5-Minute Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
A smoky, velvety sauce made from charred red bell peppers blended with garlic, almonds, and a touch of olive oil. Ready in just 5 minutes, it's the perfect weeknight drizzle for pasta, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables.
For 4 servings
- prep
Gather and prep the ingredients.
1.Drain the jarred roasted red peppers well.2.Peel the garlic clove. - mix · ~1 min
Blend the sauce until smooth.
Add the roasted red peppers, almonds, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to a food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- serve
Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve.
Taste the sauce and add another pinch of salt or a splash of vinegar if you like. Use immediately or refrigerate for later. The sauce can be served cold, at room temperature, or gently warmed.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pat the jarred peppers dry with a paper towel to remove excess brine for a thicker sauce.
- 2Toast the almonds lightly in a dry pan before blending to deepen their nutty flavor.
- 3For an ultra-smooth texture, soak the almonds in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain.
- 4Let the sauce sit for 10 minutes after blending to allow flavors to meld.
- 5Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 5 days; stir before using.
- 6Use the sauce as a marinade for chicken or fish; it doubles as a quick dressing.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Already naturally vegan; replace honey-like sweetness with a pinch of sugar if desired.
nut freeNut-free
Swap almonds with 2 tablespoons of sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version that stays creamy.
spicySpicy
Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or one small dried chili to the blender for a smoky heat.
roasted garlicRoasted garlic
Use a clove of roasted garlic instead of raw for a sweeter, mellower garlic flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Red bell peppers are packed with vitamin C, which supports immune health and collagen production.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Olive oil and almonds provide monounsaturated fats that may help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Low in Calories
This sauce is made with whole foods and contains no added sugars or heavy creams, making it a light yet flavorful option.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but you'll need to roast them yourself: char the peppers under a broiler until blackened, then steam in a bowl for 10 minutes before peeling off the skin.
