Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe (Using a Food Processor) Recipe
Introduction
Chimichurri sauce is a vibrant and tangy condiment that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, vegetables, and breads. This easy recipe uses a food processor to blend fresh herbs and bold flavors in just minutes, making it a quick go-to sauce for any meal.

Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh parsley (packed)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro (packed)
- 4 cloves garlic (peeled)
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse the parsley and cilantro under cold water and pat them dry. Remove any thick stems from both herbs.
- Step 2: In a food processor, combine the parsley, cilantro, garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Pulse a few times until the herbs are roughly chopped.
- Step 3: Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh lemon juice to the mixture. Pulse again until the ingredients are well combined but still slightly coarse in texture.
- Step 4: Taste the chimichurri sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt, black pepper, or red wine vinegar to your preference.
- Step 5: Transfer the sauce to a bowl or jar. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier chimichurri, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Try swapping cilantro with extra parsley if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Add a splash of sherry vinegar instead of red wine vinegar for a different acidic note.
- Serve over grilled steak, chicken, roasted vegetables, or as a zesty dipping sauce for bread.
Storage
Store chimichurri sauce in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors will develop and deepen with time. Before serving, bring it to room temperature and stir well. If it thickens too much, you can thin it with a little olive oil or lemon juice.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make chimichurri sauce without a food processor?
Yes, you can finely chop all the herbs and garlic by hand and then whisk in the oil, vinegar, and lemon juice. It will take a bit more time but still delicious.
Is chimichurri sauce traditionally spicy?
Chimichurri typically has a mild to moderate heat from red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste.
PrintEasy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe (Using a Food Processor) Recipe
This easy chimichurri sauce recipe uses fresh parsley, cilantro, garlic, and a blend of flavorful ingredients to create a vibrant, tangy sauce perfect for grilled meats, vegetables, or as a zesty condiment. Made quickly in a food processor, this sauce combines bright herbs with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice for a fresh, versatile addition to your meals.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup (approximately 4 servings) 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Argentinian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Herbs and Aromatics
- 1 cup fresh parsley (packed)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro (packed)
- 4 cloves garlic (peeled)
Liquids and Seasonings
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Herbs: Rinse the parsley and cilantro under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly to avoid excess moisture. Remove any thick stems from both herbs to ensure a smoother texture in the sauce.
- Blend the Ingredients: Place the parsley, cilantro, garlic cloves, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper into a food processor. Pulse the mixture a few times until the herbs are roughly chopped, providing texture to the sauce.
- Add the Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh lemon juice into the food processor with the chopped herbs. Pulse the mixture again until all ingredients are combined, keeping the sauce slightly coarse and not completely smooth to retain the rustic chimichurri texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chimichurri sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, black pepper, or red wine vinegar according to your personal preference to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Serve or Store: Transfer the finished chimichurri sauce to a bowl or airtight jar. Serve immediately with your favorite grilled dishes or refrigerate covered for up to one week to let the flavors meld beautifully.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor and vibrant green color.
- The sauce can be customized by adjusting red pepper flakes for heat or lemon juice for tanginess.
- Chimichurri pairs perfectly with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a marinade.
- If not using immediately, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Allow the sauce to come to room temperature before serving if chilled.
Keywords: chimichurri sauce, easy chimichurri, herb sauce, Argentinian sauce, food processor chimichurri, grilled meat sauce, fresh chimichurri

