You can make this easy Gremolata recipe in just 5 minutes, and its bold, herby flavor can brighten up any savory dish. Try it on roasted meats, fish, vegetables, soups, beans, pasta, or anything that needs a fresh touch.

Fresh Gremolata on a spoon in a white bowl.

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Gremolata is a classic Italian topping made with fresh parsley, lemon zest, and garlic.

People often serve it with rich foods because the herbs and lemon help balance strong flavors. It’s also great with lighter dishes like grilled fish, roasted vegetables, and pasta.

This recipe adds a bit of extra-virgin olive oil to help everything mix and spoon easily.

Here’s Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • This gremolata is quick and easy to make, and you don’t need to cook anything.
  • It tastes fresh, with lots of garlic and lemon flavor.
  • You probably already have the ingredients at home.
  • It’s naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian.
  • It’s also an easy way to make simple dishes taste like something from a restaurant.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The recipe card at the bottom of the post contains the full list with all of the amounts. Refer to that when you’re cooking.

Recipe ingredients
  • Flat-leaf parsley: This gives the gremolata its fresh flavor. Flat-leaf parsley works best because it tastes cleaner and stronger than curly parsley.
  • Lemon zest: Adds citrus flavor without making the mixture watery. Use a fresh lemon and only zest the yellow part, not the bitter white layer underneath.
  • Garlic: Adds a strong, savory flavor. One fresh clove is enough, but you can use more or less to suit your taste.
  • Extra virgin olive oil: Coats the herbs and helps everything mix together. Choose a good-quality olive oil for the best results.
  • Kosher salt: Brings out the fresh flavors. Start with just a little and add more if you need it.
  • Freshly ground black pepper: Freshly ground is the best option, but if you only have pre-ground pepper it’ll work, too.

In Photos: How To Make Gremolata

Step 1: Mix Parsley & Lemon Zest

Combine the parsley and lemon zest in a small bowl and toss to distribute evenly.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Add the garlic and stir to combine.

Garlic added to bowl

Step 3: Add Olive Oil

Drizzle in the olive oil and mix until lightly coated.

Olive oil added to bowl

Step 4: Season, Taste, and Adjust

Season with salt and a few grinds of black pepper, then taste and adjust as needed.

Salt added to bowl

Helpful Tips and Tricks

  • It’s okay to use some of the stems along with the parsley leaves. The stems are full of flavor!
  • You can either mince or grate the garlic using a microplane zester.
Gremolata on a spoon

Serve Gremolata With…

Gremolata on a spoon
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Gremolata

Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Gremolata is an Italian condiment that consists of minced garlic, lemon zest, and fresh parsley. It’s a wonderful accompaniment to a variety of savory dishes!

Ingredients

Instructions
 

  • Combine the parsley and lemon zest in a small bowl and toss to distribute evenly.
  • Add the garlic and stir to combine.
  • Drizzle in the olive oil and mix until the mixture is lightly coated.
  • Season with salt and a few grinds of black pepper, then taste and adjust as needed.
Calories: 34kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 0.2g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 0.5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Sodium: 77mg, Potassium: 43mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 0.1g, Vitamin A: 632IU, Vitamin C: 10mg, Calcium: 11mg, Iron: 0.5mg
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Side Dish
Tried this recipe?Mention @bakingamoment on Instagram or tag #bakingamoment.

Author

  • Thumbnail pic of Jennifer Farley.

    Hi there, I'm Jen. From 2009 to 2021, I was a full time blogger at Savory Simple, a blog dedicated to well-tested recipes and tutorials for home cooks. In 2016, I published my cookbook, The Gourmet Kitchen. I now work full time as a freelance recipe developer and food photographer from my home in Olney, MD, where I live with my husband Jeff and our 3 cats. I've written a weekly newsletter for The Washington Post's Voraciously, and I've also contributed to The Kitchn, Food52, Parade Magazine, and Better Homes & Gardens.

    Allie and I have been friends for years, and I'm thrilled to now be contributing to Baking a Moment!

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