If you’re looking for an explosion of color, bold flavors, and effortless charm, this Easy Chimichurri Sauce is going to be your new culinary sidekick! This classic Argentine condiment is a celebration of fresh herbs, punchy garlic, mellow olive oil, and a little kick of heat that transforms anything it touches into an irresistible masterpiece. Whether you drizzle it over grilled steak, spoon it onto roasted veggies, or just dip fresh bread in for a snack, this easy chimichurri sauce brings a whole lot of magic with minimal effort. Trust me, once you make it at home, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Chimichurri Sauce lies in its handful of powerful, everyday ingredients. Each one pulls its weight by adding vivid flavors, perfect texture, and vibrant green color. Here’s what you need to make magic in just one bowl:
- Fresh parsley (1 cup, packed): The heart of any chimichurri, parsley brings a peppery brightness and beautiful color.
- Fresh cilantro (1/2 cup, optional): Cilantro adds a lush, citrusy note—feel free to include or leave out for a more traditional vibe.
- Garlic (4 cloves): For bold, mouthwatering aroma and a flavorful punch that lingers just the right way.
- Red wine vinegar (2 tablespoons): Tangy and zippy, it balances the richness of the olive oil and brightens the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat that really wakes up the taste buds without overpowering the herbs.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for pulling all the flavors together and enhancing the freshness of the herbs.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle background warmth, just enough to round out each bite.
- Olive oil (1/2 cup): The velvety foundation; it carries the herbs and spices beautifully while adding richness.
How to Make Easy Chimichurri Sauce
Step 1: Prep Your Herbs
Grab your parsley and cilantro (if using) and give them a quick rinse and pat dry. Removing excess moisture helps keep your chimichurri beautifully fresh and vibrant without watering down the flavor. Thick stems for parsley are best removed, but don’t sweat a few tender ones sneaking in—they add flavor, too!
Step 2: Blend the Base
Add your parsley, cilantro, garlic, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to a food processor or blender. Give everything a few quick pulses until it’s finely chopped—aim for a fine, loose chop rather than a fully puréed mixture. This way, your Easy Chimichurri Sauce will have texture that clings beautifully to whatever you serve it with!
Step 3: Add Olive Oil Slowly
With the food processor running on low, slowly pour in the olive oil. This helps the oil evenly coat all those lovely chopped herbs, giving your sauce a velvety texture. Stop when everything is well combined but still just a little bit chunky—you want to see flecks of green and shreds of garlic rather than a uniform paste.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Take a little taste and adjust as needed. Maybe you want more tang, more heat, or an extra pinch of salt. Chimichurri is all about personality, and your palate gets the final say!
Step 5: Let It Rest
Pour your Easy Chimichurri Sauce into a bowl and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This short rest gives the flavors time to mingle and fully develop. I promise, it’s worth the (brief!) wait—the result is a sauce that’s complex, balanced, and utterly crave-worthy.
How to Serve Easy Chimichurri Sauce
Garnishes
For a simple but swoon-worthy look, finish your Easy Chimichurri Sauce with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top. A few chili flakes or a dash of black pepper keep things lively, while a drizzle of extra olive oil adds tempting gloss. Serve in a rustic bowl or pour over a platter for even more wow factor.
Side Dishes
Chimichurri shines alongside a classic steak, but the pairing possibilities are endless. Spoon it over roasted or grilled vegetables (try carrots, sweet potatoes, or asparagus), dollop it onto grilled chicken, or let it be the finishing touch to a hearty grain bowl. It’s also a total game-changer for tacos, baked tofu, and warm crusty bread.
Creative Ways to Present
For something playful, swirl your Easy Chimichurri Sauce on a serving plate as a lush bed for grilled meats. Or, serve it as a dipping sauce with skewers, shrimp, or fried potatoes. For party vibes, offer tiny jars or cups alongside individual appetizers, letting everyone customize bite by bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any extra Easy Chimichurri Sauce to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to five days. The flavors will keep evolving and deepening, which means each day might taste a bit more delicious! If the olive oil solidifies in the fridge, just let the sauce come back to room temperature and give it a good stir.
Freezing
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, chimichurri freezes like a dream. Portion it into ice cube trays, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to a month. Pop out a cube or two whenever you want fresh-tasting Easy Chimichurri Sauce in a flash—just let it thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat chimichurri, since it’s best served cool or at room temperature. If it’s been in the fridge, give it a few minutes on the counter before serving, and stir to re-emulsify the olive oil. You’ll be back to saucy perfection in no time!
FAQs
Can I make Easy Chimichurri Sauce without cilantro?
Absolutely! Parsley is the traditional star, and going cilantro-free will give you that classic bright, herby flavor. If you’re not a cilantro fan, skip it entirely—this sauce still absolutely pops.
What dishes does chimichurri pair best with?
While it was born for steak, Easy Chimichurri Sauce loves grilled poultry, fish, roasted veggies, or even as a zesty marinade for tofu. It’s truly a jack-of-all-trades condiment with a knack for elevating anything savory.
Is this sauce spicy?
It carries a gentle heat from the red pepper flakes, but the spice is easily adjustable! Scale up or down depending on your own heat preferences, or leave them out for a mild, family-friendly version.
Can I make chimichurri by hand without a food processor?
You sure can! Just chop all the herbs and garlic as finely as possible, then mix everything together in a bowl while slowly whisking in the olive oil. It’s a little more rustic (and therapeutic!) but every bit as tasty.
How can I use leftover Easy Chimichurri Sauce?
Leftover chimichurri is gold! Spread it on sandwiches, toss with pasta or grain salads, use as a pizza drizzle, or add to scrambled eggs for a burst of herby flavor. It makes even the simplest meals unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
Give this Easy Chimichurri Sauce a try and I bet it earns a permanent spot in your kitchen. Whip it up once and you’ll discover just how fun, flexible, and crowd-pleasing a simple sauce can be. Happy drizzling!
Print
Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Learn how to make a vibrant and flavorful Easy Chimichurri Sauce at home. This classic Argentinian condiment is perfect for adding a zesty kick to grilled meats and vegetables. With fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of spice, this versatile sauce is a must-have for your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
Fresh Herb Mixture:
- 1 cup fresh parsley (packed)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (optional)
Additional Ingredients:
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Herb Mixture: In a food processor or blender, combine parsley, cilantro (if using), garlic, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Emulsify the Sauce: Slowly stream in the olive oil while pulsing until the mixture is well combined but still slightly chunky.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Rest and Serve: Let the sauce sit for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- For a more traditional version, omit cilantro and stick with parsley.
- This sauce pairs perfectly with grilled meats, vegetables, or as a marinade.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Argentinian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
