Chimichurri, a fresh and vibrant Argentinian sauce, is a quick and easy way to add some flavor and color into your meal rotation. You can batch prep and freeze this versatile sauce or whip it up day-of in less than 5 minutes. Drizzle over a skirt steak, fish or grilled vegetables to spice up any recipe!

Cilatnro Chimichurri Sauce in a mason jar surrounded by ingredients (onion, red pepper flakes and basil)

If you’ve never had cilantro chimichurri sauce you are in for a major treat! This is by far one of the most flavorful sauces out there which makes it a great addition to almost any dish. With the tried and true combo of fresh cilantro, mint, parsley, and my addition for some extra greens – butter lettuce, this green sauce is packed full of delicious nutrients that will serve you – mind, body and soul.

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What is Chimichurri Sauce Made of?

I personally love chimichurri because it’s so versatile – it’s the ideal recipe to use as a template and personalize based on your preferences and ingredients on hand. Traditional chimichurri is made out of parsley, garlic, olive oil, vinegar and red pepper flakes. This chimichurri recipe also contains butter lettuce, cilantro and mint along with lemon, salt and pepper.

Ingredients from above including cilantro, diced onion, lemon, red pepper flakes and basil.

Cilantro Substitutes

Cilantro is one of my favorite herbs. I have to admit I used to be one of those cilantro haters, but the fresh flavor has really grown on me and I now love to add it to anything from these crunchy roasted cauliflower tacos, rainbow power salad or green goddess dressing. 

Now I know cilantro is a polarizing ingredient. Some say it tastes like soap. If you fall into this category – I’m sorry you don’t taste what I do. 

The good news… if you have the cilantro hating gene, you can still enjoy this recipe! The cilantro can be easily omitted or you can:

  • Substitute for more mint and parsley
  • Replace with another herb like basil, celery leaves or dill, or a leafy green – think spinach, butter lettuce or arugula

What is Chimichurri Sauce Good on?

Anything! Ok maybe not anything but there are so many uses! You can use it as a finishing sauce, marinade or dip. You can marinade tofu or tempeh to make grilled kabobs, pour over a grilled salmon, add it to a white fish taco or use as a dip for bbq’d prawns. The options are endless.

All the cilantro chimishurri sauce in a food processor before it is blended including cilantro, basil, red onion, red pepper flakes and garlic.

Health Benefits of Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce

People often overlook the health benefits of adding herbs into your diet but I like to think of herbs like mini leafy greens. They pack a powerful, nutritious punch.

Cilantro: A nutrient dense herb rich in Vitamin A and K and immune boosting antioxidants. 

Parsley: An excellent source of vitamin A, C and K. This herb is packed full of antioxidants which may reduce your risk of certain diseases like cancer and diabetes.

Mint: Not only is mint one of the easiest herbs to grow (it actually grows like a weed), it’s also high in Vitamin A and is attributed to helping with indigestion

Butter Lettuce: Don’t underestimate the power of butter lettuce. This leafy green is full of vitamins (A, C and K) and minerals (iron and calcium). 

How to Store Chimichurri Sauce

This cilantro chimichurri sauce can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. I recommend doubling this recipe and freezing half in an ice cube tray, then transferring to a reusable storage bag for a quick way to spice up your dinner! 

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Cilatnro Chimichurri Sauce in a mason jar surrounded by ingredients (onion, red pepper flakes and basil)

Easy Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce

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  • Author: Lindsay Pleskot
  • Prep Time: 5
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Salads, Main Dishes
  • Method: Blend
  • Cuisine: Argentinian
Print Recipe

Description

Chimichurri, a fresh and vibrant Argentinian sauce, is a quick and easy way to add some flavor and color into your meal rotation.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ head baby butter lettuce
  • 1 ½  cups fresh parsley
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro
  • ½ cup fresh mint
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Juice of ½ lemon (1–2 Tbsp, adjust to taste)
  • 1 large clove of garlic, peeled and roughly chopped
  • 1 medium shallot, roughly chopped
  • ½ tsp coarse salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly-cracked pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes  to garnish *optional

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients in a high-powered blender or food processor and blend or pulse until well combined. You can blend until you get a full puree or stop earlier at a chunkier consistency.

Notes

The cilantro can be easily omitted or you can substitute for more mint and parsley or replace with another herb like basil, celery leaves or dill, or any leafy green – think spinach, butter lettuce or arugula