Our classic gremolata recipe made with lemon zest, garlic, and fresh herbs will be a delicious addition to pasta, roasted meats, and seafood.
And it only takes a few minutes to prepare this simple Italian condiment.
Audio Player
Italian cuisine is known for fresh ingredients used simply yet expertly, and gremolata is a prime example. The natural flavors of each ingredient highlight one another for a welcome boost of flavor.
Gremolata, also sometimes referred to as gremolada, is a condiment or dressing made with fresh flat-leaf parsley (aka Italian parsley), lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh garlic, and olive oil.
The tangy, bright, slightly bitter flavor makes it work incredibly well with seafood, beef, pork, and pasta dishes. You can also add it to dressings, soups, marinades, and so much more!
If you love homemade condiments, make sure to try our cowboy butter and pesto Genovese recipes.
Is Gremolata the Same As Chimichurri?
Gremolata and chimichurri are both herbal sauces that can be used as a garnish, add-in, or condiment, but they are not the same.
Gremolata is believed to be an Italian recipe with possible origins in Milan, whereas chimichurri is likely an Argentinian creation.
While chimichurri has parsley as the main ingredient as well, the contents vary enough to make these sauces unique. Chimichurri has more heat and tangy vinegar as well, making it ideal for people looking for a little extra bite in their recipe.
See our Chimichurri sauce recipe for more info about chimichurri.
Ingredients
Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make our easy gremolata recipe. In Chef Speak, this is called the Mise en Place, which translates into Everything in its Place.
Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed the cooking process, but it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.
Can I make Gremolata with other fresh herbs?
You sure can, although technically, it won’t be gremolata anymore. You can use fresh basil, cilantro, mint, spinach, or any of your favorite bitter greens.
For a change of pace, adjust the flavor profile by adding toasted pine nuts, horseradish, scallions, and even ground peanuts to the mixture.
How to Make Gremolata
Follow along with my numbered instructions below to see how to make gremolata.
- Zest the lemons using a fine grater.
- Finely chop the Italian parsley.
- Peel and finely chop the garlic.
- Add the chopped parsley, chopped garlic, and lemon zest to a small bowl. Stir to combine.
- Add the lemon juice, olive oil, and salt to the mixture.
- Stir to combine.
How to Use It
- Use as a condiment or to make marinades and salad dressings.
- Serve with pasta, as you would pesto sauce. In the image above, it was added to linguine with an Alfredo sauce.
- Serve with shrimp or other seafood.
- Serve as a condiment with beef.
Gremolata is the perfect last-minute finishing touch to many of your favorite dishes and an easy way to liven up the flavors. Trust me when I tell you after one taste, you’ll be making this simple Italian condiment all the time!
You can store prepared gremolata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Gremolata can also be frozen for up to two months. One of the easiest ways to freeze and store gremolata is to divide it into servings in an ice cube tray (silicone is easiest). Remove the frozen cubes and store them in a ziplock bag, or thoroughly wrap and cover the ice cube tray.
Recipe FAQs
If you have more parsley than you think you can use before it goes bad, here are some ideas:
– Freeze it. Wash, trim, and thoroughly dry the parsley. Place it in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. Store for up to 3 months.
– Add it to the food you’re already eating. Parsley tastes great in salads, soups, and sauces.
– Make a compound butter for use on meats, vegetables, breads, and more!
Gremolata contains parsley as a primary ingredient.
Parsley has many health benefits and is rich in vitamins A, C, and K. Parsley also contains essential minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium. The antioxidants in parsley may also help reduce the risk of chronic illnesses.
Gremolata is healthy overall, but there are some conditions in which the consumption of parsley may worsen. Always consult with your doctor if you have any questions about your diet and its impact on your health.
More Recipes You’ll Love!
Gremolata Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bunch Italian parsley finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 tablespoon lemon zest (2 lemons)
- 2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2-3 tablespoon garlic clove finely chopped
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Zest the lemons using a fine grater.
- Finely chop the Italian parsley.
- Peel and finely chop the garlic.
- Add the chopped parsley, chopped garlic, and lemon zest to a small bowl. Stir to combine.
- Add the lemon juice, olive oil, and salt to the mixture.
- Stir to combine.
Notes
To create a delicious salad dressing, add red wine vinegar and olive oil to the gremolata.
Henry T says
Super citrusy and bright wow! We made this for our barbacue this weekend for grilled shrimp. SOOOO GOOD! It was a great compliment to the smokey flavor from the grill! Thank you!
Chef Dennis Littley says
You’re welcome! I’m happy to hear you enjoyed our gremolata recipe!