlic its characteristic flavor.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients , In a bowl, combine the chopped parsley, oregano, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine.

Step 4: Add the Red Wine Vinegar and Olive Oil , Add the red wine vinegar and olive oil to the bowl. Mix well to combine, making sure that all the ingredients are well coated with the vinegar and oil.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust , Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more garlic, salt, or red pepper flakes to taste.

How To Serve

Chimichurri sauce is incredibly versatile, and you can serve it in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:

Serve chimichurri sauce as a marinade for grilled meats like steak, chicken, or pork. Simply brush the sauce on the meat during the last few minutes of grilling, and serve with a side of roasted vegetables or salad.

Use chimichurri sauce as a dip for vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers. Simply serve the sauce in a bowl, and arrange the vegetables on a platter or individual plates.

Serve chimichurri sauce as a sauce for grilled meats like steak, chicken, or pork. Simply brush the sauce on the meat during the last few minutes of grilling, and serve with a side of roasted vegetables or salad.

Use chimichurri sauce as a sauce for vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli. Simply toss the vegetables with the sauce, and serve as a side dish.

How To Keep Leftovers

Room Temperature

You can store chimichurri sauce at room temperature for up to 2 days. Simply transfer the sauce to an airtight container, and store it in a cool, dark place.

Make sure to give the sauce a good stir before serving, as the ingredients may separate over time.

Refrigerator

You can store chimichurri sauce in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Simply transfer the sauce to an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator.

Make sure to give the sauce a good stir before serving, as the ingredients may separate over time.

Freezer

You can store chimichurri sauce in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply transfer the sauce to an airtight container or freezer bag, and store it in the freezer.

When you’re ready to use the sauce, simply thaw it in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Top Tips

Tip 1: Use Fresh Herbs

When making chimichurri sauce, it’s essential to use fresh herbs. Fresh herbs have a brighter, more vibrant flavor than dried herbs, and they will make a big difference in the overall flavor of the sauce.

Tip 2: Adjust the Amount of Garlic

Garlic can be a polarizing ingredient, and some people may find it too strong. If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can reduce the amount or omit it altogether.

However, keep in mind that garlic helps to balance out the acidity of the vinegar and adds a richness to the sauce.

Tip 3: Use High-Quality Olive Oil

Olive oil is the base of the sauce, and it helps to bring all the flavors together. Use a high-quality, extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

Tip 4: Don’t Overprocess the Sauce

When combining the ingredients, make sure not to overprocess the sauce. Overprocessing can make the sauce bitter and unappetizing.

Simply combine the ingredients until they’re well coated with the vinegar and oil, and then stop processing.

Tip 5: Experiment with Different Herbs

Chimichurri sauce is a versatile condiment, and you can experiment with different herbs to change the flavor profile. Try using basil, cilantro, or dill instead of parsley, and see how it affects the flavor of the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Chimichurri sauce is a simple yet flavorful condiment that can elevate any dish. With its bright, fresh flavor and versatility, it’s perfect for grilled meats, vegetables, and salads.

So, go ahead and give it a try, and experiment with different herbs and ingredients to make it your own.”