Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce

5 from 1 vote

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.

Prep Time10

Rest Time15

Total Time25

Course: Sauce

Cuisine: Argentina

Servings:

Calories: 171kcal

Author: Jami Powell

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.

Video

Notes

Cooking Notes

Fresh herbs and good extra virgin olive oil make the biggest difference in chimichurri. Finely chopping the herbs helps the sauce coat food evenly while resting the sauce allows flavors to blend.

Tips for Best Results

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.

How to Know It’s Ready

The sauce should look bright green with visible chopped herbs and a loose, spoonable consistency. It should smell fresh, garlicky, and slightly tangy.

Nutrition