You’ve got a beautiful chimichurri steak ready to go, bursting with herbaceous, garlicky, and tangy flavors. Now comes the crucial question: what are the best side dishes to make this meal truly unforgettable? We’ve all faced that moment, staring at a perfectly cooked steak, wondering what sides will elevate it to the next level. Chimichurri, with its vibrant personality, needs sides that complement and enhance, not overshadow.
Think back to those amazing steak dinners you’ve had. It’s not just the steak itself, right? It’s the symphony of flavors and textures on your plate. From refreshing salads that cut through richness to comforting potatoes that soak up every last drop of chimichurri, the right side dish can make all the difference.
We’ve gathered 13 of the absolute best side dishes that will make your chimichurri steak sing. These aren’t just afterthoughts; they’re carefully selected pairings designed to create a balanced and delicious dining experience. Prepare to take your steak night from good to gourmet!
Enhance your chimichurri steak dinner with perfectly paired side dishes. This image showcases a variety of delicious options, from creamy potatoes to fresh salads, ideal for complementing the vibrant flavors of chimichurri.
Top 13 Side Dishes for Chimichurri Steak
Here are 13 fantastic side dishes to serve with your flavorful chimichurri steak, categorized for your convenience:
Classic Comforts
These sides offer familiar flavors and comforting textures that perfectly balance the zesty chimichurri.
1 – Garlic Mashed Potatoes
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Creamy garlic mashed potatoes, enriched with roasted garlic, provide a comforting and flavorful side dish that complements the robust taste of chimichurri steak.
Garlic mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish. Their creamy, buttery texture and rich garlic flavor create a delightful contrast to the bright, herbaceous chimichurri. The smooth potatoes act as a wonderful canvas, soaking up the steak juices and chimichurri sauce beautifully. For an extra layer of flavor, roasting the garlic beforehand mellows its sharpness and adds a sweet, nutty note. Fresh garlic is key here – it truly elevates the dish. These mashed potatoes are not just a side; they’re an experience, offering a comforting and familiar element to your steak dinner.
2 – Charred Corn on the Cob
Air fryer corn on the cob, charred to perfection, offers a sweet and smoky side dish that brings a summer barbecue vibe to your chimichurri steak meal.
Charred corn on the cob brings a touch of summer sweetness and smoky flavor to your plate. The slightly sweet kernels, with their satisfying pop, provide a lovely textural contrast to the tender steak. Grilling or air frying the corn until it’s nicely charred enhances its natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth that complements the grilled steak. A simple slather of butter and a sprinkle of salt are often all you need, but feel free to experiment with chili powder or cotija cheese for a bolder flavor. Corn on the cob is a simple yet satisfying side that captures the essence of outdoor cooking and pairs wonderfully with chimichurri steak.
3 – Creamy Polenta
Air fryer polenta, cooked to a creamy consistency, provides a comforting and versatile base that absorbs the flavors of chimichurri steak beautifully.
Creamy polenta is like a warm, inviting hug on a plate. Its smooth, rich texture and subtle corn flavor offer a comforting and grounding element to the meal. Polenta acts as a fantastic base, readily absorbing the flavorful juices from the chimichurri steak. You can enhance its creaminess by stirring in cheese like Parmesan or mascarpone. Seasoning is crucial – salt and pepper are essential, but a pinch of nutmeg or herbs like rosemary can also elevate the dish. Constant stirring during cooking is key to achieving that silky smooth texture. Served hot, creamy polenta is a luxurious and comforting side that enhances the overall dining experience with chimichurri steak.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and creates a slightly caramelized exterior, making them delicious companions to steak.
4 – Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Lime
Roasted sweet potatoes with lime and cumin offer a vibrant and flavorful side dish with a balance of sweetness, spice, and citrus that complements chimichurri steak.
Roasted sweet potatoes with lime are a flavor explosion. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes intensifies as they roast, developing a slightly smoky and caramelized exterior. The bright lime juice adds a zesty counterpoint, cutting through the richness and adding a refreshing tang. Tossing the sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and a generous squeeze of lime before roasting ensures maximum flavor infusion. Roasting them until they are tender and slightly caramelized is key to unlocking their full potential. These sweet potatoes are a healthy and flavorful side that perfectly complements the robust flavors of chimichurri steak.
5 – Spicy Roasted Cauliflower
Spicy roasted cauliflower, seasoned with bold spices, delivers a crispy and flavorful vegetable side dish that adds a delightful kick to chimichurri steak.
Spicy roasted cauliflower is a fantastic way to add a flavorful and healthy vegetable side to your steak dinner. Roasting cauliflower florets brings out their natural nutty sweetness and creates a delightful crispy texture. Tossing them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and spices like paprika, chili powder, or even a touch of cayenne pepper adds a welcome kick. Roasting until golden brown and slightly charred enhances the smoky flavor and creates a pleasing texture. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese after roasting can add a salty, savory note. This versatile vegetable side is anything but boring and pairs exceptionally well with the bold flavors of chimichurri steak.
6 – Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon provide a savory and slightly bitter counterpoint, enhanced by the smoky bacon, to complement the richness of chimichurri steak.
Crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon are a side dish that can convert even the staunchest Brussels sprouts skeptics. Roasting Brussels sprouts until they are deeply caramelized and crispy brings out their natural nutty flavor and eliminates any bitterness. The addition of smoky bacon adds a layer of savory richness and crispy texture that is simply irresistible. Roasting them together on one pan makes for easy cleanup. A sprinkle of salt and pepper is essential to enhance the flavors. These Brussels sprouts are a show-stealing side dish that adds both flavor and textural contrast to your chimichurri steak meal.
