How to Make Chimichurri Sauce

March 30, 2025

I want to show you how to make Chimichurri sauce. With its fresh herbs, bold flavors, and versatility, Chimichurri can truly elevate a wide variety of dishes. Whether you’re looking for something simple like a marinade or something more creative like a sandwich spread, this sauce does it all. You’ll find yourself using it on nearly everything!

Versatility of Chimichurri Sauce

This chimichurri sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used in so many different ways to enhance your meals. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or serving a fresh salad, this sauce can take your dishes to the next level with its vibrant, zesty flavor.

As a Marinade for Meats:

One of the best ways to use chimichurri is as a marinade for meats like beef, chicken, or pork. It works wonderfully with chicken breast, especially when marinated overnight. The tangy vinegar, fresh herbs, and garlic flavors really penetrate the meat, making it juicy and flavorful when grilled. I love marinating chicken breast in this sauce and then grilling it for a delicious, easy meal. It’s a simple but bold flavor boost.

As a Salad Dressing:

Chimichurri can be used as a salad dressing for an extra burst of flavor. Its balance of acidity from the vinegar and richness from the olive oil makes it perfect for greens or even roasted vegetables. Drizzle it over a simple salad or use it to dress a hearty grain salad for a fresh, bright twist.

As a Dip:

This sauce doubles as a dip, and it’s perfect for appetizers. Serve it alongside empanadas, grilled vegetables, or crusty bread. The combination of herbs and garlic makes it irresistible. You can even serve it with roasted potatoes or crispy snacks to add a zing.

As a Sandwich Spread:

Mix chimichurri with mayo to create a flavorful spread for sandwiches. The richness of the mayonnaise balances the acidity of the chimichurri, making it an excellent topping for everything from grilled chicken sandwiches to a veggie wrap. It adds moisture and a punch of flavor in every bite.

Mixed with Cream to Bake Fish:

If you’re baking fish, mix chimichurri with cream to create a creamy sauce that can be spread over the fish before cooking. It’s a fantastic way to add a layer of flavor to delicate fish like cod or tilapia. The cream helps mellow out the tangy vinegar, while the herbs and garlic infuse the fish with delicious flavor.

Health Benefits of Parsley and Cilantro

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum):

Rich in vitamins A, C, and K: These vitamins support the immune system, promote healthy skin, and help maintain strong bones.
High in antioxidants: Helps protect the body from oxidative stress and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Parsley can help reduce inflammation and improve overall joint health.
Supports digestion: It has compounds that can help with digestion, reduce bloating, and promote gut health.
Good for kidney health: Parsley is often used as a natural diuretic, helping the kidneys eliminate excess fluid.

Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum):

Detoxification: Cilantro helps eliminate heavy metals from the body due to its powerful chelating properties.
Rich in antioxidants: Contains flavonoids and other antioxidants that help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation.
Aids digestion: Cilantro can help soothe the digestive system and relieve symptoms of indigestion.
Supports heart health: Helps in reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) and supporting healthy blood pressure levels.
Anti-bacterial properties: Cilantro has antimicrobial effects that can fight harmful bacteria and promote gut health.

How to Make Chimichurri Sauce

Ingredients:
1 cup cilantro, washed and chopped

1 cup parsley, washed and chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp oregano

1/2 tbsp salt

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup white vinegar

1/2 cup olive oil

Optional: 1 chili pepper, minced

Instructions:
✅ Place cilantro, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, water, vinegar, and olive oil in a blender or food processor.

✅ If using chili pepper, add it to the mixture.

✅ Blend until smooth.

✅ Transfer to a jar or airtight container.

✅ Let the sauce sit for at least 30 minutes before using to allow the flavors to blend.

✅ This sauce can last up to three months in the fridge. The color may change over time, but it is still perfectly fine to use.

✅ Shake the sauce before using, as it will separate in the fridge. For a more liquid consistency, add equal parts of oil, water, and white vinegar to the sauce.