Best Chimichurri Sauce Recipe with Cilantro
If you’re looking for the best chimichurri sauce recipe with cilantro, you’ve come to the right place. This homemade cilantro chimichurri is made with simple ingredients like fresh cilantro, fresh garlic, extra virgin olive oil, lime juice, dried oregano, cumin, and red pepper flakes for a bright, herbaceous flavor that comes together in just minutes. It has become a summer staple in our home. And quite honestly, I make this recipe weekly to go with my grilled flap steak, summer arugula salad, and to use as a topping on just about everything.
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Traditional Argentinian chimichurri originated in South America and is known as a vibrant uncooked sauce that’s commonly served with grilled meats, especially grilled steak and flank steak. While a traditional chimichurri sauce is typically made with traditional parsley, fresh oregano, garlic, olive oil, and a tangy vinegar like red wine vinegar, this cilantro version offers a fresh twist that’s just as delicious. If you love cilantro, you’ll appreciate how its bold, citrusy flavor creates a fresh condiment that’s perfect for everything from grilled chicken to seafood, roasted vegetables, and even avocado toast.
Although this isn’t an authentic argentinian chimichurri recipe, it’s inspired by the classic Argentinian sauce while swapping traditional parsley for plenty of fresh cilantro. The result is a vibrant green sauce with an irresistible herbaceous flavor that’s sure to become one of your favorite homemade sauces.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 10 minutes using a handful of simple ingredients.
- Packed with plenty of fresh herbs and bright, herbaceous flavor.
- Made with heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil and fresh garlic.
- A delicious way to elevate grilled steak, grilled chicken, seafood, vegetables, tacos, burgers, and sandwiches.
- Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, Whole30, and vegan.
- Easy to customize with fresh oregano, Italian parsley, or even a serrano pepper if you like a little extra heat.
- Stores beautifully in the refrigerator, making meal prep even easier.
- Doubles as a marinade, fresh condiment, or flavorful dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 large bunch fresh cilantro (about 2 packed cups, thick stems removed)
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of ½ lime (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1–2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Ingredient Health Benefits
Fresh Cilantro
Fresh cilantro is the star of this cilantro chimichurri sauce recipe, giving this cilantro version its vibrant green color and fresh, herbaceous flavor. It’s also a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, along with antioxidants that support overall wellness.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil creates the rich base of this homemade chimichurri while carrying the fresh herb flavors throughout the sauce. A good extra virgin olive oil is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and beneficial antioxidants.
Fresh Garlic
Fresh garlic adds bold, savory flavor while providing beneficial compounds like allicin, known for its antioxidant and immune-supporting properties. For the best flavor, use fresh garlic cloves rather than garlic powder.
Fresh Lime Juice
Fresh lime juice brightens the sauce with fresh citrus flavor while providing a boost of vitamin C. If needed, fresh lemon juice also works well as a substitute.
Dried Oregano
Dried oregano adds earthy depth and complements the fresh herbs beautifully. It’s naturally rich in antioxidants, while fresh oregano makes a great substitute if you have it on hand.
Ground Cumin
Ground cumin adds subtle warmth and depth to this easy recipe without overpowering the fresh herbs. It also contains antioxidants and has traditionally been used to support healthy digestion.
Red Pepper Flakes
Red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat while providing capsaicin, a naturally occurring antioxidant. For even more spice, substitute a finely diced serrano pepper or chopped red chili peppers.
Sea Salt
Sea salt enhances the flavor of the fresh ingredients and brings the entire sauce together. A little goes a long way in creating a perfectly balanced chimichurri.
Recipe Tip: The good news is that these simple ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store, making this homemade cilantro chimichurri a quick, flavorful sauce for grilled meats, vegetables, seafood, and more.
How to Make Chimichurri Sauce Recipe with Cilantro
Step 1: Chop the Herbs
Finely chop the cilantro and red onion and mince the garlic cloves. Hand chopping creates the best texture and preserves the fresh herb flavor. I always hand chop, however you can also use a food processor if you prefer a faster method.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Add the chopped cilantro, garlic, oregano, cumin, red pepper flakes, and sea salt to a medium bowl. Stir everything together until evenly combined.
