Fresh Mint Chimichurri and Herb Sauces
A mint-forward chimichurri recipe that brings a cooler, brighter edge to the classic garlicky herb sauce, well suited to lamb and other grilled meats.
Mint brings a cooler, brighter edge to a chimichurri-style herb sauce than the more common parsley-and-oregano base, making it a good match for richer grilled meats and fish that benefit from something sharp and refreshing alongside them.
Fresh Mint Chimichurri
Prep time: 10 minutes | Makes: about 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the chopped mint, parsley, and garlic.
- Stir in the olive oil, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes before using to let the flavors combine, and up to a day ahead if you want to make it in advance.
- Taste and adjust salt or vinegar before serving.
Notes
Chop the herbs by hand rather than in a food processor for the right loose, rustic texture traditional to chimichurri.
Why Parsley Stays in the Mix
A smaller amount of parsley alongside the mint keeps the sauce closer to a traditional chimichurri's herbal backbone while letting mint's brighter, cooler character come through as the dominant flavor. Using mint alone works too, but leans further toward a distinct mint sauce rather than a chimichurri variation.
What to Use It On
This works especially well over grilled lamb, echoing the pairing in our classic mint sauce but in a different, more textured format, as well as grilled chicken, steak, or roasted vegetables. It also makes a good marinade if used a few hours ahead of grilling.
Variations
- Add cilantro: A small amount of cilantro alongside the mint pushes this toward a flavor profile more suited to grilled fish tacos or similar dishes.
- Spicier version: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a finely minced fresh chili.
- Yogurt version: Stir a spoonful of plain yogurt into a portion of the finished sauce for a creamier, milder variation, closer in spirit to our mint yogurt sauce.
For more savory mint applications, see the complete mint guide.
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