Cilantro Chimichurri is a wonderful sauce to use with all kinds of protein. It is easy, fresh and, while it contains oil, helps break through the fat of oily fish and meats. It is a versatile condiment that you will love to serve alongside all protein and vegetables.
A white serving dish, filled with a vibrant green herby sauce, on a dark counter top

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and flavourful! – this vibrant, green dressing adds so much fresh, delicious flavour to your meal that you’ll want to have it on everything!

Readily available basic ingredients – most of the ingredients are basic spices and pantry staples that you are most likely to already have.

Quick and easy – There is very little active preparation time required and the steps are quick and simple!

Thermal-cooker friendly – This is an easy recipe and I have included instructions for making the cilantro chimichurri with a Thermomix as well.

What is Chimichurri?

Chimichurri is a herb sauce that can be used in many ways. This Argentinian sauce is traditionally used as a condiment for grilled or barbecued proteins and vegetables.

You can also use chimichurri as a marinade for meat, to add a big dose of fresh herby flavour, or as a basting while cooking.

What You’ll Need

Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the quantity of ingredients used and the full detailed recipe for cilantro chimichurri sauce. Keep reading for more details on the ingredients, substitutes and step by step instructions on how to make this delicious recipe.

Fresh herbs, garlic and spices in individual containers laid out on a charcoal counter

Cilantroalso known as Coriander, this herb is quite a contentious ingredient due to it tasting “soapy” to some people! Luckily, you can easily substitute it with flat leaf parsley – also known as Italian parsley – in this recipe!

Oregano – you can choose to use either fresh or dried oregano to make chimichurri. If you use dried oregano, you will need to use a lot less than fresh, as dried has a more concentrated flavour.

Garlicfresh garlic cloves are the best choice for this recipe, as the flavour from powder or granules can be a bit stronger and overpowering.

Extra virgin olive oil – a good quality extra virgin olive oil will complement the flavours of the fresh herbs and spices without overpowering them.

Red wine vinegar – this is an important element in the flavour of chimichurri, but you can substitute it with balsamic vinegar if you need to.

Red Pepper flakes – I have added this as an optional ingredient, but I do recommend adding them for that extra flavour. A pinch will not make the chimichurri spicy, but it will enhance the taste!

PS> take no notice of the butter mentioned in the picture… I was obviously thinking of something else at the time bahahaha!

How to Make It

This keto chimichurri sauce recipe is super simple, which makes it easy to have a fresh batch of chimichurri whenever you want some.

Finely chop the herbs and garlic, so that there is still some texture to them, but not big chunks. This can be done by hand or in a food processor if preferred. Chimichurri Thermomix instructions are also included in the recipe card below (it is so easy to make).

Mix the finely chopped herbs well with the rest of the ingredients in a small bowl, and season well with salt flakes and black pepper. You can add a little fresh lime juice or sliced red onion. If you are like me all these ingredients end up on most dishes anyway.

How To Serve Cilantro Chimichurri

Once you have tasted this delicious coriander sauce you will want to add it to as many meals as you can! Not only is perfect with grilled meats or seafood it really goes so well with all the foods I regularly enjoy!

These are just some suggestions of how you can serve it:

A bowl of cauliflower soup with chimichurri on top.

Megan’s Tips

SERVING SIZE BY WEIGHT

To calculate the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe by 8. The result will be the weight of one serving. 

STORAGE

As there is fresh garlic in the Chimichurri, it is best used within 2-3 days of making it. If it has been left in the fridge longer, I would use it in a recipe where it will be cooking rather than a fresh drizzle over the top of a meal or as a dip.

FAQs

Why is there a substitute for fresh oregano but not for the cilantro or parsley?

Fresh cilantro (or parsley) is the main ingredient in the chimichurri. Dried herbs are more concentrated and you would therefore use much less, and this is why the fresh, main ingredient cannot be substituted with dried herbs. The oregano is a complementary ingredient, and although it would be preferable if it was also fresh, is sometimes not as readily available so substituting dried oregano is fine to do.

I don’t like the taste of cilantro or coriander. How different will it be if I use flat leaf parsley?

Parsley is the herb used in the traditional version, so even though it will taste different to the cilantro version, it will still be delicious!

Can I use a mortar and pestle instead of finely chopping?

Chimichurri is meant to be slightly chunky rather than a smooth sauce, but feel free to prepare it to your liking.

How much Chimichurri does the recipe make?

The recipe will make 7 tablespoons.

How can I store the leftover sauce for longer?

You can extend the storage time if you spoon individual servings – 1 tablespoon – into an ice cube tray. Once the cubes are frozen, pop them in a zip lock bag and keep frozen. You can use these in stews, soups or casseroles as needed.

More Recipes to Try

Serve with our incredible Easy Zucchini Slice or Birria Tacos with Consommé.

Love our keto chimichurri recipe? Then please rate the recipe ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review to help others know that this is worth making.

