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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.

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.

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

Since and finely chop the 1/2 Bunch Parsley and 1/2 Bunch Cilantro.
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.
Stir in the 3/4 C. Extra Virgin Olive Oil and season with Salt & Pepper to Taste.
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