Roasted Red Pepper Salad

Roasted Red Pepper Salad is a vibrant, colorful dish that bursts with flavor and freshness. The smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers pairs beautifully with simple seasonings, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing, creating a refreshing and healthy salad that’s perfect as a side dish or a light meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple yet flavorful: The roasted red peppers take center stage with their natural sweetness, enhanced by olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
• Healthy and nutritious: This salad is low in calories, high in vitamins, and packed with antioxidants, making it both delicious and good for you.
• Versatile: It can be served as a side dish, appetizer, or light lunch. You can also use it as a topping for grilled meats or sandwiches.
• Easy to prepare: With just a handful of ingredients, this salad is easy to whip up, and the roasted peppers can be prepared in advance.
• Great for meal prep: This salad stores well, allowing you to make it ahead and enjoy it throughout the week.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Red bell peppers
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Fresh parsley
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Optional: Feta cheese, capers, or olives for extra flavor

Directions

1. Roast the red peppers: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the whole red bell peppers on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is charred and blistered all over.
2. Cool and peel the peppers: Once roasted, transfer the peppers to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let them steam for 10-15 minutes to loosen the skin. After that, peel off the skins and remove the seeds and stems.
3. Slice the peppers: Slice the peeled red peppers into thin strips and place them in a serving bowl.
4. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
5. Assemble the salad: Pour the dressing over the roasted pepper strips and toss gently to combine. Add freshly chopped parsley and any optional toppings like feta, olives, or capers.
6. Serve: Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 people as a side dish.
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Add cheese: Crumbled feta or goat cheese adds a creamy, salty contrast to the sweet peppers.
• Incorporate vegetables: Add other roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for more texture and flavor.
• Include a protein: Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make this salad a complete meal.
• Spice it up: Add some chili flakes or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a spicy kick.
• Use different herbs: Try basil, cilantro, or mint instead of parsley for a new flavor twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the Roasted Red Pepper Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, you can gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat until just warmed through.

FAQs

How can I roast peppers without an oven?

You can roast red peppers over an open flame on a gas stove or grill. Hold the peppers over the flame using tongs and rotate until the skin is charred.

Can I use jarred roasted red peppers instead of fresh?

Yes, jarred roasted red peppers can be a time-saving alternative. Just make sure to drain them well before using.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! The flavors of this salad improve as it sits, so it’s a great option for meal prep or make-ahead dishes.

How long will this salad keep in the fridge?

This salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.

What can I serve with Roasted Red Pepper Salad?

It pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or crusty bread. It also complements Mediterranean dishes like hummus and pita.

Can I freeze roasted red peppers?

Yes, you can freeze roasted red peppers. After peeling and removing the seeds, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 6 months.

What type of peppers should I use for this salad?

Red bell peppers are ideal due to their sweetness, but you can also use yellow or orange bell peppers for variety.

Can I add other ingredients to this salad?

Yes, feel free to customize it with ingredients like olives, capers, or even artichokes to add more flavor.

Is this salad vegan?

Yes, the base recipe is vegan. Just be sure to skip the optional cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.

How can I make this salad more filling?

You can make this salad more substantial by adding grains like quinoa or couscous, or proteins like chickpeas or grilled chicken.

Conclusion

Roasted Red Pepper Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and incredibly versatile. Whether you serve it as a side dish, appetizer, or light meal, it’s sure to impress with its vibrant color and smoky-sweet flavor. Best of all, it can be made ahead of time and easily customized to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try for a fresh and healthy addition to your meal rotation!

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