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A vibrant green herby dressing in a white serving dish on a dark counter top strewn with spices and fresh herbs

Cilantro Chimichurri

Cilantro Chimichurri is a wonderful sauce to use with all kinds of protein. It is easy, fresh and, while it contains oil, helps break through the fat of oily fish and meats. It is a versatile condiment that you will love to serve alongside all protein and vegetables.
5 from 57 votes!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: Australian Keto
Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Vegan
Recipe Category: Low Carb
Calories: 75kcal
Author: Megan Ellam
Servings: 7 serves (per tbsp)
Tap or hover over number to scale ingredients
Print Pin Save Rate

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup (1 cup) cilantro (coriander) (30g) or flat-leaf parsley (or a combination of both)
  • 1 tablespoon (1 tablespoon) fresh oregano or half a teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 2 cloves (2 cloves) garlic
  • ¼ cup (0.25 cup) extra-virgin olive oil 60g
  • 2 tablespoons (2 tablespoons) red wine vinegar 30g
  • Pinch (Pinch) chilli flakes optional
  • Salt flakes and black pepper

Instructions

CONVENTIONAL METHOD

  • Finely chop the cilantro, oregano and garlic. Combine with the remaining ingredients in a small bowl and season to taste.

THERMAL METHOD

  • Place the roughly chopped cilantro, oregano, garlic, and oil into the mixer; chop 5 sec/speed 7. Scrape down the lid and sides of the bowl; add the remaining ingredients and season to taste; mix 5 sec/speed 7.

Notes

To freeze any leftover simply spoon into an ice cube tray. Once frozen, pop the cubes in a zip lock bag. You can use these in stews, soups or casseroles as needed.
NUTRITIONAL VALUES
Nutritional values shown are guidelines only.
They are for 1 tablespoon using the ingredients listed. So this can be halved, quartered or whatever depending on the dish the seasoning is added to.
Actual macros may vary slightly depending on the brands and types of ingredients used. 
SUBSTITUTES
If you are not a lover of cilantro / coriander then you can swap parsley in its place. I do make both versions as I love it either way.
Avocado oil is a tasty and good alternative for extra-virgin olive oil if you don’t have any either.
The recipe card instructions contain the most basic of steps and a list of ingredients. If you have any queries, questions or are unsure of substitutions, please scroll up to the blog post for more information.

Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 1tbsp | Calories: 75kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 62mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 734IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg | Magnesium: 7mg | Net Carbs: 0g
Tried this recipe?Mention @meganellam or tag #madcreations!

Megan Ellam is a keto Australian recipes blogger and author of amazing keto cookbooks such as Keto Mojo, Slow Cook KetoKeto LocoThe Healthy Family Keto Cookbook and Every Day Keto.

Megan has been following a ketogenic diet since being diagnosed with insulin resistance in early 2017.

Share This Recipe

38 responses to “Cilantro Chimichurri Recipe”

  1. amanda

    5 stars
    This sauce is so flavorful! Served it with some grilled steaks the other day and everyone was raving about them. Thanks!

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Awesomeness!

  2. Nora

    5 stars
    Never made chimichurri before. But from your description, it sounds like it’s not hard! I’ll give it a try! Thanks!

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Enjoy!

  3. Jan

    5 stars
    Gosh this sauce is amazing! I love it with roasted veggies

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      yay!

  4. Alexandra

    5 stars
    Love the delicious, fresh and vibrant flavours!

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      So good isnt it

  5. Oscar

    5 stars
    You had me at cilantro. Had this with some lamb instead of mint and it was absolutely delicious. Great recipe.

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Me too

  6. Marcellina

    5 stars
    This sauce is a must have with steak, in my opinion. But such tasty and bright flavors will add zing to anything you choose to serve it with. I actually love it in a sandwich as well.

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Thanks Marcellina

  7. nancy

    5 stars
    i love a good chimichurri sauce. this one is amazing becuase it is packed with cilantros

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Absolutely!

  8. Silvia

    5 stars
    This chimichurri was so easy and so fast to prepare. I can think on a hundred different ways to use it.

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      That is so great Silvia.

  9. Katie Crenshaw

    5 stars
    I made this chimichurri to top on some flank steak. It turned out perfect. It was so flavorful and delicious.

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Glad you enjoyed the dish Katie.

  10. Moop Brown

    5 stars
    This sauce looks really tasty and seems really versatile as well. I could see it going well with a variety of different recipes.

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      It is so good isnt it!

  11. Cathleen

    5 stars
    This is so perfect timing!! I just bought too much cilantro and didn’t know what to do with the rest. Making this tonight, thank you so much for the recipe 🙂

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      haha! Enjoy!

  12. Freya

    5 stars
    I love chimichurri sauce but always buy it! After trying your revipe I will always make my own!

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      It is so easy and so much better isnt it

  13. Heather

    5 stars
    This chimichurri was simple and excellent! Drizzled some over some shakshuka…and it put it over the top!

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Woohoo!

  14. Liz

    5 stars
    This sounds delicious! What a great idea to add to dishes or meats! I will have to make this and give it a try!

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      I hope you love it

  15. veenaazmanov

    5 stars
    Perfect to have a bottle in my kitchen. This sauce is bursting with all the flavors and I love the way you relish it.

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Enjoy!

  16. Natalie

    5 stars
    This looks amazing. I never made homemade chimichurri but you just inspired me to try it. I saved the recipe. I will give it a try this weekend. Thanks!

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      It is so good Natalie!

  17. Marie

    Wow this chimichurri is so flavorful that I honestly have had a few spoonfuls of it straight up!! I served it with grilled salmon but now I want to use it everywhere. I’m thinking it would be wonderful with an omelet for brunch!

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Yay!

  18. Tracy

    5 stars
    This is so fresh and delicious. So so easy to make, too! We loved it, thank you!

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      So happy to know that Tracy!

  19. Allyssa

    5 stars
    Thank you so much for sharing this amazing cilantro chimichurri recipe! Will surely have this again! It’s really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Thanks Allyssa

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