Delicious Homemade Basil Chimichurri: Your Ultimate Versatile Herb Sauce Recipe

Prepare to elevate your culinary creations with Basil Chimichurri, a vibrant, multi-purpose spread, marinade, and dip that will transform any dish. By simply pulsing fresh basil and parsley together with a few key ingredients, you unlock an explosion of herbaceous flavor. Whether slathered generously on succulent grilled corn, tossed through a medley of perfectly roasted potatoes, or drizzled over your favorite protein, this bright green sauce promises an unforgettable taste experience. Its incredible versatility and refreshing profile make it an essential condiment for every home cook seeking to add a fresh, zesty kick to their meals.

My passion for fresh herbs runs deep, especially when it comes to the aromatic allure of basil. There’s nothing quite like walking into a garden brimming with basil, its leaves offering an intoxicating scent and a beautiful, vibrant appearance. It was only natural to combine my love for classic chimichurri sauce with the abundant basil from my garden, creating a fusion that would perfectly complement every vegetable and cut of meat I could find – starting, of course, with sweet summer corn!

The beauty of this Basil Chimichurri recipe lies in its utter simplicity. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this gourmet-tasting sauce, making it perfect for last-minute meal enhancements or planned culinary adventures.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. In other words, if you click a link and purchase something I will receive a commission at no cost to you. I only recommend products I use and enjoy myself.

What is Chimichurri Sauce? Understanding the Herbaceous Classic

Originating from the vibrant culinary traditions of Argentina, chimichurri sauce is a classic condiment renowned for its bright flavor and versatile applications. Traditionally, it’s crafted from a robust blend of fresh flat-leaf parsley, extra virgin olive oil, tangy red wine vinegar, pungent garlic, and earthy oregano. This staple sauce serves a multitude of purposes in the kitchen, functioning as a lively condiment, a refreshing dressing, a savory spread, a tenderizing marinade, and a delightful dip. Its striking bright green hue and intensely herbaceous flavor have the power to elevate almost any dish it touches, from grilled meats to roasted vegetables.

While the traditional recipe provides a fantastic foundation, the world of chimichurri is rich with variations, allowing for endless creative interpretations. Many chefs and home cooks, myself included, enjoy personalizing their chimichurri. For instance, I often opt for fresh lemon juice instead of red wine vinegar to introduce a brighter, more citrusy note. Some variations incorporate cilantro for an added layer of freshness, while others might adjust the amount of oregano or even omit it entirely. The ratios of herbs and acids can be tweaked to suit individual preferences, making each batch a unique expression of flavor. Regardless of the specific ingredients, the essence of chimichurri remains: a fresh, zesty, and incredibly aromatic sauce that is truly an herb lover’s dream come true.

The Heart of the Flavor: What’s in Basil Chimichurri?

Our garden is a testament to the versatility of basil, thriving with a diverse collection including the striking opal basil, the subtle lime basil, and the widely beloved sweet basil. This abundance has inspired many dishes, but none as frequently as this delightful Basil Chimichurri. It’s quickly becoming one of my favorite methods to utilize the generous harvest, ensuring none of those fragrant leaves go to waste. This recipe marries the traditional chimichurri base with the exquisite aroma and flavor of fresh basil, creating a sauce that is both familiar and excitingly new.

To craft this exceptional sauce, you will need just a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients:

• Flat Leaf Parsley: The cornerstone of any good chimichurri, providing a fresh, slightly peppery, and clean green base.
• Sweet Basil: The star of this particular variation, offering its signature sweet, slightly anise-like, and highly aromatic notes that distinguish this chimichurri.
• Garlic: Essential for a pungent, spicy kick that cuts through the richness of the oil and brightens the herbs.
• Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the necessary acidity, lending a bright, zesty tang that enhances all the other flavors.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil is crucial, acting as the binder and carrier for the flavors, adding richness and a silky texture.
• Kosher Salt: To enhance and balance all the flavors, bringing out the best in the fresh herbs and citrus.

