Low Calorie Chimichurri Sauce is a vibrant and zesty sauce made with fresh cilantro, olive oil, garlic, cumin, and dried oregano. It's great as a marinade or served as a dipping sauce with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables.
Jump to:
Check out my Pineapple Habanero Sauce and my Spicy Marinara Sauce for more amazing sauce recipes!
This low calorie chimichurri sauce is quick and easy to make! It's a convenient condiment to have on hand for adding flavor to a variety of dishes.
It is a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional condiments like ketchup or mayonnaise and is a great way to add some variety to your cooking.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This sauce is made with fresh ingredients which give it a bright and vibrant flavor.
- This recipe is simple and easy to make. All you need is a blender or food processor to combine the ingredients.
- It's made with natural and healthy ingredients like fresh herbs and olive oil.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Cilantro: The star ingredient of this sauce, and it gives it a fresh and herbaceous flavor.
- Cumin: Adds a warm and earthy flavor to the sauce, which balances out the fresh herbs and garlic.
- Crushed Red Chili Flakes (optional): Added to the sauce to provide a subtle heat.
- Garlic: Used in this recipe to add a savory note to the sauce.
- Dried Oregano: Adds a slightly floral and bitter flavor to the sauce, which helps to enhance the other flavors in the recipe.
- Olive Oil: Used as the base of the sauce and adds richness and depth of flavor.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Process the cilantro, cumin and red pepper flakes in a food processor.
Step 2: Transfer mixture to bowl and season with garlic and oregano. Pour in olive oil.
Step 3: Let the sauce stand for 20 minutes, then enjoy!
NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!
Expert Tips
- Made with a few simple ingredients, it's best to use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh cilantro, garlic, and olive oil are essential for a flavorful sauce.
- A food processor or blender makes it easy to blend the ingredients into a smooth and creamy sauce. If you don't have a food processor or blender, you can chop the cilantro, garlic, and other ingredients finely by hand and mix them together.
- Best served at room temperature, which helps to bring out the flavors of the ingredients.
Variations
- Lime juice: Add a splash of fresh lime juice to the sauce for a tangy and bright flavor.
- Parsley: Replace some or all of the cilantro with parsley for a milder and slightly sweeter flavor.
- Red wine vinegar: Swap out some or all of the olive oil with red wine vinegar for a tangier and more acidic flavor.
- Jalapeño: Add a seeded and diced jalapeño pepper for a spicier version of the sauce.
Storing & Freezing
Storing: Store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container.
Freezing: Transfer the sauce to a freezer safe container and remove as much air as possible before sealing. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use the sauce, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
Recipe FAQ's
Chimichurri sauce is a tangy, herbaceous sauce. Typically made with fresh parsley or cilantro, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and spices, and it is often used as a marinade or sauce for grilled meats.
Cilantro chimichurri sauce can be made spicy by adding crushed red chili flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper.
Cilantro chimichurri sauce can be used as a marinade for grilled meats, like steak, chicken, or fish. It's also great as a dipping sauce for vegetables or bread, or as a condiment for tacos, burritos, or sandwiches.
More Recipes You'll Love
Low Calorie Chimichurri Sauce
Special Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup cilantro
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes optional
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 cup olive oil
Instructions
- In food processor, process cilantro, cumin and red pepper flakes until smooth.
- Transfer mixture to bowl and season with garlic and oregano. Pour in olive oil.
- Let stand for at least 20 minutes.
Notes
- Since chimichurri sauce is made with a few simple ingredients, it is important to use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh cilantro, garlic, and olive oil are essential for a flavorful sauce.
- A food processor or blender makes it easy to blend the ingredients into a smooth and creamy sauce. If you don't have a food processor or blender, you can chop the cilantro, garlic, and other ingredients finely by hand and mix them together.
- Letting the sauce sit for a few hours in the refrigerator can help the flavors mingle together and enhance the overall flavor.
- Storing: The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container.
- Freezing: Transfer the sauce to a freezer safe container or plastic bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you are ready to use the sauce, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and give it a stir before serving.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Comments
No Comments