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Red Pepper Pesto Recipe

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4.1 from 9 reviews

This vibrant Red Pepper Pesto is a flavorful twist on traditional pesto, combining roasted red peppers, toasted pine nuts, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese for a creamy, tangy sauce perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip. Ready in just 30 minutes, this versatile pesto adds a bright, savory punch to any meal.

Ingredients

Red Pepper Pesto Ingredients

  • 16 oz jarred roasted red peppers
  • 2 tbsp pine nuts
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Toast Pine Nuts: Heat a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add the pine nuts and toast them, stirring frequently, until they become lightly browned and emit a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  2. Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the jarred roasted red peppers, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, chopped basil, salt, black pepper, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and grated Parmesan cheese. Blend on high speed for about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and blend again for another 30 seconds or until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  3. Adjust Consistency and Store: If the pesto is too thick, you can add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil for a creamier texture. Transfer the pesto to an airtight container and refrigerate. The pesto will keep for up to 1 week. Use it as a spread on bread, a sauce for pasta, or a topping for pizza.

Notes

  • You can substitute pine nuts with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
  • For a vegan version, omit Parmesan cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast.
  • If you prefer a chunkier pesto, pulse the ingredients less in the food processor.
  • Allow the pesto to come to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
  • Use fresh bottled roasted red peppers for the brightest taste versus jarred for saltiness considerations.

Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/red-pepper-pesto-recipe/