Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner
Easy Chimichurri Sauce is the perfect tangy, herbaceous companion to your grilled meats. After making it dozens of times, I discovered the trick to keeping it fresh and vibrant. The bright, fresh flavors will make your dinner irresistible. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Apple Butternut Squash Casserole and Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta.
Why This Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Perfect for grilled meats
- Better than store-bought
- Ready in minutes
- Versatile: use on chicken, steak, or fish
What You'll Need for Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh cilantro
- Garlic cloves
- Red wine vinegar
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Optional: Red pepper flakes
- Optional: Lemon zest
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Fresh parsley: Substitute with 1 tbsp dried parsley if needed
- Fresh cilantro: Omit for a cilantro-free version
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Immersion blender — Ensures smooth texture → See on Amazon
- High-quality olive oil — Enhances flavor → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner
- Prepare herbs: Combine parsley, cilantro, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Add liquids: Add red wine vinegar and olive oil. Blend until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Chill: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner
- Common mistake and fix: Don't over-blend or the sauce will lose its vibrant green color. Pulse until combined, then check the texture.
- : For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- : Make a big batch and store in the refrigerator for up to a week. It's great on eggs, sandwiches, or pasta too!
Storing & Reheating Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Make-ahead tip: Prepare up to 1 day ahead.
Freezing Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not applicable. Microwave: Not applicable.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use the best quality olive oil you have for the most flavorful sauce.
- Best substitution: Substitute red wine vinegar with white wine vinegar or lemon juice.
- Make-ahead: Prepare up to 1 day ahead. Store in the refrigerator.
- Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little water or additional vinegar.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality food processor — Ensures even chopping and smooth texture → Check price on Amazon
Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh cilantro
- Garlic cloves
- Red wine vinegar
- Extra virgin olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt
- Black pepper
Optional Toppings
- Red pepper flakes
- Lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare herbs: Combine parsley, cilantro, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Add liquids: Add red wine vinegar and olive oil. Blend until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Chill: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use the best quality olive oil you have for the most flavorful sauce.
- Best substitution: Substitute red wine vinegar with white wine vinegar or lemon juice.
- Make-ahead: Prepare up to 1 day ahead. Store in the refrigerator.
- Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little water or additional vinegar.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Not applicable.
- Microwave reheat: Not applicable.
- Make ahead: Prepare up to 1 day ahead.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 30
- Protein: 0.5g
- Fat: 3g
- Carbs: 1g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sat. Fat: 0.5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner FAQs
Yes, prepare up to 1 day ahead and store in the refrigerator.
It's likely over-blended or exposed to air. To prevent, pulse gently and store in an airtight container.
While you can, the texture may change upon thawing. It's best to make fresh.
No, chimichurri sauce is a raw sauce made from blending ingredients, not cooked in an air fryer.
Chimichurri is tangier with red wine vinegar, while pesto is creamier with basil and pine nuts.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
