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    Home » Dressings & Sauces

    Chimichurri Sauce (Paleo, Keto, Whole30)

    April 28, 2022 Updated: April 28, 2022 by Lisa Wells / 11 Comments

    Chimichurri sauce

    Chimichurri sauce is a great sauce for grilled steak or chicken. It's quick and easy to put together. And it's gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo.

    Chimichurri sauce

    Chimichurri sauce is a great sauce for grilled meat or chicken. It's quick and easy to put together. And it's one of my favorite ways to use fresh summer herbs. I made this batch with Italian flat leaf parsley, but it would be wonderful with some cilantro mixed in as well.

    With olive oil, garlic, lemon and herbs, this sauce is bright and fresh — perfect for summer grilling. You can just throw everything in the food processor. A couple of quick pulses is all it takes to chop and blend the ingredients. As with any recipe using fresh ingredients, it's important to taste as you go. Once you pulse the ingredients, taste and add more garlic, lemon or salt if needed.

    This post contains affiliate links, you can read my full disclosure statement here.

    Chimichurri sauce

    What Is Chimichurri Sauce?

    It's hard to believe something as simple as combining a few fresh herbs, garlic, oil and an acidic component could render such a versatile condiment that can be used in a myriad of ways. However, chimichurri, an easy-to-make sauce that originated in Argentina, has become a favorite with professional chefs as well as casual foodies for its intense herbal flavors that pair well with meats, seafood and vegetables.

    Traditionally used as a marinade for red meat, chimichurri sauce has also become a popular condiment that can be used as a dip, dressing, or a drizzling sauce for whatever you're wanting to up-level with a dash of flavor.

    What Does Chimichurri Taste Like?

    Chimichurri sauce has a dominant bright and grassy note due to the fresh herbs of parsley and oregano. Garlic adds a punch of spiciness and lemon juice and red wine vinegar add an acidic tang.

    Chipotle chili flakes or red pepper flakes add a little heat while the olive oil absorbs and is infused with all the flavors, making it a deliciously vibrant sauce.

    This quick and easy chimichurri recipe is perfect for a flavorful marinade, or serve it over grilled steak, chicken, shrimp, or vegetables. 

    Chimichurri sauce over grilled chicken

    Ingredients Needed

    • Fresh Italian flat leaf parsley - You'll need 1 cup of fresh parsley leaves, lightly packed. Be sure and remove the leaves from the stems as much as you can. The stems tend to be bitter, so separate the leaves from the thick part of the stems as much as you can.
    • Olive oil - Extra virgin will give the best flavor.
    • Lemon juice - Adds brightness and acidity.
    • Red wine vinegar - Adds acidity and a punch of flavor.
    • Garlic - You'll need 3 cloves for added flavor and spice.
    • Dried oregano - I used dried, but you can certainly use fresh oregano.
    • Chipotle chili flakes - Adds a hint of spicy warmth.
    • Sea salt and fresh ground pepper - Seasonings to amplify all the flavors.

    How To Make Chimichurri

    1. Combine all the ingredients in a food processor or blender, and pulse until parsley and garlic are finely chopped. Be sure to not over process - you don't want the chimichurri to turn liquid. You want it somewhat chunky.
    2. Taste and adjust any seasonings, if needed.

    What if I don't have a food processor or blender?

    No worries! In fact, the traditional way to make chimichurri is to finely chop all the ingredients by hand.

    Just gather the fresh parsley and garlic and chop them finely. Add all the recipe ingredients to a medium bowl and stir until well combined.

    Variations To The Recipe

    The classic recipe calls for fresh parsley, which, in my opinion, should always be included.

    • Cilantro: That said, a common variation includes substituting half of the fresh parsley with fresh cilantro and omitting the oregano.
    • Mint: Another variation is to substitute half of the fresh parsley with fresh mint and omit the oregano.
    Chimichurri grilled shrimp

    How To Serve Chimichurri Sauce

    Chimichurri is an amazingly versatile condiment that can be used in countless ways. There's almost no wrong way to use it to add a savory punch to meats and vegetables.

    Here are a few suggestions on how to use and serve this homemade chimichurri sauce.

