Homemade Chimichurri is a delicious herby sauce that originated in Argentina. It's made of fresh parsley, olive oil, and vinegar, plus some dried spices. Everything comes together in less than 5 minutes with no extra chopping or assembly - just drop everything into a food processor and you're ready to go!
Chimichurri goes so well on grilled meats like steak, chicken, or fish. With the fresh, garlicky taste of the herbs and the slight spice from the red pepper flakes, this will be your new favorite condiment. You can even dip some tortilla chips straight in the bowl and enjoy that way - I won't tell!
The Coined Breakdown
- Total Cost per serving: $0.29
- Total Cost (about 8 servings): $2.31
- Those Other Guys: $4.99 per serving
Ingredients
- Parsley - The main herb in classic chimichurri. Parsley doesn't have a strong flavor, so it pairs well with the other ingredients.
- Lime - To brighten up the sauce with fresh citrus.
- Olive Oil - This helps emulsify the sauce when blending.
- Apple Cider Vinegar - A little acidity cuts through some of the stronger ingredients.
- Spice Mix - A nice combination of salt, oregano, crushed red pepper, and black pepper round out the savory taste of chimichurri.
Variations and Substitutions
Chimichurri Steak Tacos: I love topping these flank steak tacos with chimichurri sauce! These are restaurant-quality tacos made right in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Red Chimichurri: You can make a savory red chimichurri sauce using piquillo peppers and some smoked paprika! Don't worry, the peppers have a mild flavor profile.
Chimichurri Potato Salad: Great for vegans, or those who just don't like mayo. This herby potato salad can be served warmed or chilled.
Herbs: You can add in a bit of fresh mint or basil to the food processor.
Citrus: A hint of lime or orange juice takes the flavor of this sauce to a different level. You can also zest some of the citrus peel right into the bowl!
How to Make Chimichurri Sauce at Home
This is one of my favorite sauces because it's a "dump and go" recipe. Just throw everything into a blender/food processor - the parsley leaves and stems, the entire peeled garlic clove, etc... and blend until well combined!
Be sure to scrape down the sides of the cup if necessary. This sauce keeps well at room temperature for about the first 24 hours; anything after that, store covered in the fridge.
What Does Chimichurri Taste Like?
I would describe it as a very fresh sauce, almost like green salsa, but more herby and smooth. And of course, no tomatoes!
You mostly taste the herbs and garlic, but the olive oil and salt/red pepper really round out the flavor profile. This stuff tastes so good on almost anything - meats, vegetables, or just as a dip.
Recipe FAQs
Start out with grilled meats like steak, chicken, or shrimp. Top blackened salmon filets or add it to fried eggs.
Serve with beef empanadas or drizzle on top of hummus.
Add a couple spoonfuls to rice, or spread on fluffy bread as a sandwich base.
Yes, you can!
Split into individual serving portions using an ice tray, then freeze until solid. Transfer the cubes to a freeze-safe bag. These will keep in the freezer for up to 5 months.
Meals to Serve Chimichurri Sauce With:
If you tried this Homemade Chimichurri Recipe, or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I love hearing from you! Thanks for visiting!
Chimichurri Sauce
Equipment
- Food Processor (or blender)
Ingredients
- 1 cup Italian flat-leaf parsley (firmly pack the measuring cup)
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ count lime (juiced)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 4 count garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a food processor or blender.1 cup Italian flat-leaf parsley, ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil, ½ count lime, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 4 count garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Blend until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- When your sauce forms, transfer it to a sauce cup with a lid.
- Serve with grilled meats like steak, chicken, or shrimp. Enjoy!
Anonymous says
I put this on everythang!! It's very easy and fresh tasting!
Shani H. says
Thank you for leaving a review!