Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner

easy chimichurri sauce

Easy chimichurri sauce is the game-changer for grilled meats and dinner. After making it countless times, I discovered the secret to a perfect balance of flavors. This fresh, herbaceous sauce will make your steak, chicken, or veggies irresistible. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Cinnamon Sugar Churro Pancakes for Easy Weekend Brunch and Easy Baked Chicken Roll Ups with Ham and Swiss Cheese.

Easy chimichurri sauce on a wooden board
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Why This Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner Is Pure Comfort

  • Ready in just 10 minutes
  • Tangy, herbaceous flavor that elevates grilled meats
  • Versatile – use it as a marinade, sauce, or dip
  • Better than store-bought – fresher and more flavorful

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
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Optional: Lemon juice (for extra tang)
  • Optional: Red onion (for a milder flavor)
Chimichurri sauce ingredients on a marble surface

πŸ“ Ingredient Notes

  • Parsley: Use flat-leaf parsley for a more robust flavor.
  • Cilantro: If you're not a fan, substitute with more parsley.

πŸ›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend

Chimichurri sauce drizzled over grilled steak

How to Make Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner

  1. Combine ingredients: In a blender or bowl, combine parsley, cilantro, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  2. Blend: Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  3. Chill: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
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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 for texture.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
  • Versatility: Use leftover sauce as a dip for veggies or spread on sandwiches.

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 one week. Make-ahead tip: Yes, make ahead and chill for up to 24 hours.

Freezing Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner

Not recommended as the herbs can lose their fresh flavor.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: N/A Microwave: N/A

Recipe Notes

  • Chef tip: For a milder sauce, add a small red onion and process until smooth.
  • Make-ahead: Prepare the sauce up to 24 hours ahead and store in the fridge.
  • Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little water or additional olive oil.

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Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Grilling and Dinner

Chimichurri sauce drizzled over grilled steak
⏱
Prep
10 minutes
🍳
Cook
0 minutes
⏳
Total
10 minutes
🍽
Serves
About 1 cup
πŸ₯—
Diet
Vegan

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • Fresh parsley
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Garlic cloves
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Olive oil
  • Red pepper flakes

Seasonings

  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Optional Toppings

  • Lemon juice (for extra tang)
  • Red onion (for a milder flavor)

Instructions

  1. Combine ingredients: In a blender or bowl, combine parsley, cilantro, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  2. Blend: Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  3. Chill: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Chef tip: For a milder sauce, add a small red onion and process until smooth.
  • Make-ahead: Prepare the sauce up to 24 hours ahead and store in the fridge.
  • Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little water or additional olive oil.

Storage

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
  • Freezer: Not recommended as the herbs can lose their fresh flavor.
  • Oven reheat: N/A
  • Microwave reheat: N/A
  • Make ahead: Yes, make ahead and chill for up to 24 hours.

Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 100
  • Protein: 1g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbs: 2g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 0.5g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • 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

Can I make chimichurri sauce ahead?

Yes, prepare the sauce up to 24 hours ahead and store in the fridge.

Why did my chimichurri sauce turn out bitter?

Over-processing the garlic can cause bitterness. Make sure to blend just until smooth.

Can I freeze chimichurri sauce?

While you can freeze it, the herbs may lose their fresh flavor.

Is chimichurri sauce the same as pesto?

No, while both are herb-based sauces, chimichurri uses red wine vinegar and no nuts or cheese.

What's the best way to store chimichurri sauce?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

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 β€” I love hearing from you!

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