Dive into the vibrant world of herbs with our twist on a classic sauce! This cilantro chimichurri sauce recipe is a delightful blend of fresh cilantro and aromatic spices, perfect for adding a zesty kick to your favorite vegan dishes.
Exploring the world of vegan sauces can transform even the simplest of meals into a culinary delight. This delicious sauce brings a burst of fresh, herby flavor to a variety of dishes. The simplicity of its preparation means you can whip up this vibrant sauce in no time, adding a gourmet touch to everyday meals.
In the spirit of culinary creativity, don't miss our carrot tops chimichurri, a unique twist on the classic that utilizes the often-overlooked greens for an earthy, nuanced flavor. Pair it with our Roasted Edamame recipe for a delightful contrast of textures and tastes. These recipes showcase how versatile and exciting plant-based cooking can be, turning simple ingredients into extraordinary experiences
💚 Why you will love it
Jump to:
- Vibrantly Fresh Flavor
- Versatile Pairing Options
- Quick & Easy Prep
- Healthy & Nutritious
- Made with kitchen staples
🧾 Ingredients
The ingredients that make this fresh coriander chimichurri SO good are:
- Fresh cilantro infuses the sauce with its distinctive, fresh, herbal flavor.
- Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic depth to the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes bring a spicy kick, enhancing the sauce's zest.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For richness or neutral vegetable oil for a lighter taste, it serves as the smooth, binding base of the sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness, balancing the sauce's flavors.
- Oregano: Contributes an earthy, slightly bitter undertone.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors, bringing them together harmoniously.
- Pepper: To taste, it adds a subtle spicy note, rounding out the sauce's profile.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions
- Garlic: Shallots or garlic powder can be used for a milder garlic flavor.
- Red pepper flakes: Green chili for a different heat level or bell pepper for no heat.
- Olive oil: Avocado or sunflower oil for a different base with a neutral flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar: red or white wine vinegar for a different acidic component.
- Oregano: Marjoram or thyme for a slightly different earthy flavor.
🍽 Equipment
Chopping board, knife, and mason jar. You can combine everything in a bowl using a whisk or a fork or shake everything in a closed mason jar.
🔪 Instructions
To make this sauce, start by washing thoroughly the cilantro under running water.
Step 1: Remove stems and finely chop the cilantro leaves to prepare them for the sauce. Then, finely chop the garlic cloves.
Hint: you can leave the stems on for a stronger flavor; otherwise, learn how to make Green Thai curry paste, or you can put those cilantro stems to good use.
Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl or mason jar, combine all the ingredients. Gradually add salt and pepper, tasting as you go to ensure the seasoning is correct.
You can consume the fresh chimichurri immediately, but ideally, let it sit so the mixture is fully infused with the herbs and seasonings flavors.
💡 Expert Tips
Balance the Flavors: The key to a great chimichurri is balancing the tangy, spicy, and herbal flavors. Start with less salt and gradually add more, tasting as you go. This way, you avoid overpowering the fresh taste of cilantro and other ingredients. Remember, adding more seasoning than fixing an over-seasoned sauce is easier.
Chop Finely and Evenly: Take the time to finely and evenly chop the cilantro and other herbs. This not only ensures a more consistent texture but also helps to distribute the flavors throughout the sauce evenly. A finer chop allows the olive oil and vinegar to infuse the herbs better, creating a more cohesive and flavorful sauce.
Rest for Best Results: Allowing the chimichurri sauce to rest for at least 30 minutes before serving is crucial. This resting period lets the flavors meld and intensify. If you're in a rush, a minimum of 10 minutes can work, but give it that extra time for the best taste experience. This sauce also stores well, so making it ahead of time can enhance its flavor profile even more.
📖 Variations
Classic Chimichurri: Swap out cilantro for parsley to create a more traditional version of this beloved sauce. The parsley offers a slightly different herbal note, making it a timeless favorite that pairs wonderfully with many dishes.
Carrot Tops Chimichurri: Utilize the often-overlooked carrot tops in this unique variation. Their earthy, slightly sweet flavor provides a delightful twist.
🥢 How to serve
Grilled Veggies: Drizzle this chimichurri over a medley of grilled vegetables for a refreshing and herby touch. The sauce particularly shines when paired with zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplants, enhancing their natural flavors.
Vegan Barbecue: Elevate your plant-based barbecue by using the chimichurri as a marinade for vegan sausages or chickpea burgers. The sauce's vibrant flavors seep into the vegan meat, adding a zesty and herbaceous dimension that's hard to resist.
