Argentinian Chicken Empanada with Chimichurri and Ensalada Mixta (Vegetarian Empanada Upon Request)(includes complimentary surprise dessert)

This meal was inspired in a very simple, unexpected moment—while I was shopping with one of my very favorite people in the world, my dear friend Sharon. We stopped for a bite, and as she enjoyed an empanada, she casually said, “You should make these.” The funny thing is, it was already something I had been thinking about.

My uncle Rudi once lived in Argentina and we would go to visit. He was brilliant (spoke 7 languages fluently and was a nuclear physicist), funny, adventurous, kind and known for his pillow dances (see photo). I still remember my aunt making empanadas and how much I loved them. Golden, savory, and satisfying, they were one of those foods that stayed with me over time. Sharon’s comment felt like the final nudge to finally bring this idea to life at Ragna’s Table.

Empanadas are one of Argentina’s most beloved foods, found in home kitchens, bakeries, and gatherings across the country. These handcrafted pastries are filled with seasoned chicken, slowly cooked onions, sweet peppers, garlic, and warm spices. The filling is naturally rich in protein and satisfying, while the vegetables add fiber, antioxidants, and gentle sweetness that balance the dish. A vegetarian option is also available upon request, featuring a hand-prepared spinach and cheese empanada, offering an additional source of plant-based nutrients and calcium, made in the same traditional style and baked fresh alongside the chicken empanadas.

Alongside the empanadas is chimichurri, Argentina’s classic herb sauce. Bright and vibrant, it’s made with fresh parsley, oregano, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar. Naturally rich in antioxidants and heart-healthy fats, it adds freshness and lift to each bite while complementing the warmth and savoriness of the filling.

The meal is completed with ensalada mixta—a simple mix of lettuce, tomato, and onion dressed with olive oil and vinegar. Crisp, hydrating, and nutrient-dense, it brings freshness, fiber, and balance to the plate while highlighting the richness of the empanadas.

This is simple, satisfying food rooted in tradition. It carries memories of family kitchens, travel, and the kind of dishes that don’t need much explanation once you taste them.

I can’t wait to cook this for you!