Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner
Easy chimichurri sauce is the perfect tangy and herbaceous complement to your grilled meats or veggies. After making this many times, I’ve found that the trick is to use fresh parsley and cilantro for the best flavor. This fresh, zesty sauce is a summer grilling must-have. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Bites in 25 Minutes and Refreshing Guava White Tea Lemonade Copycat Recipe.
Why This Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Ready in just 10 minutes
- Versatile – great with steak, chicken, or veggies
- Brightens up any dish with its fresh, zesty flavor
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
- Red wine vinegar
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Optional: Lemon zest
- Optional: Lemon juice
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Parsley and cilantro: Use equal parts for best flavor balance.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Immersion blender — Ensures smooth sauce without overprocessing → See on Amazon
- High-quality olive oil — Makes a big difference in the final flavor → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner
- Combine ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine parsley, cilantro, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pulse until well combined but still slightly chunky.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add lemon zest and juice for extra freshness (optional).
- Chill and serve: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Drizzle over grilled meats or veggies.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overprocess the sauce – it should still have some texture. If it's too smooth, add more parsley or cilantro.
- : Make a big batch and store in the fridge for up to a week. It's great on eggs, sandwiches, or as a dip.
- : For a milder sauce, use less garlic or omit the red pepper flakes.
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 fridge for up to 1 week. Make-ahead tip: Can be made 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: For a different twist, try adding a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika.
- Best substitution: No substitutions for the herbs, but you can use white wine vinegar instead of red wine vinegar.
- Make-ahead: Chill in the fridge for up to 1 day ahead.
- Scaling: This recipe is easy to double or triple for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little water or more olive oil.
Want to level up this recipe?
Food processor or blender — Makes quick work of chopping herbs and combining ingredients → Check price on Amazon
Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh cilantro
- Garlic
- Red wine vinegar
- Extra virgin olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Lemon zest
- Lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine parsley, cilantro, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pulse until well combined but still slightly chunky.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add lemon zest and juice for extra freshness (optional).
- Chill and serve: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Drizzle over grilled meats or veggies.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a different twist, try adding a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika.
- Best substitution: No substitutions for the herbs, but you can use white wine vinegar instead of red wine vinegar.
- Make-ahead: Chill in the fridge for up to 1 day ahead.
- Scaling: This recipe is easy to double or triple for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little water or more olive oil.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Not applicable.
- Microwave reheat: Not applicable.
- Make ahead: Can be made up to 1 day ahead.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 80
- Protein: 0.5g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sat. Fat: 1.2g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner FAQs
Yes, you can make it up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to use.
Using dried herbs or old vinegar can make the sauce bland. Always use fresh herbs and high-quality vinegar for the best flavor.
While you can freeze it, the texture may change upon thawing. It's best to make only what you need.
No, chimichurri sauce is a cold sauce made with raw ingredients and doesn't require cooking.
White wine vinegar or lemon juice can be used as a substitute.
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!
