Does summer have a flavor? Well, no, but there are tastes of summer, and to me, fresh herbs are among the brightest and most appealing. Of course fresh herbs are available year-round, but they taste best in the summer months.
Cooking Tips
Four Easy, No-Cook Herb Sauces That Taste Like Summer
Taste the greenness in these fast, fresh, ultraflavorful herb sauces.
By Published June 22, 2022.
Sign up for the Cook's Country Dinner Tonight newsletter
10 ingredients. 45 minutes. Quick, easy, and fresh weeknight recipes.
America's Test Kitchen will not sell, rent, or disclose your email address to third parties unless otherwise notified. Your email address is required to identify you for free access to content on the site. You will also receive free newsletters and notification of America's Test Kitchen specials.
Fresh herbs provide potent flavor and aroma without much heft or bulk. They are especially flavorful when you buzz (or chop) them into a paste with other tasty ingredients, such as garlic and olive oil. You can riff on that formula, but here are four core herb sauces you should have in your repertoire.
Chermoula
This sauce hails from North Africa and is often used to dress or marinate fish; it’s also great on simple grilled meats and vegetables.
CORE INGREDIENTS: Cilantro, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and spices (paprika, cumin, coriander, and cayenne are common)
What makes it unique: Warm spices
Chimichurri
If you’re eating grilled beef in Argentina, you’re eating it with chimichurri, a zesty condiment that’s ubiquitous in that country.
CORE INGREDIENTS: Parsley (and sometimes cilantro), garlic, oregano, olive oil, and vinegar
What makes it unique: Oregano
Pesto (alla Genovese)
Dress pasta, top soup, smear on sandwiches or crostini, dollop on pizza—uses for this popular concoction are many.
CORE INGREDIENTS: Basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil
What makes it unique: Fragrant basil, pine nuts; no acid
Salsa Verde
Not to be confused with the Mexican tomatillo-based salsa of the same name, Italian salsa verde features the heady umami flavor of anchovies; it’s typically used to sauce roasted meats.
CORE INGREDIENTS: Parsley, anchovies, capers, garlic, bread (sometimes), lemon juice, and olive oil
What makes it unique: Anchovies, capers
All these herb sauces are great as condiments for grilled meats and fish, spooned over vegetables, stirred into potato salad, or served as dips. Once you have one (or more!) of them around, you’ll find countless other ways to enjoy them.
500 Recipes
Complete Summer Cookbook
Ready to take the party outside? This book is designed to keep you and your kitchen cool, with make-ahead meals best served cold (or at room temp), fix-and-forget recipes that won't heat up the kitchen, and lots more.Save 33% Right Now