Fresh and tangy Chimichurri sauce is a wonderful addition to summer grilling. As a condiment for grilled meat that is traditionally from Argentina, it is incredibly versatile and adds a freshness to every dish it is used in.

Garlic, fresh parsley, oregano, red chilies (optional if you don’t like spice), olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper are some ingredients used to prepare this condiment.

Depending on what you have and what your preferences are, you can create different variations.

Making it is simple, but it often produces a rather large amount of leftovers, which leads to a dilemma.

So, can you freeze chimichurri? Yes. Of course! Make sure you portion out the frozen meal into your desired serving sizes and use an airtight container.

Find out how to freeze chimichurri by reading on!

Can Chimichurri Be Frozen?

The best way to store chimichurri is to use it fresh, but there are a few ways to store leftovers. The freshness of leftover chimichurri sauce can be preserved by freezing it the day after you make it.

Depending on the size of the portions you want to freeze and the items you have on hand, you have a couple of options. When properly sealed and stored, chimichurri lasts up to 6 months once it’s been frozen.

Freezing Chimichurri In Ice Cube Trays

1. Make sure your ice cube trays are clean and dry.
2. Cover the tray with chimichurri about 3/4 of the way.
3. Freeze the cake overnight to set it.
4. If you want to prevent freezer burn, you can transfer the chimichurri cubes to an airtight freezer bag once they are set.
5. Chimichurri is freshest if used within 3-6 months of its date and contents being listed.

Freezing Chimichurri In Containers

Using plastic containers or glass jars is a good option if you prefer to freeze chimichurri sauce in larger quantities.

1. Make sure that the container you choose for storage is the right size. The size of your container should correspond to how much chimichurri you intend to use at once.
2. Pour no more than 3/4 of your chimichurri into your container.
3. Cover the chimichurri with plastic wrap by pressing it down on top.
4. Make sure the container is sealed.
5. Mark the date and the contents on masking tape. Secure the tape to the container.
6. Frozen is good for up to three months.

Freezing Chimichurri In Freezer Bags

Using a freezer bag is another option for freezing chimichurri. The flattened and stacked method is ideal if your freezer is small.

1. Get freezer bags specially designed for this purpose. Their stronger seals will help you avoid freezer burn.
2. Place about half of the chimichurri in each bag.
3. Place the bag on its side after zipping about 3/4 of the way closed. Ensure there is no air left inside the bag by gently pressing the chimichurri flat.
4. The bag can either be written directly on with a marker or covered with masking tape to record the date and content.
5. Chimichurri should be used within three to six months after it’s been placed in the freezer.

How Long Can You Keep Chimichurri For?

Since fresh herbs and spices don’t contain preservatives, they have a shorter shelf life than packaged herbs and spices which contain preservatives.

The flavor of fresh condiments is unbeatable, so you want to know how to keep them and how long they last so you don’t waste any of them.

In the fridge, you are able to safely store a batch of chimichurri for up to 5 days. Herbs wilt after a couple of days, so the dish will lose some of its brightness.

Your best bet for preserving sauce after a few days is to follow one of the freezing methods described above.

You can still enjoy your chimichurri for up to six months after freezing it, but use it within 3 months for the best taste.

Also, check Can You Freeze Risotto?

How Do You Tell If Your Chimichurri Has Gone Bad?

Chimichurri stored in the refrigerator will darken after a few days as the herbs begin to break down.

Rancidity may occur when the oil gets a little old. You will notice a bitter taste in your sauce if this happens.

When you take it out of the container, use clean utensils to prevent it from spoiling.

Contamination can result from this, which can lead to mold and bacteria growth. In case your sauce smells like something other than garlic and herbs or mold, throw it out immediately to avoid getting sick.

How Do You Defrost Chimichurri?

The next step is to learn how to defrost your chimichurri after it’s properly frozen so that it retains as much flavor and texture as possible.

A gentle process should be used when defrosting chimichurri. While it is thawing, you don’t want to put any heat on it since it contains fresh herbs.

To get the best results, let the chimichurri thaw overnight in the fridge after removing it from the freezer.

Alternatively, if you don’t have much time, you can fill a bowl with cool water (never hot). Chimichurri should cool on the counter for several hours after being placed in a bowl.

Is Chimichurri Supposed To Be Sour?

The sour taste of chimichurri comes from the red wine vinegar used in its preparation. A taste of slightly spicy, sour, and herbaceous is created by the combination of fresh herbs and garlic.

Pesto has an identical flavor to it but lacks creamy cheese and crunchy pine nuts.

When making your own chimichurri from scratch, you don’t want to completely puree the ingredients, so keep an eye out for a separation of herbs and oil.

It may be too bitter or sour, so you can add some extra olive oil or even sweeten it a bit if necessary. To round out the taste profile, I often add a little maple syrup or honey.

Is Chimichurri Better Made In Advance?

The flavor of your chimichurri is important whether you’re hosting friends for dinner or serving it to yourself and your family. If possible, prepare your chimichurri several hours in advance.

By preparing your sauce in advance, the flavors will be able to blend fully, together with the garlic and herbs, making some of the sharpness of the sauce less noticeable.

When you’re not using it, make sure it gets stored in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.

Even making it the night before and putting it in the fridge overnight can be a good idea. Despite its freshness, the flavors will really start to come together.

What Can I Do With Leftover Chimichurri?

Chimichurri can be used fresh rather than frozen. Here are a few ways to prepare it.

1. This would make an interesting alternative dressing for your pasta salad next time you have a barbecue due to the upcoming summer.
2. Sandwich spread can be made from it. If you want a creamier spread, mix it with some mayonnaise, but it’s also fine without it.
3. I enjoy dipping my roasted potatoes in chimichurri to take them to a whole new level of deliciousness.
4. After your scrambled eggs are cooked, stir in some sauce for an extra flavor hit.
5. Make your own garlic bread by spreading some chimichurri on slices of baguette, adding some cheese, and broiling it for a few minutes.
6. Give your old standby a new, herbaceous kick with this fresh, garlicky sauce once it’s out of the oven.
7. To make a chilled potato salad, combine chimichurri with mayo. It adds plenty of fresh flavor to a dish that can easily become very heavy.

Here are some suggestions to get you started. There are virtually no limitations to the uses for chimichurri sauce.

Feel free to experiment and add it to any of your favorite dishes. Keep us posted in the comments how it goes!