    • Marinate any meat in it before cooking.
    • Use it as a sauce to serve drizzled over meatloaf, ribs or burgers.
    • Serve it over any fish.
    • Serve it over grilled chicken.
    • Drizzle it on as a sauce for tacos.
    • Use it as a savory topping for sweet potatoes.
    • Stir it into cauliflower rice or mashed potatoes.
    • Use it in place of pesto with your zucchini pasta meal.
    • Use it as a dipping sauce for smoked shrimp.
    • Pair it with chicken wings.
    • Use it as a sauce over practically any roasted or air fried vegetable.
    • Use it as a salad dressing.
    • Serve a dollop on top of scrambled or hard boiled eggs.

    How To Store Leftover Chimichurri Sauce

    Leftovers can be stored in an airtight jar or container for up to a week in the refrigerator.

    Chimichurri sauce is best served at room temperature, so take it out of the fridge before you intend to use it and let it come to room temp on your countertop.

    Can I Freeze Leftover Chimichurri Sauce?

    Yes, leftovers may be frozen and will keep for up to two months.

    I suggest freezing leftovers in small increments, such as in mini freezer bags or even covered ice cube trays. That way, you can remove just the portion you need to thaw. Thaw in the fridge overnight or let come to room temperature on your countertop and use immediately.

    More easy sauce recipes

    • Roasted Garlic Walnut Pesto
    • Peach Barbecue Sauce
    • Crock Pot Turkey Bolognese Sauce
    • Easy Paleo Gravy
    • Asparagus with Easy Blender Hollandaise Sauce
    Chimichurri sauce

    Chimichurri Sauce

    This easy chimichurri sauce recipe is perfect for grilled steak, shrimp, or chicken. 
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Save Email
    Prep Time: 10 mins
    Total Time: 10 mins
    Servings: 20 tablespoons (1-¼ cups)
    Course: Sauce
    Cuisine: South American
    Diet: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Keto, Low Carb, Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole30
    Author: Cook Eat Paleo

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup fresh Italian parsley leaves , lightly packed
    • ¾ cup olive oil
    • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
    • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
    • 3 cloves garlic , peeled
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • ½ teaspoon chipotle chili flakes
    • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper

    Instructions

    • Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender, and pulse until parsley and garlic are finely chopped.
    • Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1tablespoon Calories: 74kcal Fat: 8g Saturated Fat: 1g Sodium: 119mg Potassium: 20mg Vitamin A: 270IU Vitamin C: 5mg Calcium: 7mg Iron: 0.3mg
    Keyword: chimichurri sauce, easy chimichurri sauce
    Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating above and share your photo on social. I love seeing what you've made!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lisa Spears

      July 07, 2014 at 6:37 pm

      Made this tonight to use over chicken YUMMY. I am not sure I used the right chipotle flakes, but it was soooooo good.

      Reply
      • Lisa

        July 12, 2014 at 8:24 am

        Thanks, Lisa! I'm so glad you liked it. This recipe is pretty flexible, so if it tasted good it was the right chipotle flakes. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Audry

      July 30, 2014 at 4:22 pm

      What about storage? And how long does it last?

      Reply
      • Lisa

        August 04, 2014 at 9:48 am

        Hi Audrey - I store this in the refrigerator, but I think it is best used within a day or two.

        Reply
    3. Tina

      December 21, 2015 at 12:28 pm

      Looks great.
      How do you store it?
      How long will it last if refrigerated?

      Reply
      • Lisa

        December 26, 2015 at 4:03 pm

        Thanks Tina. I like to store it in the refrigerator and use it within a week.

        Reply
    4. Madison @ Keto Diet

      January 29, 2018 at 2:42 pm

      5 stars
      Chimichurri Sauce? This is new to me. I think i'll have to try this, in order me not to amaze. Thanks for the post!

      Reply
    5. Maria

      July 23, 2018 at 7:57 pm

      5 stars
      Made this tonight over chicken- absolutely amazing!!! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Lisa

        July 24, 2018 at 7:04 pm

        Yay! So glad you love it, Maria!

        Reply
    6. Jim

      February 28, 2019 at 10:31 am

      5 stars
      This really is great with everything. I also use it as a salad dressing. It does get a bit salty tasting after a week or so but I still love it!

      Reply
      • Lisa

        March 03, 2019 at 11:15 am

        So glad you love it, Jim! I put it on everything too 🙂

        Reply

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