Gremolata Recipe is a fresh, flavorful Italian herb garnish made with parsley, garlic, and lemon zest. It’s a quick and easy way to add color and taste to many dishes from Osso Buco to grilled meats, pasta, or even roasted vegetables.
This recipe takes just one minute to make and brings a bright, zesty flavor that lifts any meal.
Details
<strong>4</strong>
<strong>5min</strong>
<strong>0min</strong>
<strong>5min</strong>
No-cook / Mixing
Italian
Tools For Making This Recipe
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Zester or Fine Grater
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh flat-leaf parsley | ½ cup (finely chopped) | Adds freshness and color |
| Garlic cloves | 1–2 (grated or minced) | Gives a bold, aromatic flavor |
| Lemon zest | From 1 lemon | Adds brightness and tang |
| Salt | A pinch | Balances and enhances flavor |
| (Optional) Olive oil | 1–2 tsp | For a smoother texture |
| (Optional) Chili flakes | A pinch | Adds a light spicy touch |
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the parsley
Take fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley. Wash and dry it well. Chop it very finely using a sharp knife. The smaller pieces blend better with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Grate the garlic
Use one or two garlic cloves depending on your taste. Finely grate or mince them, then add them to the chopped parsley. Garlic adds a strong and rich aroma that’s key to gremolata.
Step 3: Add lemon zest
Zest one lemon using a grater or zester. Only take the yellow outer layer — the white part (pith) can be bitter. The lemon zest adds a clean, citrusy freshness.
Step 4: Season the mix
Add a small pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. You can also add a few chili flakes if you like it spicy.
Step 5: Mix everything together
Combine the chopped parsley, garlic, lemon zest, and salt in a bowl. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly blended.
(Optional: Add a drizzle of olive oil if you prefer a softer, dressing-like texture.)
Serving Suggestions
Gremolata is a versatile Italian garnish that pairs beautifully with many dishes. You can use it on:
- Osso Buco – the classic pairing
- Grilled or roasted meat
- Seafood or fish dishes
- Vegetable sides or soups
- Pasta and risotto for an extra pop of freshness
Just sprinkle it over before serving for that perfect finishing touch.
Italian Cuisine Insight
Gremolata is a traditional Italian condiment that originated in Milan, usually served with Osso Buco alla Milanese. It’s loved for its simple ingredients and bold flavor that instantly transforms any dish.
Nutrition Facts
4 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories12
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
0.1g
1%
- Sodium 20mg 1%
- Total Carbohydrate
1.2g
1%
- Dietary Fiber 0.4g 2%
- Protein 0.3g 1%
- Vitamin A 8%
- Vitamin C 10%
- Calcium 10%
- Iron 0.3%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Final Thoughts
Making gremolata Recipe at home takes only a minute, but it brings life to your food. The mix of fresh parsley, sharp garlic, and zesty lemon gives a perfect balance of freshness and flavor.
It’s one of those easy recipes that every home cook should know. Try it once and you’ll want to sprinkle it on almost everything!
