Zesty Roasted Red Pepper Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Summers burst with vibrant flavors, and this roasted red pepper salad captures Mediterranean sunshine on a plate.

Crisp vegetables dance with smoky roasted red pepper midway through each delightful bite.

Charred peppers bring depth and complexity to a simple salad.

Bright herbs and a zesty dressing complement the sweet, slightly charred pepper notes.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a colorful dish that sings with natural goodness.

Each forkful tells a story of fresh produce and careful preparation.

You’ll savor every moment of this light, refreshing salad that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 3

What Ingredients Make Up Roasted Red Pepper Salad

• Red Bell Peppers: Select firm, vibrant peppers with smooth skin for optimal char and sweet flavor. Look for peppers without blemishes or soft spots.

• Red Onion, Parsley: Crisp onions add sharp bite while fresh parsley brings bright herbal notes. Choose sweet red onions with glossy outer layers and parsley with deep green color.

• Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar: Premium olive oil ensures smooth dressing while tangy vinegar balances pepper's sweetness. Select cold-pressed olive oil and aged red wine vinegar for depth.
• Garlic: Adds robust, earthy undertone to dressing. Select firm, plump garlic cloves without green sprouts.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that elevates overall taste. Use freshly ground black pepper for intense aroma.
• Smoked Paprika: Optional spice that introduces smoky complexity. Choose Spanish or Hungarian varieties for authentic flavor.

• Feta Cheese, Pine Nuts, Kalamata Olives: Provide textural contrast and Mediterranean flair. Select creamy feta, golden pine nuts, and briny olives for luxurious finish.

Simple Gear For Roasted Red Pepper Salad

• Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting peppers evenly in the oven.
• Large Bowl: Perfect for combining roasted peppers, onion, and parsley.
• Small Bowl: Ideal for whisking together the flavorful dressing.
• Whisk: Helps blend dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp Knife: Necessary for slicing peppers and removing seeds.
• Plastic Wrap or Lid: Helps steam the roasted peppers for easy skin removal.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.

Quick Instructions To Prep Roasted Red Pepper Salad

• Pepper Transformation

Unleash the magic of roasting by placing vibrant red bell peppers on a baking sheet. Crank the oven to a sizzling 450F and watch as the peppers transform, turning beautifully charred and blistered. After 20-25 minutes, carefully transfer the peppers to a cozy bowl, covering them to let steam work its magic for 10 minutes.

• Pepper Unveiling

Gently peel away the blackened skin, revealing the tender, sweet flesh beneath. Carefully remove the seeds and slice the peppers into elegant strips that will dance in your salad.

• Flavor Symphony

In a spacious bowl, create a colorful canvas by combining the roasted pepper strips with crisp red onion and fresh parsley. This is where the salad begins to come alive with vibrant colors and textures.

• Dressing Alchemy

Craft a magical dressing by whisking together golden olive oil, tangy red wine vinegar, zesty garlic, a pinch of salt, and a sprinkle of black pepper. For those feeling adventurous, a touch of smoked paprika can elevate the entire dish.

• Final Flourish

Drizzle the dressing over the salad, gently tossing to ensure every morsel is kissed with flavor. Let the salad rest and mingle for 15 minutes, allowing the ingredients to whisper their delicious secrets to each other.

• Optional Excitement

For those seeking extra pizzazz, crown your creation with crumbled feta, toasted pine nuts, or briny Kalamata olives. Each addition brings a new layer of excitement to this simple yet spectacular salad.

