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Home » Sauces and Dressings » Red Chimichurri (Chimichurri rojo)

Red Chimichurri (Chimichurri rojo)

Published: May 9, 2023 ~ by Tracey Hatch-Rizzi
Updated: Jun 3, 2023 ~ Leave a Comment

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Red chimichurri sauce is rich and flavorful, similar to traditional chimichurri, but with bold flavors of roasted red peppers and smoky paprika.  It’s incredibly versatile and perfect to top grilled meats, use as a steak sauce, serve on veggies or use as a dressing.  And, it’s ready in about 5 minutes.  You’re going to love this recipe that’s also low-carb keto and FODMAP friendly!

White bowl of red chimichurri on a marble board with a small wooden spoon, whole peppercorns, parsley and a festive towel next to it.

I never used to be much of a sauce person, especially a steak sauce kind of gal – until now.  After making my first chimichurri recipe, it was all over.  And I wanted to put it on pretty much everything (and I still do).  Literally, I just spoon it right in to my mouth.  It’s so good and very healthy, which is a win-win, all around.

There are many different chimichurri recipes, but this variation with red peppers and deep flavor from the paprika make this sauce one to keep on hand at all times.  The red peppers impart a savory and slightly sweet flavor while the smoked paprika lends a touch of earthy smokiness. I use this recipe, as well as my Mexican Chimichurri Sauce on smoked meats, like Traeger smoked flank steak. It’s also delicious on pork, fish, this keto and FODMAP-friendly Carnitas and pretty much anything else. It’s also totally divine as a keto chimichurri rice when mixed with homemade cauliflower rice.

What is chimichurri?

Chimichurri is an oil-based sauce, used in South American and Mexican cooking.  Most sources regard this as an Argentinian recipe that features bright, aromatic ingredients such as parsley, garlic, olive oil and vinegar.  Traditionally, it is used as a marinade for meat and sauce for grilled meats, but it is now also used as a homemade barbeque sauce, steak sauce and even as a salad dressing.

I’ve taken the authentic chimichurri verde (green chimichurri) recipe and added some additional savory elements with bright lemon to create a chimichurri rojo (red chimichurri) recipe that will make your taste buds sing.  This is definitely a recipe to add to your sauce collection.

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • This outstanding sauce takes a handful of ingredients and is ready in minutes
  • It’s made from healthy ingredients and adds a boost of nutrition to your meal
  • You can use this on pretty much everything – and you’ll want to!
  • It’s so versatile, keeps well in the fridge and you can freeze it to have on hand and defrost at a moment’s notice
  • You get to control the amount of spice which is a great advantage over store bought
Ingredients for red chimichurri sauce laid on a marble board in small bowls with black text labels.

Ingredients

This red version of a classic green chimichurri takes a handful of healthy ingredients:

  • Fresh parsley – Use can use curly or Italian flat leaf.  Use the leaves only, as the stems tend to have a bitter flavor.
  • Roasted red peppers – I often purchase these in a jar, but fresh roasted are always a good idea
  • Extra virgin olive oil  or garlic infused olive oil – If you want to make a low-FODMAP sauce, use garlic infused olive oil as a garlic substitute
  • Vinegar – Red wine vinegar is my favorite, but you can also use white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar or champagne vinegar
  • Garlic – bold and aromatic, it brings an extra liveliness to the palate.  I find that 2 cloves adds just enough garlic flavor, but you can add more for a stronger flavor. For low-FODMAP, you can eliminate this completely or use garlic infused olive oil to substitute for garlic.
  • Smoked paprika – also known as pimenton, this adds a deep, rich flavor.  You can also use sweet paprika if you don’t have smoked paprika, or eliminate it altogether. But it really adds an extra layer of flavor.
  • Lemon juice or preserved lemon paste – a little acidity adds a brightness to the sauce and balances the richness of the oil. Using fresh lemon juice is best. Preserved lemon paste adds a lemony, salty, umami to anything it touches and is amazing in this sauce. Read more about preserved lemon paste in my preserved lemon paste ingredient spotlight.
  • Salt and pepper – enhances the robust flavors and brings everything together

Instructions

Looking down into food processor bowl at chimichurri ingredients prior to blending.

Place all of the ingredients except for the olive oil in your food processor and blend to desired consistency, 5-10 seconds.

