Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce Recipe is a vibrant herb sauce delivering fresh flavor, quick preparation, and versatile serving options for grilled meals and simple weeknight cooking. Fresh cilantro, parsley, garlic, olive oil, and red wine vinegar combine into a bold green sauce that comes together in minutes and instantly brightens steak, chicken, seafood, and vegetables.
If you enjoy sauces that wake up a meal, you might also like Chimichurri Rice Recipe or our Steak Chimichurri Dense Bean Salad.
Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce at a Glance 🔎
- 🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
- ⏱️ Cook Time: None
- 🧊 Optional Chill: 15 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 6
- 🔥 Cook Method: No-cook sauce
- 🍽️ Cuisine (or General Category): Argentine-inspired herb sauce
- 👩🍳 Pair With: Medium Rare Filet Mignon, grilled chicken, seafood, roasted vegetables
- ⭐ Difficulty Level: Easy
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We found that combining cilantro and parsley creates the most balanced chimichurri for everyday cooking. ~Jami
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Why We Love This Recipe
- Bright Herb Flavor: Fresh cilantro and parsley create a vibrant green sauce with balanced flavor.
- Quick To Make: Everything comes together in about ten minutes with simple chopping and stirring.
- Versatile Serving: Chimichurri works equally well on steak, seafood, vegetables, and grain bowls. Just like our Cowboy Butter!
- Fresh Pantry Ingredients: Most ingredients are everyday staples like extra virgin olive oil, garlic, vinegar, and herbs.
Key Ingredients
Here's everything you'll need to make this delicious Chimichurri Recipe.
- Fresh Cilantro: The star of the sauce, cilantro brings a fresh citrusy flavor that makes this chimichurri vibrant.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds traditional chimichurri body and balances cilantro's brightness.
- Scallion: Provides a mild onion flavor without overpowering the herbs.
- Red Chili Pepper: A small amount adds gentle heat and complexity.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the sauce its signature savory bite.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Bright acidity balances the richness of the olive oil.
- Dried Oregano: A classic chimichurri ingredient that adds earthy depth.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps bind the herbs together into a silky spoonable sauce.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the herbs and garlic.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Parsley: If you prefer a stronger cilantro flavor, reduce parsley and increase cilantro slightly.
- Red Wine Vinegar: White wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice can be used for a lighter acidity.
- Red Chili Pepper: Red pepper flakes work well if fresh chilies are unavailable.
- Citrus: Add a squeeze of lime juice for a brighter citrus note.
- Presentation: Serve drizzled over sliced steak or grilled vegetables.
How To Make Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce
STEP ONE: Prepare the Herbs
Finely chop the cilantro and parsley. Thinly slice the scallion and mince the garlic and chili pepper.
STEP TWO: Combine Aromatics
Add the chopped herbs, scallion, garlic, chili, oregano, salt, and red wine vinegar to a bowl. Stir to combine.
STEP THREE: Add Olive Oil
Slowly pour in the extra virgin olive oil while stirring until the sauce becomes loose and evenly coated. Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice, if using.
STEP FOUR: Rest the Sauce
Let the chimichurri sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving so the flavors blend together.
Serve with steak or roasted chicken, and summer vegetables.
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Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Chop herbs finely. Smaller pieces help the sauce coat food evenly.
✔️ DO Let the sauce rest for improved flavor.
✔️ DO Use a good quality olive oil.
Storage
Store cilantro chimichurri in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Bring it to room temperature and stir before serving so the olive oil loosens and the herbs brighten again.
Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce Recipe FAQs
Cilantro chimichurri typically contains fresh cilantro, parsley, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar. Many recipes also include oregano, chili pepper, and salt to enhance the flavor.
The secret is finely chopping fresh herbs and letting the sauce rest before serving. This allows the garlic, vinegar, and olive oil to balance and mellow.
Yes, cilantro can replace parsley or be combined with it. Using both herbs often creates a more balanced and traditional chimichurri flavor.
Chimichurri works as both. It can be spooned over grilled meat as a finishing sauce or used as a marinade before cooking.
Chimichurri pairs well with steak, grilled chicken, seafood, roasted vegetables, and rice dishes. Its fresh herb flavor complements many grilled foods.
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📖 Recipe
Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce
Equipment
- Chef knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Spoon or whisk
Ingredients
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 scallions whites only, sliced thin
- 1 red hot chili pepper seeds removed and finely diced or minced
- 3 to 4 garlic cloves finely diced or minced
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon or lime juice optional
Instructions
- Finely chop the cilantro and parsley. Thinly slice the scallion and mince the garlic and chili pepper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped herbs, scallion, garlic, chili, dried oregano, kosher salt, and red wine vinegar. Stir to combine.
- Slowly pour in the extra virgin olive oil while stirring until the sauce becomes loose and evenly combined. Optionally, add a squeeze of lemon if using.
- Let the chimichurri sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving so the flavors blend together.
Save This Recipe 💌
Enter your email below and we'll send it to your inbox. Plus, you'll get new recipes from us each week!
Video
Notes
- Chop herbs finely so the sauce distributes evenly.
- Let the sauce rest 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Keep the sauce at room temperature for the best flavor.
Jami Powell says
We love the fresh garlicky flavor of this sauce! It tastes even better after resting.