Ways To Tweak Roasted Red Pepper Salad To Your Taste

• Roasting Pepper Perfection: Use fresh, firm red bell peppers with smooth skin for the best roasting results. Rotate peppers every 5-7 minutes to ensure even charring and prevent burning.
• Mediterranean Twist: Add crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, or toasted pine nuts to elevate the salad's flavor profile and introduce authentic Mediterranean textures.
• Dietary Adaptations: Transform this salad into a vegan-friendly dish by omitting cheese and using extra herbs like fresh basil or oregano for added complexity. Swap olive oil with avocado oil for alternative dietary needs.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare roasted peppers and dressing up to 2 days in advance. Store separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and maximize convenience for busy home cooks.
• Flavor Boosters: Experiment with different vinegars like sherry or balsamic for unique dressing variations. Consider adding a touch of honey or a pinch of red pepper flakes to introduce subtle sweetness or gentle heat.

Plating Ideas For Roasted Red Pepper Salad

• Mediterranean Feast Companion: Serve alongside grilled lamb or chicken for a vibrant Mediterranean-style meal that bursts with flavor.
• Rustic Bread Pairing: Grab a crusty sourdough or rustic ciabatta to soak up the delicious dressing and pepper juices, creating a delightful appetizer or side dish.
• Protein Power Boost: Transform the salad into a complete meal by adding grilled shrimp, chickpeas, or crumbled goat cheese for extra protein and texture.
• Picnic Perfect Dish: Pack this salad in mason jars for a colorful and refreshing outdoor lunch that travels well and looks Instagram-worthy.

Storage Tips For Roasted Red Pepper Salad That Last

• Quick Flavor Boost: Let the salad sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to blend and intensify their taste profiles.
• Chilled Delight Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The peppers will continue developing richer, deeper flavors as they marinate.
• Smart Prep Technique: Prepare roasted peppers in larger batches and store separately in the refrigerator for quick salad assembly throughout the week.
• Freshness Extension Trick: Keep dressing and salad components separate until just before serving to maintain crisp vegetable textures and prevent soggy ingredients.

Vibrant Roasted Red Pepper Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Greek roasted red pepper salad blends Mediterranean flavors with zesty herbs and tangy feta. Fresh vegetables and a simple vinaigrette create a perfect summer side dish you’ll want to savor at every meal.

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Ingredients

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• 4 large red bell peppers (roasted, peeled, and sliced)
• ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
• 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
• Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• Toasted pine nuts (optional)
• Kalamata olives (optional)

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Instructions

1. Roasting Peppers: Position bell peppers in a scorching 450F (230C) oven, rotating periodically until their exterior becomes dramatically blackened and intensely caramelized with deep blistered surfaces.
2. Steaming Preparation: Transfer roasted peppers immediately into a sealed container, allowing them to steam for 10 minutes to facilitate skin removal and soften the pepper’s texture.
3. Pepper Preparation: Delicately peel away the charred exterior, remove seeds and membranes, then slice peppers into elegant, uniform strips revealing their tender flesh.
4. Salad Assembly: Combine roasted pepper strips with finely chopped red onion and fresh parsley in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a vibrant foundational mixture.
5. Dressing Creation: Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, cracked black pepper, and smoky paprika together, constructing a robust and aromatic dressing that will elevate the salad’s flavor profile.
6. Flavor Infusion: Generously drizzle the dressing over the pepper mixture, thoroughly tossing to ensure every ingredient becomes luxuriously coated and harmoniously integrated.
7. Marination and Garnishing: Allow the salad to rest for 15 minutes, enabling flavor melding, then optionally embellish with crumbled feta, toasted pine nuts, or Kalamata olives to introduce textural complexity.

Notes

• Char Peppers Precisely: Achieve deep blackening by rotating peppers every 5-7 minutes in high heat, ensuring even caramelization without burning.
• Steam for Easy Peeling: The sealed container technique allows pepper skins to separate naturally, making removal smooth and preventing flesh damage.
• Dress Strategically: Let salad marinate at room temperature to allow flavors to develop fully; avoid refrigeration immediately after dressing to maintain optimal taste intensity.
• Customize Texture: Adjust pepper slice thickness based on preference – thinner strips provide delicate mouthfeel, while thicker cuts offer more substantial bite and rustic presentation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg