Traditional Chimichurri Sauce

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Bold, herby, and tangy with a touch of heat, Traditional Chimichurri Sauce is Argentina’s answer to elevating grilled meats and vegetables. This vibrant green condiment is as versatile as it is flavorful, perfect for spooning over steak, drizzling on roasted potatoes, or even mixing into rice bowls. With just a few ingredients, chimichurri brings a bright, zesty freshness that instantly lifts any dish.

While you can find bottled versions in stores, nothing compares to making it fresh at home. Each batch comes alive with the aromatic power of parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. And the best part? It takes just minutes to whip up. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or prepping a weeknight dinner, chimichurri deserves a spot in your fridge.

Why You’ll Love This Traditional Chimichurri Sauce

If you’re a fan of flavor-packed sauces that can be used in endless ways, you’ll love this one. It requires no cooking, just a quick mix of fresh ingredients, and it stores beautifully in the fridge. Its flavor only deepens over time, making it even better the next day. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and vegan, which means nearly everyone at your table can enjoy it.

What Kind of Olive Oil Should I Use?

For the best results, use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil. Because chimichurri is a raw sauce, the flavor of the oil really matters here. Look for an oil that is fruity and peppery rather than bitter or overly grassy. If you wouldn’t dip bread in it, don’t pour it into your chimichurri.

Ingredients for the Traditional Chimichurri Sauce

Making this sauce from scratch is easy, and the freshness of each ingredient makes all the difference.

• Fresh parsley adds that signature vibrant green color and herby brightness.
• Garlic gives it a sharp, savory backbone.
• Red wine vinegar brings the tang and balances the richness of the oil.
• Olive oil binds everything together with a smooth, slightly fruity touch.
• Dried oregano adds depth and that classic earthy herbal flavor.
• Red pepper flakes introduce a gentle heat.
• Salt and black pepper pull all the flavors together.

How To Make the Traditional Chimichurri Sauce

Step 1: Chop the Herbs and Garlic

Finely chop the fresh parsley and garlic by hand for the best texture. You want small bits, not a puree. This helps the sauce keep its body and avoids a mushy texture.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, stir together the chopped parsley, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Add Vinegar and Olive Oil

Pour in the red wine vinegar and olive oil. Stir everything well so the herbs absorb the flavors and the oil gets evenly distributed.

Step 4: Let It Rest

Let your chimichurri sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen.

How to Serve and Store This Sauce

Traditional chimichurri is incredibly versatile. Serve it over grilled steak, chicken, or shrimp. It also makes a fantastic drizzle on roasted vegetables, breakfast potatoes, or even as a salad dressing base. This recipe makes enough for about 4 to 6 servings depending on how generously you use it.

Store leftovers in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Stir well before each use as the oil may separate. You can also freeze chimichurri in ice cube trays for up to a month for quick, flavorful additions anytime.

What to Serve With Chimichurri Sauce?

Grilled Skirt Steak

A classic pairing. Chimichurri and steak are a match made in heaven.

Roasted Potatoes

Drizzle it over crispy potatoes for a vibrant twist on your usual side dish.

Grilled Veggie Skewers

Brush chimichurri onto zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a bright, herbaceous flavor.

Fried Eggs or Omelets

Add a spoonful to breakfast eggs for an exciting wake-up call.

Crusty Bread

Serve it as a dipping sauce alongside warm crusty bread for a simple starter.

Rice Bowls

Use it to add a herby kick to grain bowls with chicken, beef, or tofu.

Grilled Chicken Thighs

Juicy, charred chicken thighs with chimichurri are hard to beat.

Lamb Chops

Brighten up the bold flavor of lamb with this zesty green sauce.

Want More Sauce Ideas?

If you loved this fresh chimichurri, you might also want to check out these savory, flavor-forward sauces and mains:

• Creamy Mushroom Sauce for Steak for a cozy, umami-rich dinner.
• Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri to see this sauce in a full meal setting.
• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni if you crave indulgent pasta with a twist.
• Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese when you want comfort with a crispy edge.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest sauce board so you can always bring bold flavor to your meals.

Tell me how yours turned out! Did you go heavy on the garlic or tweak the vinegar? I’d love to hear what you paired it with.

Explore more flavorful, colorful sauces and dishes over on Luna Meals on Pinterest and let your cooking feel fresh again. Luna Meals on Pinterest

Conclusion

Traditional Chimichurri Sauce is more than just a condiment; it’s a celebration of herbs, vinegar, and olive oil brought together in perfect harmony. Easy to make, endlessly useful, and full of life, it has a rightful place in your weekly meal routine. Give it a go and taste the vibrant spirit of Argentine cuisine in every spoonful.

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