Fresh & Light Salads
Light and refreshing salads are ideal for cutting through the richness of the steak and chimichurri, providing a welcome contrast in flavors and textures.
7 – Tomato and Avocado Salad
Tomato and avocado salad, with fresh tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a light lime dressing, offers a refreshing and vibrant side dish that balances the richness of chimichurri steak.
Tomato and avocado salad is pure sunshine on a plate. The juicy burst of ripe tomatoes combined with the creamy richness of avocado creates a delightful textural and flavor combination. A simple dressing of olive oil, salt, and a generous squeeze of lime juice enhances the natural flavors and adds a zesty brightness. Adding a bit of red onion provides a subtle bite and crunch. This salad is incredibly easy to prepare and offers a refreshing and light counterpoint to the richness of chimichurri steak. It’s a perfect side for warmer weather and adds a vibrant touch to your meal.
8 – Smoky Black Bean Salad
Smoky black bean salad, packed with protein and smoky flavors, offers a hearty and refreshing side dish that provides a delightful contrast to chimichurri steak.
Smoky black bean salad is a hearty and flavorful side that packs a nutritional punch. Black beans provide a creamy texture and a good source of protein, while the smoky element, often achieved through smoked paprika or chipotle peppers, adds depth and complexity. Chopped red onion and bell peppers contribute crunch and sweetness, while a lime juice dressing brightens the flavors. Serving it chilled makes it a refreshing and satisfying side dish, perfect for balancing the richness of chimichurri steak. This salad can also be a light meal on its own, showcasing its versatility.
9 – Corn and Tomato Salsa
Corn and tomato salsa, a vibrant mix of fresh corn, juicy tomatoes, cilantro, and lime, provides a zesty and refreshing side dish that brightens up chimichurri steak.
Corn and tomato salsa is the taste of summer in a bowl. The combination of sweet corn kernels and juicy tomatoes, along with the zesty kick of lime and fresh cilantro, creates a vibrant and refreshing salsa. It’s incredibly easy to whip up – simply toss together the ingredients and let the flavors meld. Chopped red onion adds a bit of bite and texture. Serve it with tortilla chips for a pre-dinner snack or as a bright and flavorful side dish alongside your chimichurri steak. The fresh, zesty flavors cut through the richness of the steak and chimichurri beautifully.
Grains & Others
These sides offer a variety of textures and flavors, from fluffy grains to hearty mushrooms, providing diverse options to complete your chimichurri steak meal.
10 – Herb-Infused Couscous
Herb-infused couscous, light and fluffy with fresh herbs and lemon zest, offers a quick and flavorful grain side dish that complements the vibrant chimichurri steak.
Herb-infused couscous is a light, fluffy, and incredibly versatile side dish. Couscous readily absorbs flavors, making it a perfect canvas for fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or cilantro. Lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the herbs and chimichurri. Couscous is incredibly quick to cook – simply pour hot water over it and let it sit. This makes it an ideal side dish for busy weeknights. Its light and fluffy texture and herbaceous flavors make it a wonderful accompaniment to chimichurri steak, without being too heavy.
11 – Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds
Sautéed green beans with almonds, offering a crisp-tender texture and nutty flavor, provide an elegant and simple side dish that pairs well with chimichurri steak.
Sautéed green beans with almonds are a simple yet elegant side dish. Sautéing green beans keeps them crisp-tender and vibrant green, while toasting the almonds brings out their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity. Seasoning with salt and pepper is all you need to highlight the fresh flavors. These green beans are a quick and easy side dish that adds both texture and visual appeal to your chimichurri steak dinner.
12 – Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Grilled portobello mushrooms, marinated and charred, offer a meaty and umami-rich side dish that stands up beautifully to the robust flavors of chimichurri steak.
Grilled portobello mushrooms offer a hearty and umami-rich side dish that can even stand in as a vegetarian main course. Portobello mushrooms are known for their meaty texture and ability to absorb flavors like sponges. Marinating them in balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, or even just olive oil and garlic enhances their earthy flavor. Grilling them until they are tender and nicely charred creates those desirable grill marks and a smoky flavor. A sprinkle of salt after grilling is all they need. Grilled portobello mushrooms are a substantial and satisfying side that complements chimichurri steak beautifully, especially for those who enjoy a more robust vegetable option.
13 – Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes
Loaded baked sweet potatoes, topped with savory fillings like chili, cheese, and sour cream, offer a hearty and customizable side dish that can be a meal in itself alongside chimichurri steak.
Loaded baked sweet potatoes are a fun and customizable side dish that can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. Baked sweet potatoes have a naturally sweet and earthy flavor and a creamy texture. “Loading” them up with toppings like chili, cheese, sour cream, black beans, salsa, or anything else you desire turns them into a hearty and satisfying side dish, or even a light meal. Roasting them until they are soft and the skins are slightly crispy is key. The creamy interior of the sweet potato provides a wonderful base for a variety of toppings. Loaded baked sweet potatoes are a versatile and filling side that adds a touch of comfort and customization to your chimichurri steak dinner.
By Andrew Gray
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with extensive experience in the culinary world. His background as a personal chef and caterer has honed his passion for creating delicious and accessible recipes. Andrew’s expertise shines through on CooksCrafter.com, where he shares a wealth of culinary knowledge, from easy weeknight meals to restaurant-quality dishes. His goal is to inspire home cooks of all levels to explore the joy of cooking and create memorable meals.
Enjoy experimenting with these side dishes and discovering your perfect pairing for chimichurri steak! Each of these options brings something unique to the table, ensuring your steak night is anything but ordinary.
