Avocado Oil Chimichurri

Chimichurri is a staple sauce in Argentina, served with grilled meats and vegetables. Its vibrant and distinct flavor has steadily grown in popularity across the American landscape, offering the perfect summer marinade or condiment. While there are many variations of this sauce, a traditional chimichurri recipe is made with few ingredients.

When using fresh, high-quality ingredients, not much is needed to make this fabulous accompaniment shine. To achieve the best possible flavor, use fresh ingredients — and for a healthy chimichurri sauce, choose the right oil to use.

What Kind of Oil for Chimichurri?

If you look at recipes online, some makers of chimichurri will opt for common oils such as canola, while others will opt for a more traditional choice — olive oil. Although there are certainly numerous high-quality olive oils on the market, in order to truly benefit, freshness is critical. Research shows that well over half of all of the olive oil that's imported into the U.S. is substandard. This means that by the time it gets into the hands of consumers, many of the well-known health benefits have degraded.

When comparing the healthiest oils, there's an option that is very similar to fresh olive oil in regard to its health benefits, yet it's much creamier. If you want to achieve the best possible flavor, consistency, and health benefits, avocado oil is the optimal choice.

Here is why you'll want to use avocado oil for your healthy chimichurri sauce:

• Much like quality olive oil, avocado oil is unrefined. However, it has a higher smoking point, which is beneficial if you plan on using your chimichurri as a marinade prior to cooking at high heats. BBF avocado oil has an impressive smoke point of 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In comparison to other oils, it's creamy, which creates a fabulous chimichurri consistency.
• High in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, avocado oil has been shown to support heart health, increase the absorption of nutrients, lutein and vitamin E.
• Avocado offers great taste. It's light, fresh, and perfect for a wide variety of recipes.

A Must-Try Chimichurri Recipe

This recipe is so quick and easy to make. It will last up to a week in your fridge, and up to a month in the freezer, although we doubt that it will sit that long — it's too good!

Follow the directions below for your first batch and simply double the recipe if you find that you'd like more on hand for next time! This is a basic, traditional chimichurri recipe that allows its ingredients to sing. However, feel free to experiment with additional ingredients based on your personal preferences. Optional add-ins are listed below.

The following recipe will make approximately one cup of healthy chimichurri sauce and takes around 10 minutes to prep.