If you’re looking for a flavor-packed condiment that instantly wakes up grilled meats, veggies, or even sandwiches, you’re going to fall in love with this Easy Chimichurri Sauce. Bright herbs and zesty garlic blend together in a snap, delivering a gorgeous emerald green sauce that’s as versatile as it is irresistible. Learning how to make authentic yet simple chimichurri is the kind of kitchen trick that makes every meal more exciting, and this recipe will show you exactly how it’s done—no fuss, just bold, herby goodness.

Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great Easy Chimichurri Sauce starts with fresh, vibrant ingredients that each play a vital role in its flavor, texture, and inviting color. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a thing (except for cilantro, if you’re a pure parsley person).

Fresh Parsley (1 cup, packed): Gives the sauce its distinctive green color and fresh, earthy flavor—absolutely essential!
Fresh Cilantro (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a citrusy, bold layer—feel free to omit if you want a more traditional chimichurri.
Garlic (4 cloves): Provides a zesty, aromatic kick that makes the sauce pop and really stand out.
Red Wine Vinegar (2 tablespoons): Cuts through the richness with tangy acidity, balancing out every bite.
Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a gentle warmth and touch of heat, which gives the sauce its signature zing.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for pulling all the flavors together and bringing out the herbs’ natural brightness.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle, rounded spiciness to amplify the herbs and vinegar.
Olive Oil (1/2 cup): The perfect fat base—smooth, silky, and responsible for that luscious sheen and mouthfeel.

How to Make Easy Chimichurri Sauce

Step 1: Prep Your Herbs and Garlic

Start by washing the fresh parsley and cilantro thoroughly—grit has no place in this beautiful sauce! Pat them dry well (extra water can dilute the sauce). Give your garlic cloves a quick peel, and you’re ready to build the backbone of flavor for your Easy Chimichurri Sauce.

Step 2: Blend the Base Ingredients

Add the parsley, cilantro (if using), and garlic to your food processor or blender. Pour in the red wine vinegar, then sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Pulse everything together a few times until the herbs are finely chopped, but don’t let it turn totally smooth—you’re after a rustic, slightly chunky texture.

Step 3: Stream in the Olive Oil

With the machine running on low, slowly stream in the olive oil. This step will help the sauce emulsify slightly, transforming it into a gorgeous, cohesive mixture that’s dotted with green shards of herbs. Pause and scrape down the sides as needed, making sure everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Spoon out a little and give it a taste! Does it need a pinch more salt or vinegar? Adjust as you see fit. This Easy Chimichurri Sauce is meant to suit your palate—the balance should be bright, tangy, a little garlicky, and just the right amount of punchy.

Step 5: Let the Flavors Marry

Let the sauce rest at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This little break lets the herbs, vinegar, and garlic meld together, creating a much more harmonious flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

How to Serve Easy Chimichurri Sauce

Garnishes

A spoonful of Easy Chimichurri Sauce looks stunning with an extra drizzle of olive oil on top. For even more color and freshness, finish with a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley or cilantro, and maybe a pinch of flaky salt for texture—gorgeous on a platter and seriously inviting!

Side Dishes

This sauce isn’t just for steak! Serve Easy Chimichurri Sauce alongside roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, crusty bread, or as a topper for everything from tacos to breakfast eggs. It wakes up side dishes and turns simple fare into something guests will ask about every single time.

Creative Ways to Present

Swirl it over hummus, use it as a dipping sauce for fries, or brush it over corn on the cob straight off the grill. A little bowl on a charcuterie board invites guests to get creative—try it with cheese, shrimp, or even as a salad dressing base. It’s a wow factor in a jar!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Easy Chimichurri Sauce stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container or a jar with a tight-fitting lid. You might notice the olive oil solidifies a bit in the cold; this is totally normal and nothing to worry about.

Freezing

For longer storage, try freezing chimichurri in small portions (in ice cube trays or little jars). Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag. Thawed, it might lose a bit of its bright color but will taste fantastic—fantastic insurance for flavor emergencies!

Reheating

There’s really no need to “reheat” chimichurri, but if you pull it from the fridge and the olive oil has solidified, just let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. A quick stir or gentle warming (not hot, just to melt the oil) will bring back that beautiful texture.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Chimichurri Sauce without cilantro?

Absolutely! Simply use more parsley in place of cilantro. The traditional version uses all parsley, so don’t worry about missing out on flavor.

Is this sauce spicy?

It has a gentle kick from red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more or using less. It’s all about your taste!

What meats or dishes does Easy Chimichurri Sauce pair with best?

It’s a classic with grilled steak, but honestly, it’s magic on grilled chicken, fish, roasted vegetables, eggs, sandwiches, and even as a dip for bread—its uses are nearly endless.

Can I make this sauce by hand instead of using a processor?

Definitely! Just finely chop all the herbs and garlic, then whisk everything together in a bowl. The texture will be a bit chunkier, but some people love it that way.

Why does my chimichurri taste bitter?

Sometimes over-blending the herbs (especially in a high-powered blender) can make them release bitter compounds. Pulse gently and use good-quality olive oil to avoid bitterness.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of making your own Easy Chimichurri Sauce from scratch—with just a handful of ingredients and minutes of your time, you’ll have a fresh, punchy condiment that makes every meal brighter. Give it a try and see how it livens up your table; your friends and family will be begging for the recipe!

Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: About 1 cup 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

This easy chimichurri sauce recipe is a vibrant and flavorful condiment that adds a zing to grilled meats and veggies. Made with fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of spice, it’s a versatile sauce perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Herb Mixture:

1 cup fresh parsley (packed)
1/2 cup fresh cilantro (optional)

Seasonings:

4 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Oil:

1/2 cup olive oil

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Instructions

Prepare 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.
Add Oil: 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 the Sauce: Let the sauce sit for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.