How to Make Pizza Chimichurri

Want to try something new for dinner that combines bold South American flavor with everyone’s favorite-pizza? Pizza chimichurri is a fun and tasty twist you can do at home. This fusion dish uses chimichurri sauce, known for its fresh herbs and tangy taste, as a key pizza topping. It’s easy to make and gives you lots of options for different flavors and toppings, making pizza night more fun and delicious than ever before.

What Is Pizza Chimichurri?

Pizza chimichurri is basically a pizza topped or drizzled with chimichurri sauce, either instead of or along with traditional tomato sauce. Chimichurri comes from Argentina and Uruguay and is usually made with parsley, garlic, olive oil, oregano, and red wine vinegar. It’s famous for its fresh, punchy taste and is often served with grilled meats in South America. Adding chimichurri to pizza gives you a lively mix of flavors that’s different from the usual pizza but still easy to love.

Mixing pizza with chimichurri takes pizza beyond Italy and brings in Latin flair. You’ll get a pizza loaded with bright, fresh flavors. It’s a great way to show how both pizza and chimichurri can handle a lot of creative changes, so you can make it just the way you like.

What Does Chimichurri Add to Pizza?

There are a few reasons chimichurri works so well on pizza:

• Its tangy flavor from vinegar and fresh herbs balances out the cheese and rich toppings.
• It adds freshness and helps keep each bite from getting too heavy.
• The herbs and garlic make the pizza more flavorful and make every slice interesting.
• Chimichurri isn’t cooked like tomato sauce, so its fresh ingredients stand out and give the pizza a lively taste.

Baking helps the flavors of the sauce blend with the toppings, making your pizza taste new and exciting.

Which Kind of Chimichurri Works Best for Pizza?

There are different styles of chimichurri, but the two main types for pizza are Argentinian and Mexican. The one you choose depends on what flavors you want:

Argentinian chimichurri is lighter, oil-based, and fresh. Mexican chimichurri is spicier and creamier-choose whichever matches your topping choices and how spicy you like your food.

What’s in Classic Chimichurri Sauce?

• Fresh flat-leaf parsley (main herb)
• Finely chopped garlic
• Olive oil (good quality)
• Red wine vinegar (adds acid)
• Dried oregano (for earthiness)
• Red pepper flakes (for mild heat, optional)
• Salt and black pepper

Some recipes add a little cilantro, but traditional versions usually don’t. These basic ingredients combine to make a simple but powerful sauce perfect for pizza.

Changing Up Chimichurri Flavors

It’s easy to adjust chimichurri to suit your taste. Try using some cilantro with parsley for a different herb blend or more red pepper flakes for spiciness. You can also swap out red wine vinegar for other types like apple cider or lemon juice for a milder acid. For Mexican-style chimichurri, ingredients such as mayonnaise or evaporated milk give it a creamy texture. You can also add a little minced onion for extra flavor.

Tools You’ll Need for Pizza Chimichurri

You don’t need special gadgets to make pizza chimichurri, but a few things can help you get better results.

Oven, Pizza Stone, and Pizza Pan

• Oven: A hot oven is important for a good crust.
• Pizza stone or steel: Heats evenly for a crispy bottom (put it in the oven while preheating).
• Pizza pan or baking sheet: Works fine if you don’t have a stone.
• Pizza peel: Makes it easy to put pizza in and pull it out.

Mixing and Prep Tools

• Food processor or blender (for chopping herbs and mixing chimichurri)
• Sharp knife and cutting board (if mixing by hand)
• Mixing bowls (for dough and sauce)
• Measuring cups/spoons and a spoon or spatula (for mixing and spreading)
• Pizza cutter (to slice your pizza)

What Ingredients Do You Need?

