Chimichurri

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Chimichurri: bright, herby, slightly spicy — and a total game-changer for everything from grilled steak to roasted veggies. If you’ve ever had a bite of anything sauced in Argentina or Uruguay, you probably met this vibrant green condiment: an herb-forward sauce that’s equal parts punchy and versatile. Here’s everything you need to know to make a fresh, health-conscious chimichurri that tastes like it belongs at a backyard grill party — without the guilt.

What chimichurri is (and what it isn’t)

• Chimichurri is a rustic herb sauce traditionally made with fresh parsley, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and red pepper flakes. It’s uncooked and used as a finishing sauce or marinade.

• It’s not pesto (no pine nuts or basil required) and not a salsa verde in the Italian sense, though it shares kinship with many global herb sauces.

• There are regional variations: some versions use cilantro, oregano, or even lemon juice. Color can range from bright green to more muted tones depending on herbs and technique.

Why chimichurri works so well

• Flavor Balance: Herbaceousness from parsley, brightness from vinegar (or lemon), heat from red pepper flakes, and richness from olive oil.

• Texture: Coarse-chopped chimichurri gives a fresh, leafy bite; blended chimichurri is silkier and clings better to proteins.

• Health Wins: It’s herb-forward and uses olive oil rather than cream or butter, so you get a nutrient-packed condiment that boosts flavor without excess calories. Parsley adds vitamin K, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

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Ways to use chimichurri (beyond steak)

• Marinade: Use as a marinade for chicken, fish, tofu, or tempeh. Let proteins marinate for 30 minutes to overnight for deeper flavor.

• Finish: Spoon over grilled or roasted vegetables — asparagus, cauliflower steaks, carrots, or sweet potatoes.

• Salad Boost: Mix a tablespoon into plain yogurt or into a vinaigrette for instant herb power on salads.

• Grain Bowl Topper: Dollop over quinoa, farro, or brown rice with roasted veggies and a protein.

• Sandwich Spread: Use as a condiment in wraps or sandwiches (especially great with grilled portobello or turkey).

• Eggs: Brighten scrambled eggs, omelets, or fried eggs with a smear of chimichurri.

Make it lighter without losing flavor

• Reduce Oil: Traditional chimichurri uses a generous pour of olive oil. For a lighter version, reduce the oil to 1/4 cup and add 2–3 tablespoons of water or a splash more vinegar/lemon to keep loose texture.

• Bulk with Herbs/Veg: Add more parsley and a handful of finely chopped green onion or celery for volume and crunch without many calories.

• Less Salt, More Acid: If cutting sodium, lean on extra vinegar or lemon to brighten flavors.

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Chimichurri

Yield: 16

Author: The Skinny Fork (Amanda Plott)

Prep time: 5 MinTotal time: 5 Min

Chimichurri: bright, herby, slightly spicy — and a total game-changer for everything from grilled steak to roasted veggies.

Ingredients

• 1/2 Bunch Parsley, Chopped Finely
• 1/2 Bunch Cilantro, Chopped Finely
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, Diced
• 1 Small Red Onion, Minced
• 2 Serrano (Or Jalapeno Peppers), Minced
• 3 Garlic Cloves, Minced
• 2 Tbsp. Red Wine Vinegar
• 2 Tbsp. Fresh Lemon Juice
• 3/4 C. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Salt & Pepper to Taste

Instructions

1. Since and finely chop the 1/2 Bunch Parsley and 1/2 Bunch Cilantro.
2. Add in the 1 Diced Red Bell Pepper, 1 Small Minced Red Onion, 2 Diced Serrano (Or Jalapeno Peppers), 3 Minced Garlic Cloves, 2 Tbsp. Red Wine Vinegar, and 2 Tbsp. Fresh Lemon Juice.
3. Stir in the 3/4 C. Extra Virgin Olive Oil and season with Salt & Pepper to Taste.
4. Enjoy right away or store in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.

Recommended Products

Pompeian Gourmet Red Wine Vinegar

Amazon Grocery, Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Mueller The Real Original Pro Chopper

Nutrition Facts

Calories

97

Fat (grams)

10 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

1 g

Carbs (grams)

2 g

Fiber (grams)

0 g

Net carbs

1 g

Sugar (grams)

1 g

Protein (grams)

0 g

Sodium (milligrams)

17 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

0 mg

Nutritional Claims: Low Carb • Low Sodium • Sugar Conscious • Low Potassium • Kidney Friendly • Keto Friendly • Plant Based • Vegan • Vegetarian • Pescatarian • Paleo • Specific Carbs • Mediterranean • Dash • Dairy Free • Gluten Free • Wheat Free • Egg Free • Milk Free • Peanut Free • Tree Nut Free • Soy Free • Fish Free • Shellfish Free • Pork Free • Red Meat Free • Crustacean Free • Celery Free • Mustard Free • Sesame Free • Lupine Free • Mollusk Free • Alcohol Free • No Sugar Added • Sulphite Free • Kosher • B Healthy • Benessere • Dairy Free Aged

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