Red Pepper Pesto Dip

Brighten your appetizer game with this smoky, creamy, and irresistibly flavorful Red Pepper Pesto Dip! Made with charred roasted red peppers, toasted walnuts, fragrant fresh basil, and nutty Parmesan cheese, this dip strikes the perfect balance of earthy, tangy, and savory notes. A kick of garlic and a splash of fresh lemon juice elevate the flavors even further, while extra-virgin olive oil ensures a silky, smooth texture. Quick to prepare in just 15 minutes, this vibrant dip is perfect for spreading on crusty bread, pairing with crisp veggies, or serving as a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering. Plus, it keeps well in the fridge for up to five days, making it an easy make-ahead option. Red Pepper Pesto Dip is the ultimate snack, appetizer, or spread—you won’t want to miss it!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 whole (about 1 cup) roasted red peppers
• 0.25 cups walnuts
• 0.5 cups fresh basil leaves
• 0.25 cups Parmesan cheese
• 1 whole garlic clove
• 0.25 cups extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper

Directions

Step 1

If using fresh red peppers, roast them by placing them directly over a gas flame or under a broiler, rotating frequently until the skin is charred and blackened. Place the roasted peppers in a sealed container for 5 minutes, then peel off the skin, remove the stems, and discard the seeds.

Step 2

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Let them cool for a minute.

Step 3

Add the roasted red peppers, toasted walnuts, basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, and garlic clove into a food processor or blender.

Step 4

Pulse the mixture a few times to break down the ingredients.

Step 5

While the processor is running, drizzle in the olive oil slowly to help emulsify the dip.

Step 6

Add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper, then puree until the mixture is smooth and cohesive. Scrape down the sides of the processor as needed.

Step 7

Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning or consistency if necessary. Add a bit more olive oil or a splash of water if the pesto is too thick.

Step 8

Transfer the Red Pepper Pesto Dip to a serving bowl and serve with your favorite vegetables, crackers, or bread. It can also be refrigerated for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	616.1 grams (616.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	940

Total Fat 86.40g	111%
Saturated Fat 14.50g	73%
Polyunsaturated Fat 14.20g
Cholesterol 22mg	7%
Sodium 1344mg	58%
Total Carbohydrate 22.20g	8%
Dietary Fiber 6.40g	23%
Total Sugars 1.20g
Protein 16.80g	34%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 345mg	27%
Iron 4mg	19%
Potassium 889mg	19%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 83.3%

Protein: 7.2%

Carbs: 9.5%