Garlic Herb Sauce Recipe: Ready in 10 minutes!

Enhance your meals effortlessly with this easy-to-make garlic herb sauce recipe. Versatile and flavorful, it’s the perfect addition to almost any dish!

Elevating a dish from good to exceptional sometimes depends on finding the perfect accompanying sauce.

Take, for example, this recipe for a pan-seared rack of lamb. It’s great on its own, but serving it with this condiment never fails to impress. It is my go-to choice for adding a simple and invigorating flavor.

I love the combination of fresh mint and Italian parsley, which infuses the sauce with vibrancy. Meanwhile, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, and high-quality olive oil elevate its overall taste and aroma.

I enjoy this versatile condiment for so many dishes. It is ready in no time, and the fresh herbs and aromatic ingredients provide a burst of flavor.

In this article, I will show you how to create this simple herb sauce recipe and suggest different ways to use it in various dishes.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• How to make
• FAQ
• How to use garlic herb sauce
• An elegant dinner inspiration
• More herb sauce recipes
• Recipe origins
• Recipe

Ingredients

• Fresh Italian parsley: Fresh parsley brings a vibrant, herbaceous flavor to the sauce.
• Fresh mint: Fresh mint contributes a bright, refreshing element to the sauce.
• Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil serves as the base. You can use a lighter olive oil if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Red wine vinegar: Red wine vinegar adds acidity and tanginess. If preferred, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
• Water: Water helps to adjust the sauce’s consistency, making it pourable. If you prefer, you can replace it with vegetable or chicken broth for added flavor.
• Shallot: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor than onions, adding depth without overpowering the herbs. If needed, you can substitute with finely minced red onion.
• Garlic cloves: Grated raw garlic provides a pungent, aromatic flavor that complements the herbs. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference. If you prefer, replace it with roasted garlic. 
• Sugar: Sugar helps balance the vinegar’s acidity. You can substitute honey or maple syrup.
• Kosher salt: Salt is essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the herbs and other ingredients.
• Black pepper (optional): ​ Adjust according to your taste preference.

How to make

Let’s begin by finely chopping ⅔ cup of Italian parsley, ⅓ cup of fresh mint, and 1 shallot. Using a fine grater or garlic press, grate 5 cloves of garlic.   

In a mixing bowl, whisk together ¾ cup of extra-virgin olive oil, ⅓ cup of red wine vinegar, 3 tablespoons of water, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and black pepper to taste (if using). Whisk until the ingredients are well combined and the sugar and salt fully dissolve.

Stir the chopped ingredients into the wet mixture until everything is evenly distributed and well incorporated.

Take a moment to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the sauce at room temperature for optimal flavor.

You can now serve your mint parsley garlic sauce alongside your favorite dishes. Alternatively, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later use. Use within 5 days.

FAQ

How to use garlic herb sauce

This herb sauce can be a versatile addition to various dishes beyond lamb. Here are some alternative uses for the sauce:

• Grilled Chicken or Fish: Drizzle the sauce over grilled chicken spiedini, roasted chicken thighs or fish for a refreshing burst of flavor.
• Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: Use the sauce as a dressing and drizzle it over roasted bell peppers or eggplant.
• Roasted Potatoes: This sauce makes a great addition to oven-roasted potatoes or any potato side!
• Dipping Sauce: Serve as a dipping sauce for focaccia or raw vegetables.

An elegant dinner inspiration

Enjoy this easy-to-make homemade meal, ideal for festive celebrations such as Easter and Christmas or whenever you need to plan a special dinner with loved ones.

Pan-seared rack of lamb: This step-by-step recipe demonstrates how to create a restaurant-quality pan-seared rack of lamb at home. Tender lamb racks are seared to perfection, making this sophisticated yet simple dish sure to impress.

Sauteed asparagus: Crisp asparagus spears are quickly sautéed with aromatic garlic and brightened with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, creating a simple yet elegant side dish bursting with flavor and freshness.

Creamy polenta: Velvety smooth and rich in flavor, creamy polenta provides the perfect canvas for the savory lamb and vibrant asparagus.

Ricotta pie: End your evening on a sweet note with a slice of ricotta pie. Creamy ricotta cheese, subtly sweetened and delicately flavored with hints of citrus, is nestled within a flaky pastry crust, creating an elegant and indulgent dessert.

More herb sauce recipes

Recipe origins

My recipe for this garlic and herb sauce is inspired by the experts of America’s Test Kitchen, a renowned source for culinary innovation and precision.

I made changes to tailor this zesty sauce to my preferences. The result is a versatile condiment that perfectly complements the tender pan-seared lamb racks and many other recipes.

I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does.

★★★★★ If you have made this garlic and herb sauce recipe, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!

Recipe