Roasted Green Pepper Pesto

Elevate your pesto game with this Roasted Green Pepper Pesto, a vibrant and smoky twist on the classic recipe. Sweet, charred green bell peppers are roasted to perfection, then blended with fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and a splash of lemon juice for a bright and tangy finish. The rich olive oil creates a creamy texture, while garlic and black pepper add depth and spice. This versatile homemade pesto pairs beautifully with pasta, enhances sandwiches, or works as a stunning dip for vegetables. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is a must-try for those seeking bold, fresh flavors with a Mediterranean flair.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 large green bell peppers
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 0.5 cup (grated) Parmesan cheese
• 0.25 cup pine nuts
• 2 cloves garlic
• 0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Cut the green bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and stems.

Step 3

Place the peppers cut side down on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the skins are charred and blistered.

Step 4

Remove the roasted peppers from the oven and transfer them to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a plate to trap the steam for 5-10 minutes. This will make it easier to peel off the skins.

Step 5

Once the peppers have cooled slightly, peel off the skins and discard them.

Step 6

In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the pine nuts for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 7

In a food processor, combine the roasted green peppers, fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

Step 8

Pulse the mixture a few times to begin blending, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil while the food processor is running, blending until the pesto is smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed.

Step 9

Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon juice if desired.

Step 10

Serve immediately with pasta, spread on sandwiches, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	802.3 grams (802.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1516

Total Fat 150.70g	193%
Saturated Fat 27.00g	135%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11.50g
Cholesterol 45mg	15%
Sodium 1519mg	66%
Total Carbohydrate 36.30g	13%
Dietary Fiber 11.70g	42%
Total Sugars 14.80g
Protein 26.70g	53%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 529mg	41%
Iron 5mg	26%
Potassium 1296mg	28%

*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: 84.3%

Protein: 6.6%

Carbs: 9.0%