Step 3: Add the Olive Oil and Lime Juice
Add in the extra virgin olive oil and fresh lime juice. Stir until all of the ingredients are fully incorporated and evenly coated
Step 4: Let the Flavors Develop
Allow the chimichurri to sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. This gives the herbs and spices time to infuse the oil and creates even better flavor.
Expert Tips
- Use the freshest cilantro you can find for the brightest flavor.
- Freshly squeezed lime juice tastes much better than bottled juice.
- Chop the herbs by hand instead of over-processing them for the best texture.
- Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the richest flavor.
- Taste before serving and adjust the salt or red pepper flakes as needed.
- Let the sauce rest before serving so the flavors have time to meld together.
Variations
This cilantro chimichurri is easy to customize depending on your preferences.
- Add fresh parsley for a more traditional chimichurri flavor.
- Replace the lime juice with fresh lemon juice.
- Add a minced serrano pepper for extra heat.
- Stir in chopped fresh oregano if you have it growing in your garden.
- Blend the ingredients in a mini food processor for a smoother consistency.
- Add a splash of red wine vinegar if you prefer a more traditional flavor profile.
Ways to Serve This Chimichurri Sauce Recipe with Cilantro
This fresh herb sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs well with so many dishes.
Serve it with:
- Grilled steak
- Flank steak
- Chicken
- Shrimp
- Salmon
- Pork
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled vegetables
- Rice bowls
- Grain bowls
- Eggs
- Sandwiches
- Burgers
- Avocado toast
- Roasted potatoes
- As a dipping sauce
It’s an easy way to add fresh flavor to almost any meal.
Storage
Store leftover chimichurri in a mason jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
The olive oil will naturally solidify when chilled. Simply allow the sauce to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving and stir well.
For longer storage, freeze individual portions in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe container and store for up to three months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chimichurri traditionally made with cilantro?
No. Traditional Argentinian chimichurri is usually made with fresh parsley and red wine vinegar. This recipe is a fresh cilantro variation that offers a brighter, more citrus-forward flavor.
Can I use parsley instead of cilantro?
Absolutely. You can substitute all or part of the cilantro with Italian parsley if you prefer a more traditional herb blend.
Can I make chimichurri in a food processor?
Yes. A mini food processor works well if you’d like a finer consistency. Pulse only until the herbs are finely chopped to avoid turning the sauce into a puree.
Can I freeze chimichurri?
Yes. Freeze the sauce in an ice cube tray for convenient single-serving portions. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe container.
What does chimichurri taste like?
Chimichurri is fresh, herbaceous, garlicky, slightly spicy, and bright from the lime juice. The olive oil gives it a rich, silky texture while the fresh herbs keep it light and refreshing.
How long does homemade chimichurri last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade chimichurri stays fresh for about one week.
What foods pair well with chimichurri?
Chimichurri is delicious on grilled steak, chicken, seafood, pork, roasted vegetables, eggs, tacos, sandwiches, grain bowls, burgers, and avocado toast.
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Ingredients
- 1 bunch organic cilantro
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil or more
- 3 cloves fresh garlic
- 1/2 large organic lime juiced
- 1/2 tbsp oregano
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Finely chop the cilantro and red onion and mince the garlic cloves. Hand chopping creates the best texture and preserves the fresh herb flavor. I always hand chop, however you can also use a food processor if you prefer a faster method.
- Add the chopped cilantro, garlic, oregano, cumin, red pepper flakes, and sea salt to a medium bowl. Stir everything together until evenly combined.
- Add in the extra virgin olive oil and fresh lime juice. Stir until all of the ingredients are fully incorporated and evenly coated
- Allow the chimichurri to sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. This gives the herbs and spices time to infuse the oil and creates even better flavor.