Here’s a list for making classic pizza chimichurri, along with some swap ideas:

Pizza Dough

• Homemade dough: All-purpose or bread flour, water, yeast, oil, and salt
• Store-bought dough: Quick and easy option
• Whole wheat or gluten-free dough: For special diets
• Keto crust mix: For very low-carb diets

Chimichurri Sauce

Cheese, Protein, and Toppings

• Mozzarella (good melting, light flavor)
• Cooked steak (like churrasco), grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage
• Other cheeses: goat cheese, feta for extra tang or saltiness
• Veggies: sliced tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, onions, or arugula (fresh after baking)

Vegan or Gluten-Free Swaps

• Vegan cheese alternative
• Gluten-free dough or mixt
• Plenty of veggies (mushrooms, peppers, spinach, etc.)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pizza Chimichurri

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Mix your dough (homemade or bought) and knead until smooth.
2. Let it rest and rise for about an hour, until puffed up.
3. Let store-bought dough come to room temperature for easy handling.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until about 1/4-inch thick.
5. Put the dough on your floured pizza pan or peel.

2. Make the Chimichurri Sauce

1. Chop your herbs and garlic by hand or with a food processor.
2. Mix herbs, garlic, oregano, pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Slowly stir in olive oil and vinegar.
4. Taste and adjust salt, vinegar, or pepper to your liking.
5. For Mexican chimichurri: Toast chiles in oil briefly, blend with all other ingredients until smooth.

3. Build and Bake the Pizza

1. Preheat the oven and pizza stone, usually 450°F-550°F.
2. Spread a thin layer of chimichurri on the dough (not too much or it’ll get soggy).
3. Add cheese and your favorite toppings.
4. Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted (10-18 minutes), or only 3-4 minutes in a very hot pizza oven.
5. Let it cool a bit so the crust stays crisp before you cut and serve.

Tips for the Best Pizza Chimichurri

• Make sure the oven and any baking stone/pan are very hot before baking.
• Go easy on wet toppings to keep the crust crispy.
• Drizzle a bit more fresh chimichurri on top after baking for extra flavor.
• If the dough sticks, a little more flour or a bench scraper can help.
• Let the pizza rest a few minutes before slicing so the cheese sets.

Other Ways to Enjoy Pizza Chimichurri

Popular Topping Ideas

• Grilled chicken, shrimp, or scallops for different proteins
• Roasted or grilled veggies like peppers, onions, or zucchini
• Mix different cheeses (try mozzarella with provolone or a sprinkle of Parmesan)
• No meat? Use lots of veggies-try mushrooms, artichoke hearts, olives, or spinach

Options for Vegans, Vegetarians, and Meat Lovers

• For lots of meat: steak, bacon, prosciutto
• For vegetarians: Make it all veggies and cheese
• For vegans: Use only plant-based cheese and lots of vegetables, making sure the chimichurri is dairy-free (most traditional versions are!)

Flatbread and Grilled Chimichurri Pizza

You can also make chimichurri pizzas using flatbreads or naan for a speedy meal or appetizer. Just add sauce, toppings, and bake until bubbly. Grilling the pizza on an outdoor grill adds a smoky taste-just be sure to preheat the grill and cook with the lid closed for best results.

Serving Pizza Chimichurri-Side Ideas and Drinks

Great Sides and Drinks

• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Caprese salad (mozzarella, tomato, basil)
• Roasted veggies (like asparagus or peppers)
• Wine: Sauvignon Blanc, rosé, Pinot Noir, or Malbec
• Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with lime, or iced tea

Presentation Tips

• Cut pizza slices and arrange on a cutting board for easy serving
• Drizzle some fresh chimichurri on top before serving for a glossy look
• Sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro
• Top with radish slices or flaky salt for color and crunch

Questions About Pizza Chimichurri

Can Chimichurri Be Made Ahead?

Yes! Chimichurri sauce actually tastes better if made a few hours or even a day early, as the flavors blend together. Store in a sealed container in the fridge until needed.

How Long Does Chimichurri Last?

• In the fridge: 5 to 7 days
• If it smells bad or grows mold, throw it out
• For longer storage: Freeze in ice cube trays, then bag up the cubes. Frozen chimichurri lasts for months.

How Should You Store Leftover Pizza?

• Wrap it tight in foil or place in a food container
• Keep in fridge for up to 3-4 days
• For best texture, reheat in a hot oven, toaster oven, or dry skillet (not microwave)

This keeps the crust crisp and avoids sogginess, so you can enjoy pizza chimichurri even the next day.