Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner
Easy chimichurri sauce is the perfect zesty complement to grilled meats. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to a fresh, vibrant sauce every time. Keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Caramelized Rhubarb Muffins and Creamy Mushroom Risotto.
Why This Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Fresh, vibrant flavor
- Better than takeout
- Easy, 5-minute prep
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
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Red pepper flakes
- Optional: Lemon zest
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Parsley: Curly or flat-leaf works.
- Cilantro: Optional, for extra flavor.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Food processor — Speeds up prep and ensures a smooth sauce. → See on Amazon
- High-quality olive oil — Makes a big difference in flavor. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner
- Combine ingredients: In a food processor, combine parsley, cilantro, garlic, vinegar, salt, and red pepper flakes. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Add oil: With the food processor running, slowly pour in olive oil until emulsified.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add lemon zest for extra freshness.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner
- Common mistake and fix: Don't over-process the sauce. It should be slightly chunky, not smooth.
- Storage tip: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Serving tip: Serve immediately for the freshest flavor. It's perfect with grilled meats and vegetables.
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 for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: Can be made up to 1 day ahead.
Freezing Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner
Not recommended.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not applicable. Microwave: Not applicable.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a milder sauce, reduce the amount of garlic or omit the red pepper flakes.
- Best substitution: No substitutions needed, but you can omit cilantro if you're not a fan.
- Make-ahead: Make up to 1 day ahead and store in the fridge.
- Scaling: This recipe doubles easily for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce separates, give it a quick whisk before serving.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality red wine vinegar — Gives the sauce its tangy flavor and pays for itself vs. takeout. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh cilantro
- Garlic cloves
- Red wine vinegar
- Olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt
- Red pepper flakes
Optional Toppings
- Lemon zest
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a food processor, combine parsley, cilantro, garlic, vinegar, salt, and red pepper flakes. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Add oil: With the food processor running, slowly pour in olive oil until emulsified.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add lemon zest for extra freshness.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a milder sauce, reduce the amount of garlic or omit the red pepper flakes.
- Best substitution: No substitutions needed, but you can omit cilantro if you're not a fan.
- Make-ahead: Make up to 1 day ahead and store in the fridge.
- Scaling: This recipe doubles easily for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce separates, give it a quick whisk before serving.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended.
- Oven reheat: Not applicable.
- Microwave reheat: Not applicable.
- Make ahead: Can be made up to 1 day ahead.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 100
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 11g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sat. Fat: 1.5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner FAQs
Yes, make up to 1 day ahead and store in the fridge.
Over-processing the garlic can make the sauce bitter. Be sure to process it with the other ingredients.
While you can freeze it, the texture may not be as smooth upon thawing.
No, chimichurri sauce is a no-cook sauce made in a food processor.
It's perfect with grilled meats, vegetables, and even pasta.
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!
