Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where comforting classics get a fresh twist. Roasted Red Pepper Salad features charred sweet peppers with olives, fresh mozzarella, and basil oil for Mediterranean vibrancy perfect as side or light lunch.
Ready in 45 minutes plus cooling, it serves 6 with smoky sweetness and creamy contrast.
Why This Recipe Works
Charred skins deliver concentrated sweetness. Basil oil infuses fresh herbaceous notes. Bocconcini adds mellow creaminess. Pine nuts provide buttery crunch. Arugula offers peppery base balance.
Ingredients & Prep
Salad:
- 4 large red bell peppers
- 3 cups arugula or rocket
- 8 oz bocconcini, sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, halved
- ⅓ cup pine nuts, toasted
Basil Oil:
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp sea salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Roast peppers under broiler or over flame until blackened; steam in covered bowl 15 minutes.
- Peel skins, remove seeds, slice into strips.
- Blend basil, oil, lemon juice, salt until smooth.
- Arrange arugula on platter; top with peppers, bocconcini, olives, pine nuts.
- Drizzle with basil oil; serve immediately.

Flavor Variations
| Variation | Key Add/Swap | Resulting Twist |
|---|---|---|
| Caprese | Fresh tomatoes + balsamic | Italian summer |
| Chickpea | Roasted chickpeas | Protein boost |
| Feta | Crumbled feta | Tangy Greek |
| Spanish | Smoked paprika + sherry vinegar | Iberian warmth |
Storage Tips
Refrigerate components separate up to 3 days; assemble fresh.
FAQs
Skins won’t peel?
Steam longer; don’t rinse under water.
Bitter oil?
More lemon; fresh basil essential.
No arugula?
Baby spinach works fine.
Conclusion
Roasted Red Pepper Salad smoke-hugs summer vibrant perfection.
PrintRoasted Red Pepper Salad Recipe
Roasted red pepper salad features charred sweet peppers with tangy vinaigrette, fresh herbs, and briny olives. Smoky peppers contrast creamy feta and crisp greens in this vibrant Mediterranean side perfect for grilled meats or as a mezze platter star.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 large red bell peppers
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives pitted
- 2 tbsp capers drained
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1 tbsp pine nuts toasted
Instructions
- 1. Preheat broiler or prepare grill. Char peppers on all sides until blackened, 15-20 minutes.
- 2. Transfer to bowl, cover with plastic wrap 15 minutes. Peel off charred skins, remove seeds.
- 3. Slice peppers into 1/2-inch strips. Whisk olive oil, vinegar, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- 4. Arrange peppers on platter. Scatter olives, capers, parsley, feta, and pine nuts.
- 5. Drizzle with dressing. Let marinate 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Char peppers over open flame for best smoky flavor.
- Make ahead; flavors improve after 24 hours.
- Serve room temperature. Vegan option: omit feta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3/4 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: roasted red pepper salad, charred pepper salad, mediterranean pepper salad

