If you are searching for a vibrant, flavorful sauce that instantly elevates any grilled meat or vegetable, then this Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe is the answer. Bursting with fresh herbs, zesty vinegar, and a little kick of heat, chimichurri is a South American classic that’s both refreshingly bright and deeply savory. The best part? This recipe is incredibly straightforward, using simple ingredients that combine to create a sauce so irresistible, you’ll want to pour it on everything. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, this Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe is a total game changer in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of fresh, accessible ingredients that each bring their own unique punch to the sauce. From the fresh parsley that adds vibrant color and a grassy note, to the garlic that packs a flavorful punch, every component plays an essential role in crafting the perfect chimichurri.
- Parsley: About 1 cup packed, providing the fresh, herbaceous backbone of the sauce.
- Garlic: 2-4 cloves crushed for that unmistakable savory depth and mild heat—adjust to your taste.
- Fresh oregano or dried oregano: Adds an earthy, slightly minty undertone, with fresh preferred but dried as a great alternative.
- Crushed red pepper or fresh red pepper: Delivers just the right touch of heat to pique your palate.
- Kosher salt: Amplifies all the flavors and balances the acidity.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground, it adds a subtle spice boost.
- Cumin (optional): A warm, nutty spice that complements the herbs beautifully.
- Red wine vinegar: Provides bright acidity to cut through richness and tie the sauce together.
- Good quality olive oil: The silky base that blends everything into a perfect emulsion and adds richness.
How to Make Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Herbs and Garlic
Start by washing the parsley and trimming away thick stems. Aim for a packed cup of leaves, roughly chopped or pulled off the stem. Crush 2 cloves of garlic with your knife’s side to bruise them, making peeling easier and releasing more flavor. Feel free to add extra cloves if you’re a garlic lover!
Step 2: Add Oregano and Red Pepper
Tear fresh oregano leaves to make up about a quarter cup or substitute with two tablespoons of dried oregano if fresh is not on hand. For heat, either slice a fresh red pepper or add half a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, whichever suits your taste and availability.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Your Processor
Place the parsley, garlic, oregano, and pepper into the bowl of your food processor or blender. This helps the ingredients blend evenly, ensuring every bite is a harmony of flavors.
Step 4: Season and Add Vinegar and Oil
Sprinkle in one teaspoon kosher salt, fresh black pepper to taste, and 2 teaspoons cumin if using. Pour in the red wine vinegar and olive oil, the liquid components that will bring the sauce together with the perfect balance of acidity and richness.
Step 5: Pulse to Desired Texture
Use the pulse function on your machine in short 1-second bursts. You want the mixture chopped well but not turned into a smooth puree—this keeps the fresh, chunky texture that makes chimichurri so delightful. Don’t have a blender or food processor? Mince everything finely by hand and whisk the vinegar and olive oil in slowly to emulsify.
Step 6: Adjust to Taste
Give your chimichurri a taste and tweak the seasoning—maybe a bit more garlic, a pinch more salt, or extra pepper. This flexibility lets you personalize your Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe to perfectly complement whatever dish you plan to enjoy it with.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
That’s it! This sauce is ready to bring vibrant zest to your grilled foods or roasted vegetables. Believe me, once you try this Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to sauce for just about everything.
How to Serve Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a few flakes of crushed red pepper on top to add a pop of color and hint at the flavors inside your chimichurri. It’s an easy way to add a little extra flair when serving.
Side Dishes
This sauce truly shines alongside grilled flank steak, chicken, or fish, but don’t stop there—try it drizzled over roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or even as a bright condiment on sandwiches and wraps for a fresh twist.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve chimichurri in a small bowl alongside your main dish so guests can add as much as they like. You can also mix it into a salad dressing or use it as a marinade to infuse flavor before cooking, making your meals even more memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Easy chimichurri sauce keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors meld even more as it sits, so leftovers can taste even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze chimichurri in small portions using ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer cubes to a freezer bag; this makes it super convenient to thaw just what you need for future meals.
Reheating
Since chimichurri is typically enjoyed cold or at room temperature, simply thaw frozen portions in the fridge or at room temperature before serving. There’s no need to heat, which keeps the fresh herbaceous character intact.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh in this Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! While fresh parsley and oregano provide the best flavor and color, dried oregano works well and is a handy substitute. Just use about half the amount of dried oregano compared to fresh to avoid overpowering the sauce.
How spicy is this chimichurri sauce?
The spice level can be easily adjusted by controlling how much crushed red pepper or fresh red pepper you add. Start with less if you’re cautious and increase gradually to suit your heat preference.
Can this sauce be made vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! This Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, relying only on herbs, garlic, spices, vinegar, and olive oil—perfect for a variety of dietary needs.
What can I use if I don’t have a food processor or blender?
No blender? No problem! Simply finely mince all your ingredients by hand and whisk them together with the vinegar and slowly incorporated olive oil to create a tasty, rustic version of chimichurri.
How long does chimichurri last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, chimichurri will stay fresh and flavorful for about one week in the refrigerator. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving if the oil separates.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, incorporating this Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe into your culinary repertoire will open up a world of bright, fresh, and layered flavors that you can enjoy with countless dishes. It’s fresh, exciting, and incredibly simple to make—perfect for busy weeknights or weekend barbecues. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite sauce!
