Bold, zesty, and wildly aromatic, homemade chimichurri sauce is the vibrant green magic every grilled dish craves. Whether you’re drizzling it over steak, spooning it onto roasted vegetables, or using it as a punchy marinade, this Argentinian herb sauce brings an instant flavor upgrade with its sharp garlic, fresh parsley, and tangy vinegar bite.

Crafted in minutes with fresh ingredients, chimichurri is a no-cook condiment that lets herbs shine. The simplicity is part of its charm—just a quick chop, a whisk of olive oil, and you’ve got a jar of bright, herbal brilliance. Once you make it from scratch, there’s no going back to store-bought.
What Kind of Parsley Should I Use for Chimichurri?
Flat-leaf parsley is the traditional and best choice for chimichurri. It has a clean, peppery flavor that balances perfectly with the vinegar and garlic. Curly parsley is more bitter and doesn’t blend as smoothly, so stick with flat-leaf if you can.
Ingredients for the Homemade Chimichurri Sauce
- Flat-leaf parsley – The backbone of chimichurri, it delivers that herbaceous freshness.
- Garlic – Adds sharpness and depth. Use fresh cloves for the best intensity.
- Red pepper flakes – Give the sauce a gentle heat and a flicker of spice.
- Red wine vinegar – Brings acidity that cuts through rich meats and lifts the herbs.
- Olive oil – Binds everything together and creates that luscious drizzle-ready consistency.
- Oregano – Dried oregano adds a warm, earthy note that enhances the parsley.
- Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning and balance.
How To Make the Homemade Chimichurri Sauce
Step 1: Prep the Parsley
Rinse a large bunch of flat-leaf parsley and pat it dry. Finely chop the leaves and discard the tough stems.
Step 2: Chop the Garlic
Mince 3-4 cloves of garlic. You want it fine enough to blend easily with the herbs.
Step 3: Mix the Base
In a bowl, combine the chopped parsley and garlic with 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
Step 4: Add the Acid
Pour in 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar and give it a quick stir. This will start to infuse the herbs.
Step 5: Stream in Olive Oil
Slowly whisk in about 1/2 cup of olive oil until everything is well incorporated and the sauce shimmers.
Step 6: Season to Taste
Add salt and black pepper to your preference. Let the sauce sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to let the flavors develop.

How to Serve and Store Chimichurri Sauce
Chimichurri is best served at room temperature. Spoon it generously over grilled steak, roasted vegetables, seared tofu, or even grilled bread. For storage, place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temp before serving again, and give it a good stir—the oil may separate.
What to Serve With Chimichurri Sauce?
Grilled Steak
A classic pairing—chimichurri over a perfectly grilled ribeye is culinary bliss.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
The earthy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes contrasts beautifully with the herby sharpness.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Add a spoonful on top of shrimp for a burst of freshness and zing.
Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Their meaty texture makes them the perfect plant-based vehicle for chimichurri.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Crispy and juicy chicken gets a gourmet boost from a chimichurri drizzle.
Creamy Polenta
Swirl it into creamy polenta for an herby twist to comfort food.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Brush it over hot corn instead of butter for a healthier, flavor-packed upgrade.
Want More Sauce & Condiment Ideas?
If you’re loving this homemade chimichurri sauce, you’re going to want to explore these flavor boosters too:
- Cream Cheese Olive Spread for a creamy, savory contrast.
- The Best Texas Roadhouse Cinnamon Honey Butter for sweet & spicy indulgence.
- Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly to pair with bold herb sauces.
- Green Olive Dip if you love briny and bright flavor blends.
- The Best Avocado Boat Dip for creamy freshness.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can find it anytime you need a bold, fresh sauce to elevate your meals.
Have you tried chimichurri with other herbs like cilantro or basil? Let me know in the comments! I’m always curious how others personalize this classic.
Find more fresh sauce and herb-forward recipes on ChefAlchemy’s Pinterest for daily inspiration.
Homemade Chimichurri Sauce
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup
Description
Ready to elevate your meals with a punch of bold, herbaceous flavor? This Homemade Chimichurri Sauce is the zesty green condiment that every grilled dish dreams of. It’s fresh, quick to prepare, and loaded with sharp garlic, bright parsley, and a vinegar kick. Perfect for meats, veggies, or dipping bread, this easy recipe is a must-have for your flavor arsenal. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, healthy sauces, or quick food ideas, this vibrant sauce checks every box.
Ingredients
1 bunch flat-leaf parsley
3 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
0.5 cup olive oil
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Rinse and finely chop flat-leaf parsley, discarding stems.
2. Mince garlic cloves finely.
3. In a bowl, mix parsley, garlic, red pepper flakes, and oregano.
4. Add red wine vinegar and stir to combine.
5. Slowly whisk in olive oil until sauce emulsifies.
6. Season with salt and black pepper.
7. Let sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Always use fresh flat-leaf parsley for the brightest flavor.
Letting the sauce sit before serving enhances the flavor depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Argentinian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: chimichurri, sauce, parsley sauce, easy recipe, healthy condiment
