Roasted Red Pepper Dip
Smoky, sweet roasted red peppers blended with walnuts, garlic, and a touch of lemon into a creamy, vibrant dip. Perfect for pita chips, fresh vegetables, or spreading on sandwiches. Ready in under 30 minutes with just a handful of pantry staples.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Preheat oven and prep the peppers.
1.Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).2.Wash red bell peppers and pat them completely dry.3.Place whole peppers on a baking sheet, leaving space between each. - roast · ~15 min
Roast the peppers until charred.
1.Roast peppers for 15-20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes with tongs.2.Look for blackened, blistered skin all over — this builds the smoky flavor.3.Remove from oven when evenly charred and tender.TIPDon't under-roast. The dark char is what gives the dip its signature smokiness. - rest · ~10 min
Steam and peel the peppers.
1.Transfer hot peppers to a bowl and cover tightly with a plate or plastic wrap.2.Let them steam for 10 minutes — this loosens the skin.3.Once cool enough to handle, peel off the charred skin, remove stems, and discard seeds.TIPSteaming makes peeling effortless. Don't rinse under water or you'll wash away flavor. - mix · ~2 min
Blend the dip until smooth.
1.In a food processor, combine roasted peppers, walnuts, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.2.Add cumin powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.3.Pulse until smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.4.Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice.TIPFor a chunkier dip, pulse briefly instead of blending continuously. - rest · ~15 min
Chill before serving.
1.Transfer dip to a serving bowl.2.Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld.TIPThis dip tastes even better the next day. Make it ahead if you can. - serve
Drizzle with olive oil and serve.
Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top and serve with warm pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Char the peppers thoroughly until blackened for the deepest smoky flavor.
- 2Steam the hot peppers under a bowl for 10 minutes to make peeling effortless.
- 3Toast the walnuts in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes to intensify their nutty taste.
- 4Do not rinse the peeled peppers with water — it washes away the smoky oils.
- 5Let the dip rest in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld.
- 6Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for brightness — bottled juice tastes flat.
- 7For a chunkier texture, pulse the food processor instead of blending continuously.
Adapt it for your goals.
Smoky Chipotle
Swap the smoked paprika for 1-2 teaspoons of chipotle in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy kick that transforms the dip into a bold Southwestern-style spread.
Nut Free (Seed Based)Nut-Free (Seed Based)
Replace walnuts with 1/4 cup of raw sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds — toast them first for nuttiness. Perfect for those with tree nut allergies.
Herby MediterraneanHerby Mediterranean
Add a handful of fresh basil or parsley leaves when blending for a bright, herbaceous twist that complements the smoky red peppers.
Extra Creamy (Dairy)Extra Creamy (Dairy)
Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or labneh after blending to make the dip richer and tangier — ideal for spreading on flatbread.
Roasted Eggplant VariationRoasted Eggplant Variation
Substitute one of the red peppers with a small roasted eggplant to create a muhammara-style dip with deeper, earthier flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Red bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Walnuts provide omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats, known to support cardiovascular health.
Antioxidant Power
Cumin and smoked paprika contain antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Low-Calorie Snack Base
This dip is made primarily from vegetables and nuts, with no heavy cream or cheese, making it a lighter alternative to creamy dips.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but the flavor will be milder. Drain well and pat dry before blending. For the best smokiness, roast fresh peppers.



