Roasted Red Pepper Dressing brings a delightful smokey flavor to any salad. The rich blend of charred peppers and seasonings creates a perfect balance for your greens.
Contents
Roasted red pepper dressing recipe
Roasted red pepper dressing combines charred sweet peppers with complementary ingredients to create a flavorful sauce. It’s a delightful combination of smoky sweetness and creamy texture.
One of the most appealing aspects is its make-ahead capability. The roasted red pepper salad dressing maintains its quality when refrigerated, offering an extended shelf life compared to many homemade dressings.
This dressing also packs a nutritional punch. It’s rich in vitamins, particularly Vitamin C and A from the red peppers. The roasted peppers provide a good source of antioxidants. This is how to make the roasted red pepper dressing:
Roasted red pepper dressing
Ingredients
- 2 large red bell peppers
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup optional, for added sweetness
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven’s broiler or set up a gas stove flame. Place the red peppers on a baking sheet under the broiler, or hold them over the flame with tongs, turning occasionally until the skin is charred and blackened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Place the peppers in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let them steam for 10 minutes. Once cooled, peel off the skin, remove the seeds, and set the peppers aside.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted peppers, olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, honey or maple syrup, and smoked paprika. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Add salt and black pepper to taste, then blend again briefly to combine.
- Use the dressing immediately or refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to a week. Shake or stir before using.
How to serve and pair
Serve roasted red pepper dressing with light dishes to balance flavors with a smoky and sweet note.
- Salad Dressings
- Drizzle dressing over green salads to enhance flavor.
- Dressing adds smoky depth to quinoa or rice salads.
- Use roasted red pepper dressing in pasta salads.
- Farro with fresh herbs becomes more vibrant with the smoky-sweet dressing.
- Dipping Sauces
- Serve dressing as a dip for vegetables or pita bread.
- Dressing pairs well with chips or crackers.
- Marinades
- Use dressing to marinate chicken, beef, or tofu.
- Sauces for Main Dishes
- Drizzle dressing on grilled meats to enhance flavors.
- Add dressing to soups like tomato or roasted garlic soup for extra richness.
- Sandwiches and Wraps
- Spread dressing on sandwiches or wraps.
- Other Creative Uses
- Drizzle on pizzas for a smoky flavor boost.
- Serve over scrambled eggs or frittatas for added zest.
Variations
Enjoy roasted red pepper dressing in various forms, adjusting ingredients to achieve your ideal balance of flavors.
- Creamy Versions
- Add Greek yogurt for tanginess
- Include heavy cream for richness
- Add crème fraîche for complexity
- Spicy Variations
- Fresh chilies (jalapeños, serranos)
- Dried spices (cayenne, red pepper flakes)
- Hot sauces (Tabasco, Sriracha)
- Herb-Infused Roasted Red Pepper Dressing
- Add fresh herbs (like dill or chives)
- The version completes the smokiness
