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Easy Creamy Cilantro Chimichurri Aioli Recipe

April 23, 2025 · Nicole Triebe

This herb-packed chimichurri aioli made with a zesty blend of fresh herbs, garlic, and mayo is perfect for dipping, drizzling, and spreading.

If chimichurri and aioli had a love child, this would be it: Chimichurri Aioli is zesty, creamy, and packed with bold flavor. Think of it as the ultimate mash-up of an Argentinian condiment and everyone’s favorite garlicky spread. Whether you’re dipping fries, drizzling it over grilled steak, or swiping it onto sandwiches, this sauce brings brightness and depth to just about anything. It’s one of my favorite homemade sauces!

Why We Love This Chimichurri Aioli

chimichurri aioli in a small bowl surrounded by crispy french fries, a lemon wedge and fresh parsley

We love chimichurri aioli because it brings the best of both worlds: it has the bold, herbaceous flavor of chimichurri and the creamy richness of aioli

Here’s why it’s irresistible:

Flavor Explosion

Chimichurri aioli is tangy, garlicky, herby, and creamy all at once. It hits every taste note—zesty from vinegar and lemon, savory from garlic and herbs, and silky from mayo or oil.

It’s a Versatile sauce

It’s a sauce, a spread, a dip, a dressing—you name it. From steak to sandwiches to fries, it adds instant flair to just about anything. Here are some delicious ways to use it:

  • On grilled meats or steak and chicken sandwiches
    As a burger spread or dipping sauce for fries
  • Drizzled over roasted veggies or grain bowls
  • It’s the perfect sauce for fish tacos or grilled shrimp
  • Swirled into mashed potatoes or spread on toast

Restaurant-Quality at Home

It feels gourmet but is shockingly easy to whip up in minutes. It elevates everyday meals with minimal effort.

Fresh, Vibrant, and Bold

Thanks to fresh parsley, garlic, and citrus, it tastes bright and alive—never flat or boring.

It’s one of those condiments that makes you wonder how your kitchen ever lived without it.

Key Ingredients to make this chimichurri aioli recipe

individual ingredients in bowls to make chimichurri aioli
  • 1 cup mayonnaise – it’s the creamy mayo base that gives aioli its signature richness.
  • 1 cup fresh parsley (packed) – Brings a grassy, vibrant green flavor. You may use curly parsley or Italian parsley.
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro – Adds a fresh, slightly citrusy depth to this homemade aioli.
  • Fresh oregano – Fresh oregano adds a punchy, earthy, and slightly peppery flavor to chimichurri aioli that deepens the overall taste. If you don’t have fresh, you may substitute dried oregano.
  • 3 garlic cloves – Essential for both chimichurri and aioli; bold and aromatic.
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar – Provides tang and brightness.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice – Lifts all the flavors and balances the richness.
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes – For a little kick (adjust to taste).
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt– a pinch of salt enhances all the savory notes in this homemade chimichurri sauce.
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a subtle earthy bite.
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil – Smooths everything out and gives it a silky texture.

Step by Step Instructions to Make Chimmichurri Aioli

step by step process of making chimichurri aioli
  1. Blend the herbs and aromatics:
    In a small food processor or blender, combine the parsley, cilantro, garlic, vinegar, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the herbs are finely chopped.
  2. Add the oil:
    While blending, slowly stream in the olive oil until the mixture is emulsified and smooth.
  3. Mix in the mayo:
    Transfer the chimichurri base to a bowl. Stir in the mayonnaise until fully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more lemon juice for tang or mayo for creaminess.
  4. Chill:
    For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
overhead shot of chimichurri aioli in a small bowl surrounded by a lemon wedge and fresh parsley

Variations & Tips

  • No mayo? Use Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier, lighter twist.
  • Make it vegan: Sub in vegan mayo to keep it plant-based.
  • Like it spicier? Add a jalapeño or more chili flakes.
  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

How to Use Chimichurri Aioli

Chimichurri aioli is one of those magical sauces that can be used in a variety of different ways
Here’s how to use it:

As a Spread

Slather it on burgers, sandwiches, or wraps for a creamy, herby kick.

  • Use it on steak or grilled chicken sandwiches in place of mayo or mustard.

As a Dip

  • Pair it with fries, sweet potato wedges, or roasted potatoes.
  • Serve as a dipping sauce for grilled shrimp, empanadas, or fried veggies.
  • Add it to a charcuterie board!

As a Sauce

  • Drizzle over grilled steak, chicken, or pork for a punch of flavor.
  • Spoon this creamy chimichurri onto grilled vegetables, rice bowls, or grain salads.

In Tacos or Bowls

  • Add it to fish tacos, shrimp tacos, soft shell crabs, or carne asada.
  • Dollop onto burrito bowls for a creamy contrast to spicy or smoky elements.

As a Dressing Base

  • Thin it out with a little olive oil or lemon juice to make a quick, flavorful salad dressing.
  • Use it as a creamy topping for coleslaw or potato salad.
a side shot of a french fry being dipped in chimichurri aioli in a small bowl.  The bowl is  surrounded by crispy french fries, a lemon wedge and fresh parsley

Basically, if it needs flavor—chimichurri aioli is your go-to. It’s bold, bright, and versatile enough to elevate just about anything on your plate.


This sauce is bold, herbaceous, creamy, and just the right amount of spicy. If you love chimichurri and you love aioli, this recipe is your flavor-packed dream come true. One taste, and you’ll want to put it on everything.

Additional Recipes to Try

Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries – crispy, mouthwatering, and so addictive!  Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for the perfect side dish!

Loaded Smash Burger Bowl  Enjoy the classic smash burger taste without the carbs!

Sweet Potato Falafel Wrap – Homemade Sweet Potato Falafel that’s brown and crisp on the outside, and moist and soft on the inside. Perfect inside a wrap!

Tried this recipe? Please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. You can also stay in touch with us through social media by following us on InstagramPinterest, and Facebook!

chimichurri aioli in a small bowl surrounded by crispy french fries, a lemon wedge and fresh parsley

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Easy Creamy Cilantro Chimichurri Aioli Recipe

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Description

This herb-packed chimichurri aioli made with a zesty blend of fresh herbs, garlic, and mayo is perfect for dipping, drizzling, and spreading.


Ingredients

For the Chimichurri:

½ cup fresh parsley (packed)

¼ cup fresh cilantro (optional, or use more parsley)

2 tablespoons fresh oregano (or 1 tsp dried)

3 cloves garlic

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

½ teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

⅓ cup olive oil

For the Aioli:

½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)

Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tablespoon)

1 small garlic clove, grated or finely minced

Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

Make the Chimichurri:

In a food processor or blender, pulse together parsley, cilantro (if using), oregano, garlic, vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until finely chopped.

With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until everything is well combined but still slightly chunky.

Make the Aioli:

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, and minced garlic until smooth.

Combine:

Stir 2–3 tablespoons of the chimichurri mixture into the aioli base (adjust to taste depending on how strong you want the flavor).

Taste and season with additional salt, lemon juice, or more chimichurri if desired.

Serve or Store:

Let sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.


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