bowl of gremolata with a spoon in it, fresh parsley and a zested lemon in the background

RECIPE FOR GREMOLATA

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A Little fresh chopped parsley, lemon, garlic, salt, chili flakes and a few minutes of your time is all you’re going to need to whip up this flavourful and easy Recipe for Gremolata. It’s the classic Italian condiment you didn’t know you needed and it’ll elevate any dish!

Sometimes some dishes just need that extra zing, you know what I’m sayin’? A touch of freshness, a hint of tanginess or a little acidity to really take it over the top. Whether it be your favourite Butternut Squash Soup or perhaps your favourite chicken recipe, there’s no dish that this gremolata won’t make better. It goes hand in hand with almost anything and really adds that touch of freshness to take any meal to the next level. This recipe for gremolata is easy and quick to make and once you make it, you’re going to always want to have a fresh batch on hand!

hand holding a bowl of gremolata next to a zested lemon and microplane, some fresh parsley in the background

WHAT IS GREMOLATA?

I like to think of this tasty classic condiment as the Italian version of the famous Argentinian Chimichurri. So, basically the sauce, dressing, condiment, whatever you wanna call it of your life! Traditionally, Gremolata is made with three simple ingredients you might even already have on hand. Fresh parsley (a whole bunch of it!), fresh lemon (for the zest) and fresh chopped garlic. I like to add salt and chili flakes to mine for extra flavour and the perfect balance. However, that’s just a personal preference and adding either of the two is definitely not mandatory. You’ll still get a great tasting gremolata without them.

Traditionally, Gremolata is served as a dry sprinkling on anything from chicken and fish dishes to soups and stews. It originated in Italy and it’ll add a flavourful boost to all your favourite savoury dishes.

bowl of gremolata next to a zested lemon and microplane with lemon zest on it

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE FOR GREMOLATA

ingredients for recipe for gremolata - parsley, lemons, chili flakes, salt, garlic
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

As already mentioned, traditional gremolata is made with just 3 simple ingredients. However, I like adding salt and chili flakes to mine for an extra flavour boost. Let’s examine the ingredients down below:

  • Parsley: The flavourful, leafy herb widely used in Italian cuisine. It adds a bold and bright freshness to the gremolata and is the bulk and base of this tasty condiment. You’ll need fresh for this recipe and you can’t substitute dried. Try and use flat leaf, if possible.
  • Lemon: Adds a fresh tang and zing to this recipe for gremolata. We use just the zest and it adds the perfect citrusy flavour to the condiment.
  • Garlic: Cause what’s a so-called Italian recipe without some chopped garlic? Fresh garlic is best in this recipe because of the freshness and flavour it adds.
  • Chili Flakes: For a little spicy kick. However, adding chili flakes to this recipe for gremolata is totally optional. A pinch goes a long way here but feel free to add more to make it extra spicy.
  • Salt: Again, totally optional, however I feel it adds a nice balance to the gremolata and brings all the ingredients together.
bowl of gremolata next to a zested lemon and some fresh parsley

HOW TO MAKE GREMOLATA (KEY TIPS)

spoon full of gremolata over a bowl of the rest, microplane, zested lemon and fresh parsley in the background
  • Use fresh ingredients. Since this recipe for gremolata only has three main ingredients, using good quality and fresh ingredients will give you the most flavourful results.
  • Make sure the parsley is completely dry before chopping to avoid clumping. To quickly dry, shake off the excess water. Then, use a salad spinner or place it between two clean cloths or paper towels and roll to absorb the water.
  • Follow the order of the chopping for best results (specific instructions can be found in the recipe card down below). The gremolata recipe should be made by first chopping the fresh parsley on the cutting board. Then, grating the fresh garlic over top. And lastly, grating the fresh lemon zest on top of that. Finally, you’ll rechop all the ingredients together as you combine them with the knife. This will produce a fresh and tasty gremolata with the perfect balance of flavours. EXTRA TIP: Use a Microplane Zester to grate the garlic and lemon which makes them the perfect size!
  • Finely mince the ingredients. You’ll want everything chopped as finely as you can get them for best results. EXTRA TIP: No need to use a food processor to do this as you may actually risk chopping the ingredients up too fine this way. A sharp chef’s knife will give you the results you want while allowing you to control exactly how fine you ultimately mince the ingredients.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY DOES MY GREMOLATA TASTE BITTER?

Be sure to use only fresh ingredients as old or stale garlic will make the gremolata taste bitter. Also, be careful when zesting the lemons as you only want the yellow rind and not the white under layer as that will also contribute to the gremolata tasting bitter.

HOW SHOULD I STORE FRESH GREMOLATA?

Gremolata should be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge. It’ll be good for up to a week (if it’ll even last that long!)

WHAT CAN I USE THIS HOMEMADE GREMOLATA FOR?

I’m glad you asked! This gremolata will add a boost of flavour and freshness to any dish! I love adding it to soups like this Italian Wedding Soup or this Creamy Pumpkin Soup. It’s also great on anything from potato salad, grilled chicken, broiled fish, fresh pasta dishes and even eggs!

CAN I MAKE THIS GREMOLATA INTO A SAUCE?

Yes! This recipe for gremolata can be used as either a dry condiment as is or as a herby sauce or dressing. To make it into a sauce/dressing, simply whisk in 1/4 cup of good quality extra virgin olive oil at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

side view of a bowl of gremolata next to a zested lemon and some fresh parsley, microplane with lemon zest on it at the bottom
bowl of gremolata with a spoon in it, fresh parsley and a zested lemon in the background

CLASSIC ITALIAN GREMOLATA

Yield: 3/4 cup
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Fresh Gremolata is the classic Italian condiment you didn't know you needed and it'll elevate any dish!

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch Flat Leaf Parsley (about 1 cup loosely packed)
  • 2 Lemons (zest only)
  • 1 clove Garlic
  • Pinch of Salt, Chili Flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Remove the parsley leaves from the stems and place them on a cutting board.cutting board with fresh parsley leaves
  2. Chop them up using a sharp knife. Don't worry about getting them too finely minced at this point, as you'll accomplish that in the final step. fresh chopped parsley on a cutting board
  3. Using a microplane, grate the garlic clove over top the minced parsley. fresh chopped parsley on a cutting board with grated garlic on top
  4. Next, zest the lemons over top the garlic and parsley. cutting board with chopped parsley, minced garlic and lemon zest
  5. If using the salt and chili flakes, add them to the pile now. cutting board with chopped parsley, minced garlic and lemon zest, salt and chili flakes
  6. Re-chop everything altogether until the parsley is finely minced and combine/incorporate the mixture using your knife. Use right away or store in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to a week! cutting board with finely minced parsley, garlic and lemon zest
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 60Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 139mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 5gSugar: 4gProtein: 2g

Nutrition is only an estimate and calculated using Nutritionix.

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2 Comments

  1. I’ve never heard of this and I definitely have not had it before. It sounds so fresh and flavorful. What a great topping for a variety of different foods. I’ll have to try this!

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