Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner
Easy Chimichurri Sauce is the perfect tangy, herbaceous complement to grilled meats. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the secret to a balanced, flavorful sauce that’s better than store-bought. The crisp, fresh herbs and zesty flavors will make your grilled meats irresistible. Try it with my Easy Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches or Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches Recipe and Easy Salmon Cakes Recipe Ready in 20 Minutes.
Why This Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Tangy and herbaceous flavor that complements grilled meats perfectly
- Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients
- Versatile – use it as a marinade, sauce, or dip
- Better than store-bought, with a fresher taste
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
- Olive oil
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Optional: Lemon zest
- Optional: Red onion
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Parsley and cilantro: Use equal parts for a balanced flavor. If you're not a cilantro fan, substitute with more parsley.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Immersion Blender — Ensures a smooth sauce without overprocessing → See on Amazon
- High-quality olive oil — Enhances the flavor of the sauce → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner
- Combine herbs and garlic: In a food processor, combine parsley, cilantro, garlic, red onion (if using), and red pepper flakes. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Add vinegar and oil: With the food processor running, slowly pour in red wine vinegar and olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper. Blend until well combined.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you like a smoother sauce, blend a bit more. If it's too thick, add a bit more oil or vinegar.
- Chill and serve: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Drizzle over grilled meats or use as a dip.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overprocess the sauce. It should have some texture. If it's too smooth, add a bit more chopped herbs.
- : Make a big batch and store in the fridge for up to a week. It's great on sandwiches, eggs, or as a marinade.
- : For a milder sauce, reduce the amount of garlic or red pepper flakes.
- : Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity if needed.
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 spicier sauce, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Best substitution: Substitute the red wine vinegar with white wine vinegar or lemon juice for a different flavor profile.
- Make-ahead: Chill the sauce in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more oil or vinegar. If it's too thin, add a bit more chopped herbs.
Want to level up this recipe?
Good quality red wine vinegar — Provides the perfect tangy flavor for the sauce → Check price on Amazon
Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh cilantro
- Garlic
- Red wine vinegar
- Olive oil
Seasonings
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Black pepper
Optional Toppings
- Lemon zest
- Red onion
Instructions
- Combine herbs and garlic: In a food processor, combine parsley, cilantro, garlic, red onion (if using), and red pepper flakes. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Add vinegar and oil: With the food processor running, slowly pour in red wine vinegar and olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper. Blend until well combined.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you like a smoother sauce, blend a bit more. If it's too thick, add a bit more oil or vinegar.
- Chill and serve: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Drizzle over grilled meats or use as a dip.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicier sauce, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Best substitution: Substitute the red wine vinegar with white wine vinegar or lemon juice for a different flavor profile.
- Make-ahead: Chill the sauce in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more oil or vinegar. If it's too thin, add a bit more chopped herbs.
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: 120
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- 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, you can make it up to 1 day ahead. Store it in the fridge until ready to use.
Add a bit more oil or vinegar to thin it out. If it's too smooth, add a bit more chopped herbs for texture.
While you can freeze it, the texture may not be as smooth upon thawing. It's best to make fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
Try it on eggs, sandwiches, or as a dip for veggies or bread.
Reduce the amount of garlic or red pepper flakes. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
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!
