Bright, punchy, and packing a little heat—this spicy chimichurri sauce brings bold Argentine flavor to everything it touches. It’s herbaceous from fresh parsley, tangy with vinegar, garlicky, and finished with a warming kick of chili flakes or fresh pepper.
Drizzle it over grilled meats, roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or even spoon it onto crusty bread. It takes just minutes to make and instantly elevates any dish from “meh” to “wow.”
⏱ Prep Time 10 minutes ｜ 🔥 Cook Time 0 minutes ｜ 🍽 Servings 6–8 (about 1 cup) ｜ 🌱 Difficulty Level Easy ｜ 📦 Storage Tips Store in a jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before using.
Ingredients List
- 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (optional, for deeper flavor)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 small red chili or 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lime or lemon (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Finely chop parsley, cilantro (if using), garlic, and chili.
- In a bowl, combine all chopped ingredients with oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in red wine vinegar and olive oil until well mixed.
- Add lime or lemon juice if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Let sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Recipe Notes / Tips
- For smoother texture, pulse ingredients a few times in a food processor—but don’t puree!
- Add more chili if you love it hot, or tone it down with just a pinch.
- This sauce intensifies in flavor as it sits, so don’t be afraid to make it ahead.
Nutrition Info (approx. per tablespoon)
- Calories: 90
- Carbs: 1g
- Fat: 9g
- Protein: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
FAQs
- Q: Can I freeze chimichurri?
- A: Yes—freeze in ice cube trays, then transfer to a bag. Thaw as needed.
- Q: What can I use instead of red wine vinegar?
- A: Try apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for a milder tang.
- Q: Is it only for meat?
- A: Not at all—it’s amazing on grilled veggies, sandwiches, pasta salads, or eggs.
Got your greens spiced and sizzling? Snap a photo of your fiery chimichurri drizzle and tag it with #the_food_pedia on Instagram! 🌿🌶️✨
