Chimichurri is a flavorful, herb-based sauce that originates from Argentina and is traditionally served with grilled meats. But did you know it can also be a perfect addition to your pizza?
This Sweet Tomatoes Chimichurri Pizza Sauce Recipe combines fresh herbs, garlic, and spices to create a vibrant, zesty topping that pairs beautifully with pizza. It’s an unexpected twist that will elevate your pizza night with its fresh, bold flavors!
What so Special About Sweet Tomatoes Chimichurri Pizza Sauce?
Sweet Tomatoes Chimichurri Pizza Sauce stands out for its fresh, vibrant blend of herbs, garlic, and spices, delivering a unique twist to traditional pizza sauces. Unlike tomato-based sauces, chimichurri adds a zesty, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with pizza toppings like mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, or grilled vegetables.
The combination of parsley, cilantro, red wine vinegar, and olive oil creates a light yet flavorful sauce that’s also healthy, offering heart-friendly fats, antioxidants, and vitamins. This versatile sauce brings a refreshing, gourmet touch to any pizza!
Ingredients for Sweet Tomatoes Chimichurri Pizza Sauce Recipe
- 1 cup fresh parsley, tightly packed
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, tightly packed (optional for extra complexity)
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 small shallot or ½ small red onion
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added acidity)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Equipment & Tools Required
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Blender or food processor
- Airtight container or jar for storage
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: None
Total Time: 10 minutes
How to Make chimichurri pizza sauce sweet tomatoes recipe
Step-01: Prepare the Herbs
Wash and dry the fresh parsley (and cilantro if using). Remove the thick stems, as these can be too fibrous for the sauce. Roughly chop the leaves and set them aside.
Step-02: Blend the Ingredients
In a blender or food processor, combine the parsley, cilantro (if using), garlic cloves, and shallot (or red onion). Pulse until everything is finely chopped, but not pureed.
Step-03: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice (optional). Sprinkle in the dried oregano and red pepper flakes. Blend again, but only until the mixture is well combined and slightly chunky. You want the sauce to have a bit of texture.
Step-04: Season to Taste
Taste the sauce and adjust the salt, black pepper, or red pepper flakes according to your preference. Give it one final pulse in the blender to incorporate the seasonings.
Step-05: Store the Chimichurri
Transfer your chimichurri pizza sauce to an airtight container or jar. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, and the flavors will often deepen after a day or two.
How to Use on Pizza
Spread a thin layer of this chimichurri sauce over your pizza base before adding your favorite toppings. It pairs exceptionally well with mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and even grilled vegetables for a light, flavorful twist. You can also drizzle it on after baking for a fresh herbaceous punch!
Creative Serving Ideas for Sweet Tomatoes Chimichurri Pizza Sauce Recipe
1. Pizza Base Sauce
Spread the chimichurri sauce directly onto your pizza base before adding toppings like fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and roasted veggies for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
2. Grilled Meat Topping
Use the sauce as a topping for grilled meats like steak, chicken, or lamb. Its bright flavors enhance the smokiness of grilled meats perfectly.
3. Roasted Vegetable Drizzle
Drizzle chimichurri over roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant to add a fresh, zesty contrast to the caramelized veggies.
4. Sandwich Spread
Spread chimichurri onto your sandwiches or wraps in place of mayo or mustard. It works especially well in chicken, turkey, or vegetarian sandwiches.
5. Salad Dressing
Thin out the chimichurri with a little more olive oil or lemon juice and use it as a bright, herb-filled Caesar salad dressing.
6. Grilled Seafood Garnish
Pair chimichurri with grilled shrimp, salmon, or white fish for a vibrant, herb-packed garnish that complements seafood beautifully.
7. Burger Sauce
Use chimichurri as a tangy, zesty sauce on top of burgers. It pairs well with beef, chicken, or even plant-based patties.
8. Pasta Topping
Toss the sauce with warm pasta for a quick, flavorful meal. Chimichurri adds a unique twist to simple spaghetti or penne dishes.
9. Eggs and Breakfast Bowls
Drizzle chimichurri over fried or scrambled eggs, or use it to top off breakfast bowls with quinoa, avocado, and sautéed greens for a flavorful start to the day.
10. Grain Bowl Addition
Add chimichurri to grain bowls made with quinoa, rice, or couscous, along with roasted vegetables, proteins like chicken or tofu, and a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese.
URRecipe Community Tips on Sweet Tomatoes Chimichurri Pizza Sauce Recipe
1. Use Fresh Herbs
Always use fresh parsley and cilantro (if adding) for the best flavor. Dried herbs won’t provide the same vibrant taste.
2. Balance the Acidity
If you find the sauce too acidic with both lemon juice and red wine vinegar, try starting with just one and adjusting to taste.
