Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe (Using a Food Processor) Recipe
Introduction
Chimichurri is a vibrant, tangy sauce perfect for grilled meats, vegetables, or as a flavorful condiment. This easy chimichurri recipe uses a food processor to quickly blend fresh herbs and spices into a delicious, versatile sauce.

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 to avoid bitterness.
- Step 2: In a food processor, combine 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 olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh lemon juice to the food processor. Pulse again until the sauce is well combined but still slightly textured, not completely smooth.
- Step 4: Taste the chimichurri and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or vinegar to suit your taste.
- Step 5: Transfer the sauce to a bowl or jar. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to one week.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of fresh chopped chili.
- Swap fresh cilantro with extra parsley if you prefer a milder, herb-forward flavor.
- Use lime juice instead of lemon juice for a slightly different citrus note.
- Allow the chimichurri to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Storage
Store chimichurri sauce in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before serving, give the sauce a good stir and bring to room temperature for best flavor. It can also be frozen in portions for up to three months; thaw in the fridge before use.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make chimichurri without a food processor?
Yes, chop the herbs, garlic, and seasonings finely by hand and whisk the liquids together. It takes more time but still yields great results.
What dishes go well with chimichurri sauce?
Chimichurri pairs wonderfully with grilled steak, chicken, fish, roasted vegetables, and even as a zesty dressing for salads and grain bowls.
Print
Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe (Using a Food Processor) Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy chimichurri sauce recipe combines fresh parsley, cilantro, garlic, and a blend of tangy and spicy ingredients to create a vibrant and versatile sauce. Made effortlessly using a food processor, it’s perfect for enhancing grilled meats, vegetables, and bread with bright, herbaceous flavors.
Ingredients
Herbs and Spices
- 1 cup fresh parsley (packed)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro (packed)
- 4 cloves garlic (peeled)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Liquids
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Herbs: Rinse the parsley and cilantro thoroughly under cold water and gently pat them dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels. Remove any thick, woody 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 several times until the herbs and seasonings are roughly chopped, creating a coarse texture.
- 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 again several times to combine all ingredients, taking care not to overblend; the sauce should be well mixed but retain a slightly chunky consistency.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your chimichurri sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If desired, add more salt, pepper, or red wine vinegar to balance flavors according to your preference.
- Serve or Store: Transfer the chimichurri sauce into a bowl or airtight jar. Serve immediately as a condiment, or cover and refrigerate. The sauce will stay fresh for up to one week, allowing flavors to meld even further.
Notes
- For a milder sauce, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
- This chimichurri sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled steak, chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor profile.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- If the sauce thickens when chilled, stir in a little more olive oil before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Argentinian
Keywords: chimichurri sauce, easy chimichurri, argentinian sauce, chimichurri with cilantro, fresh herb sauce, chimichurri recipe