Pasta Toss: Toss your favorite cooked pasta with this tangy chimichurri sauce for a creative twist. It works wonderfully with spaghetti or penne, creating a light, herb-infused, unexpected, and delightful dish. Add some cherry tomatoes and roasted nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Marinade: add this sauce as a marinade to make seared vegan oyster mushrooms, marinade seitan, or make tofu crispy air fryer Mediterranean tofu.
🥡 Storage
Storing in the Fridge: Store your Cilantro Chimichurri fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It typically stays vibrant and flavorful for up to a week. There's no need to reheat it, as it's best served cold or at room temperature. If the oil solidifies slightly in the fridge, simply let the sauce sit out for a few minutes or give it a good stir before serving.
Freezing and Thawing: Freezing is a great option for long-term storage. Pour the chimichurri into an ice cube tray and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cubes into a freezer bag or container. This method allows you to thaw only what you need. To thaw, leave the desired amount in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Meal Prep Option: Cilantro Chimichurri is perfect for meal prep. Make a larger batch and divide it into small containers for the week. It's a versatile condiment that can be added to salads and sandwiches or as a flavor booster for cooked grains like quinoa or rice. Prepping it beforehand ensures you have a quick, flavorful addition to meals throughout the week.
❓ FAQ
Fresh cilantro is recommended for its vibrant flavor and texture. Dried cilantro may not provide the same freshness and could alter the taste of the sauce.
The spiciness can be adjusted to your preference. Red pepper flakes or chili add heat, so use less for a milder sauce or more for an extra kick.
While oil is a traditional ingredient in chimichurri, you can experiment with oil-free versions, perhaps using a bit of water or vegetable broth for consistency, though this will change the texture and flavor.
Yes, this cilantro chimichurri sauce is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
📚 More vegan sauce recipes
Try these great recipes to keep elevating your vegan dishes.
🎥 Video
⭐ If you try this recipe, let us know! 💬 Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag us @ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!
📋 Recipe
Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup cilantro finely chopped
- 5 cloves garlic finely chopped or minced
- 1 ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1 small red chili, deseeded and finely chopped
- ¾ cup olive oil extra virgin, or neutral vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 3 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper to taste (about ¾ teaspoon)
Directions
- Wash, remove stems, and finely chop the cilantro leaves; then, finely chop the garlic cloves.
- Combine all the ingredients in a medium mixing bowl or, even better, a mason jar. Slowly add salt and pepper while tasting the mixture to ensure it's not oversalted. Mix everything well.
- Preserve: Allow the sauce to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. For optimal results, make the cilantro chimichurri 30 minutes before serving so the flavors have enough time to meld together.
- Serve: You can serve this delicious sauce on top of roasted vegetables, plant-based burgers, or vegan sausages. Chimichurri can also be used as a marinade for vegetables.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Nutritional Disclaimer
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our full Nutritional Disclosure here.
Affiliate Disclaimer
Please note that some of the links here are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I recommend all of the products listed because they are companies I have found helpful and trustworthy.
As the lead content writer and recipe developer at Our Plant-Based World, he combines his passion for health and sustainability with a Plant-Based Nutrition Certification to create accessible, delicious vegan recipes. His expertise in plant-based cooking supports the blog's mission of fostering a healthier, environmentally conscious lifestyle through simple and seasonal dishes. His commitment to making vegan cooking enjoyable and inclusive for everyone shines in each recipe and article.
Christian McCulloch
Authentic chimichurri is parsley, not cilantro.
Gustavo De Obaldia
You're right about the origins of chimichurri, and as Argentinians ourselves, we're quite familiar with the traditional recipe. But the beauty of cooking is in its evolution and adaptation. There are countless recipes for classic chimichurri out there, so we wanted to bring something new to the table. Our Cilantro Chimichurri is inspired by what people are curious about and searching for online. We've used our lifelong knowledge of traditional chimichurri to maintain its spirit while introducing different herbs like cilantro. It's similar to our Carrot Top Chimichurri, where we've taken inspiration from the classic but adapted it to make use of carrot top leftovers. It's all about keeping the essence while exploring new, exciting flavors!
Think about this, just like our Cilantro Chimichurri, think about how pizza has evolved. Originally from Italy, pizza didn't even start with tomato sauce. Now, it's almost impossible to imagine a pizza without that classic red sauce.
Cheers!
Taly
your cilantro chimichurri sauce is a flavor explosion! The vibrant green color alone is inviting, and the taste is even more impressive. The balance of cilantro, garlic, and tangy vinegar creates a harmonious blend that elevates any dish. Bravo on crafting such a delightful sauce that adds a burst of freshness to every bite!
Gustavo De Obaldia
Thank you, Taly. We are glad you enjoyed the recipe!