Small white measuring cup pouring Extra Virgin olive oil into the open lid spout of a food processor of chimichurri ingredients.

Add the olive oil and pulse 3-4 times until it’s thoroughly incorporated.  Or, you can stir the oil in by hand with a large spoon.

Looking into food processor bowl of blended red chimichurri with one arm of the blade visible.

Taste and add more salt and spice if necessary.

If you don’t have a food processor, you can also hand chop for a more chunky sauce or use a blender for a thinner sauce.

Expert tips

Adding the olive oil after the other ingredients are processed will prevent it from becoming bitter.  When olive oil is blended too much, it tends to take on a slightly bitter taste.

If you like a slightly chunky chimichurri, only process the ingredients until they’re coarsely chopped.

Let sit for 30-60 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend together.  The sauce mellows, deepens and develops a hint of sweetness while it rests.

How to store

You can store red chimichurri in the refrigerator for up to a week in a sealed container. I prefer to use a mason jar. 

Can you freeze chimichurri?

If you want to freeze some, I recommend freezing in small containers, like small mason jars.  This way, you can pull out just enough for a meal or two at a time. 

Try freezing in ice cube trays for single servings.  When frozen, you can transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag.

White bowl of chimichurri rojo with a hand lifting a small wood spoon full of delicious red and green sauce.

How to use

There are SO many ways to use chimichurri rojo to liven up everyday meals.  Here are my favorites:

  • Best burger topping – adding a dollop to your burger is one of the best things ever – not kidding here…
  • Top your grilled steak – this flavor powerhouse was made for red meat.  Create your own fancy steakhouse at home and create some beef chimichurri!  This is truly one of the best steak sauce recipes ever.  I love this with smoked flank steak.
  • Add to roasted or grilled meat, poultry or fish – A little bit goes a long way, but I don’t stop at just a little bit… try this with smoked leg of lamb for a truly magical culinary experience.
  • Serve on top of eggs – top an omelet, scramble, poached eggs, quiche or frittata
  • Make a chimichurri sandwich – use as a sandwich spread.  It’s so good.
  • Top roasted vegetables – or toss with your favorite roasted or grilled veggies
  • Add to a hot dog – create unique and divine dawg magic
  • Serve on tacos and burritos – who needs salsa?  It goes really well with Instant Pot Carnitas for taco Tuesday.
  • Use it as a salad dressing – Drizzle a little on your salad and toss.  It’s amazing for steak salad.
  • Make chimichurri shrimp – sauté shrimp in this divine sauce or top grilled shrimp skewers
  • Try it as a pizza base – use it like pesto and use a chimichurri sauce pizza base

Variations and add-ins

  • Replace half the parsley with cilantro – this changes the flavors a bit, but it’s so good.  Cilantro chimichurri isn’t traditional, but that’s okay!
  • Add pine nuts or almonds or a tablespoon of almond butter – this will make it a little thicker and slightly like a romesco sauce
  • Add a little bit of mint, oregano or basil – these each have a different flavor profile and are more aromatic than parsley.  Start with a small amount or they each can overpower your sauce.
  • Increase the garlic or add shallot – If you can tolerate alliums, create an intense red garlic sauce by adding 2-3 additional garlic cloves or a small shallot
  • Make it spicy – add Aleppo pepper, red pepper flakes or other hot peppers. Not familiar with Aleppo pepper? It’s one of my favorite things. Read more in my Aleppo pepper ingredient spotlight.
  • Use preserved lemon paste instead of lemon juice – never heard of it?  Read all about how to make it in my Preserved Lemon Paste ingredient spotlight.

FAQ

Is chimichurri spicy?

The spice level depends on how much chili pepper you decide to add, if you choose to add any at all.  If you’re a fan of spice, add serrano, fresno chili, jalapeno, or Aleppo or red pepper flakes.

Is chimichurri keto?

Yes!  This may become the keto steak sauce of your dreams.  It’s one of the most flavorful low-carb sauces around.  Since it contains no sugar, you’ll probably want to keep this low-carb steak sauce on hand.

Is Chimichurri a FODMAP-friendly sauce?

