Kale Chimichurri

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Kale chimichurri is a bold, garlicky Argentinian-inspired green sauce made with curly kale, fresh parsley, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. It’s a twist on classic chimichurri and works as a sauce, dressing, or marinade for vegetables, grain bowls, with tofu, or roasted potatoes.

What Is Chimichurri?

Chimichurri is an Argentinian green herb sauce traditionally made with parsley, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, and chili flakes. It is commonly served with grilled meats, but the base recipe is naturally vegan and easy to adapt for plant-based meals.

This version uses kale to add texture and nutrients, and pairs well with roasted vegetables, filling bowls, and my smoked tofu sandwich.

Ingredients

This is a brief overview of the ingredients used in this recipe, followed by substitution ideas. Read the recipe card below for exact measurements.

kale – I use curly kale as the base of the sauce. You can do all parsley or use spinach instead, like this spicy spinach chimichurri.
parsley – Adds freshness and keeps the flavor true to classic chimichurri.
red onion – Gives sharpness without overpowering the herbs.
garlic – For bold flavor.
red wine vinegar – Brightens everything and cuts through the oil.
red pepper flakes – Adds gentle heat. Adjust to taste.
ground cumin – Adds warmth and depth.
extra-virgin olive oil – Brings it all together and gives a silky texture.
salt and pepper – Essential for balance.

Easy Variations

No parsley: Use all kale if that’s what you have.
Lemon instead of vinegar: Swap in fresh lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
No cumin: Skip it for a more traditional taste.
Extra spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a small fresh chili.

Instructions

Prep Tips:

Appliance: I use a Ninja Food Processor for this recipe.

This is a simple blend-and-go recipe.

Remove the stems from the kale and roughly chop the leaves.
Add the kale, parsley, red onion, garlic, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, and cumin to a food processor.
Pulse a few times until everything is finely chopped. Pulse or blend as much as needed to finely chop the kale.
With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the sauce is thick but spoonable.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Green sauce ingredients in a food processor jar.

If the sauce feels too thick, add a tablespoon or two of extra oil to loosen it.

Jacqueline’s Tips for Making

Remove the kale stems. Kale stems are tough and fibrous and will make the sauce gritty. Stick to the leaves only for a smooth chimichurri.
Pulse before adding the oil. Chopping the vegetables and herbs first helps everything blend evenly once the olive oil goes in.
Do not overblend. Chimichurri should be slightly textured, not a smooth puree like pesto.
Taste before serving. Kale can vary in bitterness. Adjust with more salt, a splash of vinegar, or a little extra olive oil if needed.

How to Use Kale Chimichurri

This sauce is extremely versatile. Try it:

Spoon over roasted vegetables
Drizzled on grain bowls or lentil bowls
Tossed with roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
As a marinade for tofu or tempeh
Swirled into hummus or white bean dip
As a salad dressing thinned with a little water

Storage

Store kale chimichurri in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
The olive oil may solidify slightly when cold. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and stir before using.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is kale chimichurri vegan?

Yes. This recipe is completely vegan and plant-based.

If you’ve made this Kale Chimichurri recipe or another recipe on My Plant-Based Bowl, I’d love it if you’d leave a comment with a recipe rating. I’d love to know how you enjoyed it, and ratings help other people know that the recipe is worth trying.

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Green chunky sauce in a bowl with the text kale chimichurri.

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My Plant-Based Bowl | Jacqueline

Hi, I’m Jacqueline. I write this website and create plant-based recipes that are easy to make and taste great. I love cooking and making elaborate bowl recipes, gardening and taking care of my little cabin, and I’m happy reading or watching a new show on Netflix.