Crafting Your Own Basil Chimichurri: A Simple Guide

Creating this flavorful Basil Chimichurri is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal effort and just a few minutes of your time. The key is a good food processor to achieve the perfect texture and blend of flavors. Here’s how to make it:

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: Begin by adding the fresh flat-leaf parsley, sweet basil leaves, peeled garlic clove, and the juice from half a lemon into a small food processor. For best results, ensure your herbs are thoroughly washed and dried before adding them.
2. Initial Pulsing: Pulse these ingredients a few times. The goal here is to coarsely mince them, breaking down the herbs and garlic into smaller pieces before adding the oil. This initial chop ensures an even blend.
3. Emulsify with Olive Oil: With the food processor running on a low setting, slowly and steadily drizzle in four tablespoons (which is equivalent to ¼ cup) of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. The slow addition of oil is crucial for creating a well-emulsified sauce, preventing it from separating.
4. Achieve Desired Consistency: Continue to blend the mixture until it reaches your preferred consistency. I personally enjoy my chimichurri to be quite emulsified and smooth, almost like a pesto, so I pulse it for a longer duration. If you prefer a chunkier sauce with more texture, pulse it for a shorter period, leaving some of the herb pieces more discernible. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find what you like best!
5. Scrape Down Sides: You may find that the herbs and garlic stick to the sides of the food processor bowl. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides a few times during the blending process to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
6. Season to Perfection: Once you’ve reached your desired texture, it’s time to taste and adjust the seasoning. Add a pinch of kosher salt, mix briefly, and then taste again. Continue adding small pinches of salt until the flavors sing and it’s perfectly balanced to your palate.

This simple process yields a vibrant, aromatic Basil Chimichurri that’s ready to enhance your meals immediately or can be stored for later enjoyment. The freshness of the herbs combined with the zesty lemon and rich olive oil creates a truly captivating sauce.

Tips for Success & Creative Substitutions

Making Basil Chimichurri is a delightful experience, and with a few tips and tricks, you can ensure your sauce is always perfect and tailored to your taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Enhancing Flavor and Customization:

• Season to Taste is Key: Always remember that seasoning is a personal journey. Add an initial pinch of kosher salt to your chimichurri, pulse briefly, and then taste. Continue to add small amounts of salt, pulsing and tasting, until the flavors are perfectly balanced and vibrant to your palate. A little extra salt can make all the difference in brightening the herbaceous notes.
• Dietary Friendly & Versatile: This Basil Chimichurri is naturally keto-friendly and paleo-compliant, making it an excellent choice for a variety of dietary preferences. Its fresh, clean flavors are particularly well-suited for complementing grilled meats and vegetables without adding unnecessary carbs or unhealthy ingredients.
• Beyond the Grill: Serving Suggestions Galore! The versatility of Basil Chimichurri is one of its greatest assets. It’s fantastic beyond just grilled corn or roasted potatoes.
  • Proteins: Drizzle generously onto grilled chicken, steak, fish, or shrimp for an instant flavor upgrade. It also works wonders as a marinade, infusing your proteins with rich herbaceous notes before cooking.
  • Vegetables: Toss with any roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini. It also makes a fantastic dressing for fresh green salads or a topping for baked potatoes.
  • Breakfast & Brunch: Spoon it over scrambled eggs or an omelet for a fresh morning twist.
  • Sandwiches & Wraps: Use it as a vibrant spread on sandwiches, wraps, or even a base for a gourmet flatbread.
  • Pasta & Grains: Stir a spoonful into warm pasta dishes or grain bowls (like quinoa or couscous) for a burst of fresh flavor.
  • Appetizers: Serve it as a dip with crusty bread, fresh vegetable sticks, or even as a topping for bruschetta.
• Health Benefits: While this recipe is rich in olive oil, contributing to a higher fat content, it’s important to note that it’s packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Furthermore, the star ingredients, parsley and basil, are excellent sources of essential nutrients, including Vitamin K and Vitamin A. Often, incredibly delicious sauces might not be the healthiest choice (though certainly good for the soul!), but Basil Chimichurri offers a delicious flavor profile that’s also remarkably good for you. It’s truly the icing on the cake!
• Storage Tips: Store your homemade Basil Chimichurri in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will typically last for about 5-7 days. To maintain its vibrant green color, you can pour a thin layer of olive oil over the top before sealing. This helps to prevent oxidation.
• Spice it Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the food processor along with the other dry ingredients. This will give your chimichurri a subtle warmth without overpowering the fresh herb flavors.
• Other Herbs: While basil is the star here, you can certainly experiment with other fresh herbs. A small amount of fresh oregano or cilantro can add another layer of complexity if you’re feeling adventurous.

Other Herbaceous Recipes You Might Love

• Chimichurri Steak Bowl
• Oven Roasted Potatoes with Herb Sour Cream
• Herby Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Chickpeas
• Pistachio Crusted Salmon with Lemon Basil Sauce