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How to Make Chimichurri Sauce + 20 ways to use it

Chimichurri sauce is an easy way to transform any number of dishes from boring to fantastic. Check out 20 delicious ways to use it below!

Chimichurri sauce made of parsley, garlic, oregano, hot pepper, olive oil, vinegar, served in rustic bowl,

We enjoy this flavorful sauce all year long. If you’ve wondered how to make chimichurri or even just want to find out what it is, you’ve come to the right place.

What is chimichurri?

Chimichurri is an Argentinian sauce and condiment that Argentinian’s put on just about everything. It’s filled with flavor and a wonderful acidic tang that can really bring a dish to life. It can also be used as a marinade.

I make it most often in the summertime when fresh herbs are everywhere but it’s delicious anytime, on and in almost any dish you can come up with. It’s most commonly used to top grilled steak, however, which is another reason it’s perfect for summer barbecues.

Is Chimichurri sauce spicy?

Chimichurri is typically not a spicy condiment, however, it’s an easy sauce to spice up if that’s your thing. In my garden this year I’m growing “hot and spicy” oregano and I used some in this chimichurri sauce.

I highly suggest trying it if you get the chance, but if you’d prefer to use regular oregano just add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat. It has so much flavor that you won’t miss the heat if you’re cooking for a crowd and want to keep it mild so everyone can enjoy.

How to make chimichurri sauce

Part of what makes this flavorful condiment such a wonderful choice to make at home is because of how simple it is to make. There’s no cooking involved, just throw a handful of ingredients into a high-powered blender and let it go on high speed until it’s very smooth. That’s it!

Like many sauces, it’s best when allowed some time to sit for the flavors to develop. You can use it right away, but keep this in mind when planning your meal.

Homemade Cooked Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

20 ways to use Chimichurri Sauce

  • Toss with hot grilled or roasted vegetables for a terrific side dish.
  • Stir some into mayonnaise for a flavorful sandwich spread.
  • Grill some bread and dip it into chimichurri sauce.
  • Add it to your favorite pasta salad.
  • It’s typically served with steak, but it’s wonderful with chicken, too!
  • Use it as a burger topping!
  • Make a wrap with roasted vegetables and feta cheese, using Chimichurri as the sauce.
  • Slow-cook some pork with chimichurri for an easy, delicious pork stew.
  • Coat chicken tenders with chimichurri then panko breadcrumbs, then bake at 425°F until crispy and cooked through.
  • It’s terrific over your morning eggs. Especially with some avocado on the side.
  • Make a chorizo and chimichurri sandwich.
  • Add a dollop to a bowl of soup.
  • Slice a fresh tomato and top it with chimichurri for a healthy snack.
  • Stir some into mashed potatoes. Make Chimichurri potato cakes with any leftovers.
  • Grill halloumi cheese and top it with chimichurri for an easy appetizer.
  • Add it as a topping to grilled steak tacos.
  • Make a chimichurri chicken salad.
  • Use it as a salad dressing with lots of chopped veggies. It’s amazing!
  • Toss it with warm cannellini beans for an easy side dish.
  • Mix it into softened cream cheese and use it as a spread for crackers.

MORE CHIMICHURRI RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE:

Chimichurri sauce made of parsley, garlic, oregano, hot pepper, olive oil, vinegar, served in rustic bowl,

Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

Yield: 12 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Additional Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Chimichurri sauce is an easy way to transform any number of dishes from boring to fantastic!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cups fresh Italian parsley leaves
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup hot & spicy fresh oregano leaves (or regular with a large pinch of red pepper flakes)
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
  • freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

    Place all ingredients into a high-powered blender and blend until very smooth. Allow it to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 180Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 96mgCarbohydrates: 5gNet Carbohydrates: 2gFiber: 3gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g

This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix.

Kristy Bernardo
Latest posts by Kristy Bernardo (see all)

Betsy

Thursday 11th of August 2016

I recently made a very different recipe for chimichurri. I'd never made any version before but mine had cilantro as the main herb, mint, basil, garlic, ginger and then of course EVOO and salt. It was delicious and we used it on steak. I just assumed that was how it was made. Lol. I'm going to have to try yours too.

Kristy Bernardo

Thursday 18th of August 2016

I would love that version, I'm sure of it! Sounds delicious :)

Kate

Monday 25th of July 2016

Just used this sauce to add spice to a bowl of quinoa with fried mushrooms and kale. Amazing!

Kristy Bernardo

Monday 25th of July 2016

What a GREAT way to use it! I may have to duplicate that. YUM, thanks for sharing, Kate! Cheers :)

Grilled Vegetable Sandwich with Chimichurri & Smoked Mozzarella

Sunday 26th of June 2016

[…] Don’t be put off by having to make a sauce just for a little ol’ sandwich, okay? The chimichurri takes FIVE MINUTES (no exaggeration) and can be used for any number of other things (I list 20 uses for chimichurri sauce here along with the recipe). […]

Steve

Sunday 20th of March 2016

How long will this hold in the fridge or freer?

Kristy Bernardo

Wednesday 23rd of March 2016

Hi Steve, It should stay fresh for a few days to a week in the fridge and a month in the freezer. Hope that helps, thanks!

Pork Chop Recipes plus the Ultimate Guide to Cooking Them!

Sunday 10th of August 2014

[…] I’m a huge chimichurri fan (as evidenced by my How to Make Chimichurri and 20 ways to use it and my Steak, Potato & Summer Veggie Skillet with Chimichurri) so these Grilled Pork Chops with […]

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