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    Home » All Recipes

    Cilantro Chimichurri

    Published: Jul 25, 2023 · Updated: Nov 7, 2024 by Maggie Unzueta

    Cilantro Chimichurri is an all-purpose condiment that is zesty and herbal beyond imagination. Drizzle it over grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or use it as a vibrant dip with your favorite bread.
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    A spoon in a clay bowl with cilantro chimichurri.
    A spoonful of cilantro chimichurri over a bowl of the fresh herb sauce.
    Cilantro Chimichurri spread on a plate with a spoon.
    A spoonful of cilantro chimichurri over a clay bowl.
    A spoonful of cilantro chimichurri over a clay bowl.

    Cilantro Chimichurri is a perfect condiment that elevates any dish it touches!

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    This easy recipe is a simple blend of fresh ingredients –  cilantro, garlic, and vinegar –  creates a vibrant, flavorful sauce. Perfect for drizzling, dipping, or marinating.

    From the BBQ in your backyard to the cozy family dinner table, this versatile sauce is a favorite in South America. 

    Inspired by traditional Argentinian flavors of fresh herbs, this version embraces the punchy zest of cilantro, giving a nod to my Mexican roots.

    Table of Contents

    • 1 Ingredients
    • 2 Substitutions
    • 3 Instructions
    • 4 Nutrition Information:
    • 5 Pro Tips
    • 6 Storing Instructions
    • 7 Try this sauce with:
    • 8 Hungry for More?
    • 9 Cilantro Chimichurri
      • 9.1 Ingredients
      • 9.2 Instructions
      • 9.3 Nutrition

    Ingredients

    The ingredients needed to make cilantro chimichurri labeled and sitting on a marble surface.
    • Fresh cilantro leaves
    • Red onion
    • Fresh garlic cloves
    • Extra virgin olive oil
    • White Wine vinegar
    • Fresh lime juice
    • Salt
    • Ground black pepper
    • Red bell pepper
    • Red pepper flakes (optional)
    • Fresh oregano (optional)

    A handful of ingredients create an easy way to deliver a punch of flavor. Just like traditional chimichurri sauce, it’s a great sauce for a wide variety of dishes.

    Substitutions

    • You won’t believe the flavor that this cilantro version brings! While you technically could use dried cilantro, I highly recommend sticking with fresh cilantro for that fresh and best flavor. Substitute flat leaf parsley or Italian parsley.
    • Instead of white wine vinegar, substitute with another tangy vinegar – apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar.
    • If you’re not a fan of heat, feel free to omit the red pepper flakes. Or, if you like spicy food, add 1 jalapeno.

    Instructions

    Parsley, garlic, and more fresh ingredients blending in a food processor.
    • In a food processor or blender, blend the cilantro, and cloves of garlic until finely chopped. 
    • Add the rest of the ingredients.
    • Mix until well combined.
    • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

    This recipe is as straightforward as they come – just one of the reasons why it’s a favorite sauce in my kitchen.

    Transfer the chimichurri to a mason jar and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

    Serve with grilled meat, chicken, fish or vegetables.

    A spoon in a clay bowl with cilantro chimichurri.

    Nutrition Information:

    This sauce is not only tasty but also packed with healthy fats from the olive oil, antioxidants from the cilantro and garlic, and a spicy metabolism kick from the red pepper flakes. Vegan, gluten-free, and keto-friendly, making it a great addition to any diet.

    Pro Tips

    When blending the ingredients, aim for a slightly chunky texture rather than a completely smooth one. This will give your chimichurri a nice rustic feel.

    No food processor? No problemo! Chop the ingredients and mix them in a bowl. The texture might be a bit chunkier with finely chopped herbs, but the flavors will still be delicioso.

    A spoonful of cilantro chimichurri over a bowl of the fresh herb sauce.

    Storing Instructions

    If you plan to store this magical green goodness, ensure you keep it in an airtight container or sealed jar in the refrigerator. It can last for about 2 weeks.

    For even longer storage, you can freeze it in an ice cube tray, then transfer the frozen cubes to a zip-top bag. Each cube will be a perfect single serving of chimichurri!

    Cilantro Chimichurri spread on a plate with a spoon.

    Try this sauce with:

    • Chipotle Carne Asada
    • Northern Style Mexican Beef Skewers
    • Carne Asada Street Tacos
    • Mulitas de Asada

    This Cilantro Chimichurri recipe, with its bright, unforgettable tang, is a game changer for any home cook. This versatile, easy-to-make green sauce works wonders as a marinade, a dressing, or a dipping sauce, and adds so much flavor to your meals.

    Hungry for More?

    Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter for my latest recipes and videos.

    Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

    A spoonful of cilantro chimichurri over a clay bowl.

    Cilantro Chimichurri

    Cilantro Chimichurri is an all-purpose condiment that is zesty and herbal beyond imagination. Drizzle it over grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or use it as a vibrant dip with your favorite bread.
    5 from 36 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Sauce
    Cuisine: Latin American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 1 cup
    Calories: 1025kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta
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    Ingredients

    • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
    • ½ red onion chopped
    • 3 garlic cloves chopped
    • ½ cup olive oil
    • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • ¼ red bell bell pepper chopped
    • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes optional

    Instructions

    • In a food processor or blender, blend the cilantro, and garlic until finely chopped. Add the chopped onion and chopped red bell pepper.
    • Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, salt, black pepper and red chili flakes (if using).
    • Mix until well combined.
    • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
    • Transfer the chimichurri to a jar and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
    • Serve with grilled meat, chicken, fish or vegetables.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 1025kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 109g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Monounsaturated Fat: 79g | Sodium: 2378mg | Potassium: 357mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2619IU | Vitamin C: 54mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

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    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the face behind In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been publishing Mexican recipes and creating delicious recipes since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

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