3. Pulse, Don’t Puree
When blending, aim for a chunky texture. Over-blending will turn your chimichurri into a paste, which isn’t ideal for this recipe.
4. Adjust the Heat
The amount of red pepper flakes can be customized based on your heat preference. Add more for a spicy kick or reduce if you prefer a milder sauce.
5. Let It Sit
Allow the chimichurri to sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. The flavors will develop and intensify, making it even tastier.
6. Experiment with Garlic
For a milder garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves before blending. This will add a sweet, caramelized taste to the sauce.
7. Use Extra Virgin Olive Oil
The quality of your olive oil will affect the overall taste. Opt for a good-quality extra virgin olive oil to ensure a rich, fruity flavor.
8. Try Shallots for a Subtle Onion Flavor
If you want a gentler onion flavor, use shallots instead of red onion. Shallots are milder and less pungent.
9. Double the Recipe for Later Use
Chimichurri stores well in the fridge for up to a week, so consider doubling the recipe and using it as a salad dressing, marinade, or dipping sauce throughout the week.
10. Avoid Over-Salting Early On
Wait until the end to season with salt and pepper. This way, you can better control the salt level after all the ingredients are blended and the flavors have melded.
How to Store Leftover Chimichurri Pizza Sauce?
To store leftover chimichurri pizza sauce, transfer it to an airtight container or jar and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in ice cube trays and transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw as needed to enjoy its vibrant flavors later!
Sweet Tomatoes Chimichurri Pizza Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh parsley tightly packed
- ½ cup fresh cilantro tightly packed (optional for extra complexity)
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 small shallot or ½ small red onion
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional, for added acidity
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste for heat
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry the fresh parsley (and cilantro if using). Remove the thick stems, as these can be too fibrous for the sauce. Roughly chop the leaves and set them aside.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the parsley, cilantro (if using), garlic cloves, and shallot (or red onion). Pulse until everything is finely chopped, but not pureed.
- Pour in the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice (optional). Sprinkle in the dried oregano and red pepper flakes. Blend again, but only until the mixture is well combined and slightly chunky. You want the sauce to have a bit of texture.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the salt, black pepper, or red pepper flakes according to your preference. Give it one final pulse in the blender to incorporate the seasonings.
- Transfer your chimichurri pizza sauce to an airtight container or jar. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, and the flavors will often deepen after a day or two.
Video
Notes
Common queries on Sweet Tomatoes Chimichurri Pizza Sauce Recipe
These commonly asked questions and their short answers will give you an better understanding of this Sweet Tomatoes Chimichurri Pizza Sauce Recipe
1. What do you do with chimichurri sauce?
Chimichurri is incredibly versatile! You can use it as a pizza base sauce, a marinade for meats, a topping for grilled vegetables, or a flavorful spread in sandwiches. It also works well as a salad dressing or a dip for bread.
2. How long is chimichurri good for?
Chimichurri can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. The flavors actually improve after a day or two as they meld together.
3. Why is my chimichurri sauce bitter?
If your chimichurri sauce tastes bitter, it could be due to over-processing the herbs, which releases too much chlorophyll. Using lower-quality olive oil or including stems from the parsley or cilantro can also contribute to bitterness. To avoid this, blend the ingredients just until combined and use a good-quality olive oil.
4. Can I freeze chimichurri sauce?
Yes! Chimichurri sauce freezes well. You can freeze it in small portions, like in ice cube trays, and thaw as needed. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
5. Do I have to use cilantro in this recipe?
No, cilantro is optional. If you don’t like cilantro or prefer a simpler flavor, you can omit it and just use parsley. The sauce will still be flavorful.
6. Can I make chimichurri sauce without a food processor?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a food processor, you can finely chop the parsley, cilantro, garlic, and shallot by hand and mix them with the olive oil, vinegar, and seasonings.
7. What can I substitute for red wine vinegar?
If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can substitute with white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even balsamic vinegar. Each will add a slightly different flavor profile to the sauce.
8. Is chimichurri supposed to be chunky or smooth?
Traditional chimichurri is slightly chunky. You want to blend the ingredients until they are well combined but still have some texture, not completely pureed.
9. Can I use chimichurri sauce on pizza?
Yes! Chimichurri is an excellent base for pizza sauce, adding a fresh and tangy flavor that pairs well with toppings like mozzarella, tomatoes, and grilled vegetables.
10. What’s the best way to store chimichurri sauce?
Store chimichurri in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To prevent the herbs from discoloring, ensure the sauce is fully covered with olive oil before sealing the container.
Enjoy your Sweet Tomatoes Chimichurri Pizza Sauce! It’s an easy-to-make, healthy alternative to traditional pizza sauces, packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor. This versatile sauce will soon become a staple in your kitchen!
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spicy!!!!
surely it is.
Must try on my pizza
let us know the taste.