Yes, as long as it’s made without garlic, using garlic infused olive oil as a garlic substitute.  Use this recipe as a low-FODMAP sauce for a variety of dishes, as a low-FODMAP condiment for sandwiches, burgers and more.  Or, use it as a low-FODMAP dressing for salads – it’s so versatile!

Is parsley healthy?

Yes! In fact, it may well be considered a superfood.  It’s an excellent source of vitamin C and other antioxidants, as well as vitamins A, K and folate.  About 10 sprigs of parsley provide the recommended daily allowance of vitamin K.


Did you make this recipe? I’d love to know how you liked it! Please leave a comment and a star rating!

Close view of most of a glistening bowl of red chimichurri sauce on a white board with 3 peppercorns in one corner, and a decorative pink and red towel in the other.

Other recipes you might like

  • Guacamole
  • Mexican Green Chimichurri
  • Tomatillo Green Chile Salsa Verde
  • Basil Truffle Pesto
  • Radish Salsa with Cilantro
  • Pineapple Habanero Sauce
  • Pineapple Habanero Salsa

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Bowl of red chimichurri sauce on a white board with a small wood spoon next to it, a decorative towel, and parsley.

Red Chimichurri (Chimichurri rojo)

Author: Tracey Hatch-Rizzi
Red chimichurri sauce is rich and flavorful, similar to traditional chimichurri, but with bold flavors of roasted red peppers and smoky paprika.  It’s incredibly versatile and perfect to top grilled meats, use as a steak sauce, serve on veggies or use as a dressing.  And, it’s ready in about 5 minutes.  You’re going to love this recipe because it's also low-carb keto and FODMAP friendly!
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
Category: Sauces, Dressings and Dips
Cuisine: Global
Method: No cook
Yield: 14 servings
Diet:Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Special Diet:Keto, Low-Carb, Low-FODMAP, Paleo

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 cups fresh parsely (about 1 bunch, stems removed)
  • 12 ounces roasted red peppers
  • ½ cup olive oil (or use garlic infused olive oil for low-FODMAP)
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic (or use garlic infused olive oil as a garlic substitute)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (or use sweet paprika)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients except for the olive oil in your food processor and blend to desired consistency, between 5-10 seconds.
  • Add the olive oil and pulse 3-4 times until it’s thoroughly incorporated.  Or, you can stir the oil in by hand with a large spoon.
  • Taste and add more salt and spice if necessary.

Notes

Variations and add-ins

  • Replace half the parsley with cilantro – for non-tradtional flavor but oh so good
  • Add pine nuts, almonds or almond butter – makes it a little thicker like romesco
  • Add mint, oregano, or basil – start with small amounts only to not overpower the sauce
  • Increase garlic or add shallot – if you tolerate alliums
  • Make it spicy – with Aleppo pepper, red pepper flakes or other hot peppers
  • Use preserved lemon paste instead of lemon juice – for a lemony, salty umami

Nutrition

Serving: 2 tablespoonsCalories: 81 kcalCarbohydrates: 2 gProtein: 0 gFat: 7 gSodium: 314 mgFiber: 1 gNet Carbs*: 1 g

*Net carbs = carbohydrates – fiber

Nutritional information is an estimate, calculated using online tools and does not include optional ingredients unless otherwise indicated.

Keywords: chimichurri rojo, chimichurri sauce, red chimichurri
Did you make this recipe?Leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag @Rad_Foodie on Instagram so I can see it!

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Filed Under: Keto, Low FODMAP, Paleo, Recipes, Sauces and Dressings, Vegetarian

About Tracey Hatch-Rizzi

Tracey Hatch-Rizzi, LAc, MAcOM is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist with a strong background in science and nutrition. She has followed a ketogenic diet since 2018 and has over 10 years' experience with special diets, including the low-FODMAP diet. Tracey is dedicated to providing delicious, healthy recipes, and educational resources to help others find optimal health through informed diet and lifestyle choices.

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Blog author.

Hey there! I’m Tracey – an acupuncturist, nutrition nerd, cat herder, outdoors enthusiast and lover of comfort food! I enjoy cooking mostly healthy keto, low-carb and low-FODMAP recipes and sharing them (okay, eating them too…)!  When I’m not making a huge mess in the kitchen, I’m exploring and enjoying the beautiful Pacific Northwest.  Learn more…

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