Name: 10-Minute Homemade Chimichurri Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Argentinian
Ingredients: ½ cup packed cilantro leaves and tender stems; ½ cup packed parsley leaves and tender stems; 3 tablespoons packed fresh oregano leaves; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; 3-4 cloves garlic; ½ cup extra virgin olive oil; 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flake; 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt

The Ultimate Zippy Flavor Bomb–Easy Chimichurri Sauce!

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—drizzling a simple sauce is one of the best (and easiest!) ways to transform any meal. Sauces and condiments are what I like to call flavor bombs—they take little effort but deliver BIG flavor.

This Chimichurri Sauce is exactly that! It takes just 10 minutes to whip up, with a quick spin in the food processor and only 8 ingredients—many of which you probably already have in your kitchen.

A few years back, I shared this Creamy Avocado Chimichurri recipe, which I playfully refer to as my “summer sauce.” While Summer Sauce is still a staple at the PWWB house, you’ll also often find this classic oil-based chimichurri in my fridge during the summer months.

A top down shot of a jar of easy Chimichurri sauce rests on a dark grey surface with fresh herbs and lemons surrounding it. There is a spoon resting inside of the clear glass jar. — Chimichurri is a zippy and herbaceous sauce that will add instant flavor to any of your favorite grilled meats or veggies!

It’s packed with fresh herbs, bright citrus, and garlicky goodness, delivering both vibrant color and bold flavor. Our version has a generous splash of red wine vinegar for that signature zippy kick.

It’s the perfect finishing touch for just about any grilled meat or veggie. Before you know it, you’ll be drizzling homemade chimichurri on everything!

Chicken Shawarma Hummus Bowl with quinoa, cucumbers, pickled red onion, shredded cabbage, & naan bread shown in a speckled gray ceramic bowl. The bowl sits atop a creamy cement surface, surrounded by lemon wedges, fresh basil leaves & a small bowl of pickled red onions.

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Get to Know This Herbaceous Sauce–What Is Chimichurri?

Quick history. ⇢ Chimichurri originated in the South American countries of Argentina and Uruguay. You’ll find Argentinian chimichurri sauce traditionally used as a topping for the delicious grilled beef that these countries are so well known for. Similar to a basil pesto, chimichurri is vibrantly green in color and full of bright herby flavors, however, it boasts a signature zippy flavor, thanks to a generous amount of red wine vinegar.

An angled shot of a jar of Chimichurri sauce that sits on a dark gray surface. A spoon has been dipped into the sauce & is being lifted out of the jar with sauce dripping from it. The jar is surrounded by fresh herbs & a slice of lemon. — Fresh herbs, lemon, aromatic garlic, olive oil, a generous splash of red wine vinegar, and crush red pepper flakes are all you’ll need for this quick sauce.

Key Ingredients

This simple, flavor bomb of a sauce is made with equally as simple of ingredients!

Here’s what you’ll need…

Fresh cilantro, parsley, and oregano – Cilantro, parsley, and oregano give this sauce a strong herby taste. Cilantro provides a warm, slightly spicy flavor while parsley and oregano both add clean and peppery notes.
Lemon – Instantly brightens up this sauce! Just a little bit adds the perfect amount of citrus and a mildly tart taste.
Garlic – You can never go wrong with garlic!
Olive oil – EVOO balances out the bold ingredients and acts as the vehicle that carries the fresh flavors in this sauce.
Red wine vinegar – Adds a touch of tang to this otherwise earthy, lemony, and garlicky sauce.
Crushed red pepper flake – For a bit of heat!

How to Make This Easy Chimichurri Recipe

Making this chimichurri sauce could not be simpler! It takes about 10 minutes of prep time and no cooking is required to whip up a batch. You’ll have it ready to go in no time!

Easy Chimichurri sauce recipe ingredients fill up a food processor bowl: cilantro, parsley, oregano, garlic, lemon juice & zest, olive oil, red wine vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, and kosher salt. — To make this homemade chimichurri sauce, simply place all of the ingredients into a food processor…

A top down photo of easy Chimichurri sauce that has been pulsed in a food processor bowl. The bowl sits on a light gray surface. — …and give it a quick pulse to combine. That’s it!

Why use a food processor? ⇢ A food processor helps combine the ingredients but still leaves a nice, rustic consistency. You don’t want your chimichurri to be too runny – a quick pulse releases all of the flavors and creates a cohesive sauce without pureeing.

Storage Notes

I love to keep chimichurri sauce stored in the fridge, in an airtight container all week long so I can use it to top lots of different recipes. It’s also really freezer-friendly (for up to 3 months)! See the Recipe Notes, below, for full storage and freezing guidance.

Serving Suggestions

Chimichurri is so versatile and can be used to add flavor and dimension to just about any dish!

It’s typically served with the grilled beef, widely found in traditional Argentina and Uruguay cuisine, but also pairs well with other grilled meats or veggies – think grilled chicken, grilled pork chops, topped on burgers, and so much more!

Grilled steak kabobs on a large white oval serving dish, drizzled with chimichurri sauce. The dish sits atop a light blue marbled surface, alongside a gold & white striped linen napkin. — **Chimichurri Steak Kabobs**

Assembled portobello mushroom tacos arranged on a piece of brown parchment paper. The parchment paper sits atop a white and gray marble surface. A ceramic bowl filled with chimichurri sauce, a small wooden pinch bowl filled with kosher salt, lime wedges, and a bottle of Modelo beer surrounds the grilled mushroom tacos at center. — **Grilled Mushroom Tacos with Chimichurri**

An overhead shot of two chimichurri steak bowls atop a white textured surface. A small bowl of chimichurri sauce sits alongside the bowls. — **Grilled Chimichurri Steak Bowls**

I can’t wait for you to make your own PWWB Chimichurri Sauce at home! It’s SO simple and SO flavorful!

If you do give it a try, be sure to let me know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo and tag @playswellwithbutter on Instagram. We LOVE seeing your PWWB creations! Happy cooking! ♡