No-Cook Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe

Silky No-Cook Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe for Summer

Culinary magic happens when you blend a vibrant no-cook roasted red pepper sauce that bursts with Mediterranean flavors.

Fresh peppers unlock incredible depth without heating up your kitchen.

Blending becomes an art form with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Smooth textures emerge from ripe, sweet bell peppers transformed into silky goodness.

Robust garlic and bright herbs dance together, creating a sauce that elevates any dish.

Drizzle this incredible condiment over grilled vegetables, pasta, or proteins for an instant flavor boost.

You’ll find yourself reaching for this sauce again and again.

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce That Lifts Every Dish

  • Speedy Culinary Magic: Create a delicious sauce in under 10 minutes without turning on the stove.
  • Zero-Hassle Preparation: Simple one-step blending technique requires minimal cooking skills and basic kitchen equipment like a food processor.
  • Versatile Flavor Booster: Transforms ordinary meals by adding rich, smoky red pepper taste to pasta, grilled meats, vegetables, and sandwiches with minimal effort.
  • Healthy Ingredient Profile: Packed with nutritious roasted red peppers, low-calorie ingredients, and fresh herbs for a clean, vibrant sauce that enhances any dish without heavy calories.

What’s Blended Into Red Pepper Sauce

Fresh Produce:
  • Shallots: Aromatic base that adds sweet, mild onion flavor to the sauce.
  • Garlic: Provides deep, pungent flavor that complements the roasted peppers.
  • Basil: Brings fresh, herbal notes and brightens the overall sauce profile.
Roasted Vegetables:
  • Roasted Red Peppers: Core ingredient that gives the sauce its rich, smoky flavor and vibrant color. Choose jarred peppers for convenience or fire-roast fresh peppers for intense taste.
Seasoning and Enhancers:
  • Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing the sauce's flavors. Use kosher or sea salt for best results.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the sauce. Fresh cracked pepper provides more robust flavor compared to pre-ground.
  • Olive Oil Spray: Helps prevent sticking and adds a light coating of oil during cooking. Use a neutral, high-quality spray.

Assembly Instructions for No-Cook Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Gather roasted red peppers, fresh basil, shallots, and garlic.

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best flavor blend.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and lightly coat with olive oil spray.

Add finely chopped shallots and cook until they become soft and translucent, developing a sweet and mellow flavor.

Step 3: Bloom Garlic

Introduce minced garlic to the shallots, stirring quickly for about 30-45 seconds until the kitchen fills with a rich, aromatic fragrance.

Step 4: Create Smooth Sauce

Transfer the sautéed shallots and garlic to a food processor.

Add:
  • Roasted red peppers
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • A splash of extra virgin olive oil

Blend until the mixture becomes completely smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Enhance Flavor

Season the sauce with:
  • Sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

If you prefer a warm sauce, gently heat in a saucepan for 2-3 minutes.

Otherwise, serve immediately as a vibrant, fresh condiment for pasta, grilled vegetables, or as a dipping sauce.

No-Cook Sauce Tips For Maximum Flavor

  • Toast whole roasted red peppers briefly in a dry skillet before blending to intensify their smoky sweetness.
  • Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve for an ultra-smooth, silky consistency that elevates the dish.
  • Swap fresh basil with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version that adds depth and cheesy undertones.
  • Refrigerate the sauce in an airtight container for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to meld and develop more complexity.
  • Use as a pasta sauce, pizza base, dipping sauce for vegetables, or a vibrant spread for sandwiches and wraps.

Red Pepper Sauce That Stays Smooth and Bold

  • Store the sauce in an airtight container and keep it chilled for up to 5 days. The cool temperature helps preserve the fresh flavors and texture.
  • Pour the sauce into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months for convenient future use.
  • Warm the sauce in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of water if the sauce seems too thick.
  • Transfer the sauce to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

Great Matches For Red Pepper Sauce

  • Pair with Rustic Crusty Bread: Tear apart a warm, crusty Italian or sourdough bread to dip directly into the vibrant red pepper sauce, capturing every delicious drop.
  • Complement with Grilled Chicken: Drizzle the sauce over perfectly grilled chicken breasts, creating a zesty Mediterranean-inspired main dish that bursts with flavor.
  • Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the sauce's rich, slightly sweet roasted pepper notes and enhance the overall dining experience.
  • Serve with Fresh Mozzarella: Slice fresh mozzarella and arrange with the sauce as a simple appetizer, letting the creamy cheese soften the sauce's bright, tangy profile.

Red Pepper Sauce Mix-Ins

  • Vegan Delight: Replace dairy-based ingredients with cashew cream or nutritional yeast for a plant-based, creamy sauce that's packed with flavor.
  • Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes during blending to create a zesty, heat-packed version that tingles taste buds.
  • Herb Garden Blend: Swap basil with fresh thyme, oregano, or a mix of Mediterranean herbs to transform the sauce's aromatic profile.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Eliminate added salt and use salt-free roasted red peppers, then enhance with fresh herbs and a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

FAQs

  • Are roasted red peppers healthy?

Roasted red peppers are packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants. They support immune health, improve skin quality, and help reduce inflammation in the body.

  • Can I use jarred roasted red peppers for this sauce?

Yes, jarred roasted red peppers work perfectly. Just drain them well before blending to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery. Choose high-quality, preservative-free brands for best flavor.

  • How long will this sauce last in the refrigerator?

The no-cook roasted red pepper sauce typically stays fresh for 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Always check for any signs of spoilage before using.

  • What dishes pair well with this sauce?

This versatile sauce works great with pasta, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, as a dip for bread or vegetables, and can be used as a spread on sandwiches or wraps.

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No-Cook Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe

No-Cook Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe


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4.9 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy no-cook roasted red pepper sauce delivers Mediterranean magic with silky blended peppers, garlic, and olive oil. Rich, zesty condiment elevates pasta, grilled meats, and vegetables for quick gourmet dining you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) roasted red peppers (packed in water, drained)
  • 3 shallots, minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste)
  • Fresh cracked black pepper

Cooking Preparation:

  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Gently caramelize shallots in a light mist of olive oil, stirring occasionally over medium heat until they become soft and develop a translucent golden hue, approximately 5 minutes.
  2. Introduce minced garlic to the pan, allowing its aromatic essence to bloom for roughly 60 seconds, releasing its intense fragrance without browning.
  3. Transfer the sautéed allium mixture into a food processor, creating a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
  4. Add drained roasted red peppers and fresh basil leaves to the processor, transforming the ingredients into a velvety, vibrant puree through continuous blending.
  5. Enhance the sauce’s depth by incorporating sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting the seasoning to achieve a harmonious flavor profile.
  6. For those preferring a warmer presentation, gently warm the sauce in a saucepan, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify without losing the ingredients’ inherent brightness.

Notes

  • Roast your own peppers for an extra smoky, intense flavor that elevates the entire sauce’s depth and complexity.
  • Swap shallots with red onions if you’re out of shallots, maintaining a similar sweet and mild aromatic profile.
  • Keep extra sauce refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days, which makes meal prep super convenient for quick weeknight dinners.
  • Use this versatile sauce as a pasta coating, pizza base, sandwich spread, or dipping sauce for vegetables and proteins, maximizing its culinary potential.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 45
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 125mg
  • Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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