If you’re looking for an effortless, flavor-packed way to wake up salads, sandwiches, and roasted veggies, let me introduce you to the magic of 4-Ingredient Roasted Red Pepper Dressing. This vibrant, silky dressing has a mellow sweetness, gentle tang, and a dreamy texture you’ll want to eat with a spoon. With barely any prep and just a handful of pantry staples, it’s one of those recipes you’ll return to week after week – and it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen, too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just 4 hero ingredients and no fillers, every element in this dressing stands out. Each one brings its own delicious personality, building irresistible layers of flavor, color, and creaminess that will keep you coming back for more.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Packed with natural sweetness and a faint smokiness, these are the foundation for the dressing’s bold color and taste – use jarred for speed or homemade if you love that from-scratch goodness.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a luxurious, velvety mouthfeel and rounds out the peppers’ brightness with its subtle richness.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Provides just the right tangy lift, balancing the sweetness and giving the 4-Ingredient Roasted Red Pepper Dressing its crave-worthy zip.
- Garlic: Just one clove gives the whole dressing savory backbone and depth, tying everything together (and making sure nobody misses store-bought versions).
How to Make 4-Ingredient Roasted Red Pepper Dressing
Step 1: Drain and Prep the Peppers
If you’re using jarred roasted red peppers, simply drain them well to prevent a watery dressing. If you want to roast your own, char whole red peppers over a flame or under the broiler, then peel, seed, and let them cool completely. Either way, roughly chop the peppers to make blending easier.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Blender
In a high-speed blender or food processor, add the chopped roasted red peppers, extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and peeled garlic clove. This is where the transformation starts – everything about this step feels too easy for how tasty this dressing will turn out.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth and Silky
Secure the lid and blend on high, pausing once or twice to scrape down the sides, until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. It should look vibrant, glossy, and taste balanced — give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 4: Chill (Optional) and Serve
Pour the 4-Ingredient Roasted Red Pepper Dressing into a jar or airtight container. For the best flavor, let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld (though you can absolutely use it right away if you’re too excited to wait).
How to Serve 4-Ingredient Roasted Red Pepper Dressing
Garnishes
To elevate your salads or veggie platters, try sprinkling chopped parsley, fresh basil, or extra chopped roasted peppers on top of the finished dish. A drizzle of the dressing looks beautiful with a scattering of toasted seeds or crisp breadcrumbs for extra crunch – simple but stunning.
Side Dishes
Pile your plate high: toss the 4-Ingredient Roasted Red Pepper Dressing with mixed greens, roasted potatoes, grilled asparagus, or spoon it over warm grains like quinoa or farro. It’s also a knockout alongside grilled chicken or fish, acting as both a dipping sauce and instant flavor booster.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the salad: serve the dressing as a dip with sliced cucumbers and pita chips at happy hour, swirl it onto hummus bowls, or use as a spread for wraps and sandwiches. For parties, pour it into a small pitcher so guests can drizzle it themselves—guaranteed wow factor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The 4-Ingredient Roasted Red Pepper Dressing keeps beautifully in the fridge, tightly sealed in a jar or container, for up to 5 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making leftovers even more irresistible for your next meal.
Freezing
Believe it or not, you can freeze this dressing! Simply portion it into silicone ice cube trays and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw cubes in the fridge whenever your meals need a quick flavor kick.
Reheating
This dressing is best served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If it’s been in the fridge, let it sit out for 15–20 minutes and stir well before serving to restore its creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use fresh red peppers instead of jarred?
Absolutely! Roast them over a flame or under the broiler until charred, then peel and seed them. The extra step gives the 4-Ingredient Roasted Red Pepper Dressing a homemade flair — just let them cool before blending.
Is this dressing suitable for vegans and gluten-free diets?
Yes! All four ingredients are naturally vegan and gluten-free, making this a go-to dressing for a wide range of dietary needs. Just double-check labels on jarred peppers if cross-contamination is a concern.
How long does the flavor keep after making it?
The 4-Ingredient Roasted Red Pepper Dressing stays fresh and delicious for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld and intensify, so you might even find it tastier after a day or two.
Can I add herbs or spices for extra flavor?
Definitely! While the base recipe shines as-is, try blending in a pinch of smoked paprika, a handful of chopped basil, or even a bit of lemon zest to make your 4-Ingredient Roasted Red Pepper Dressing uniquely yours.
What if I don’t have a blender?
No worries! A food processor works beautifully, or you can finely chop the peppers and whisk everything together for a more rustic, chunky texture. The dressing will still be bursting with flavor and color.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving a new twist for your salads and vegetables, you simply have to make this 4-Ingredient Roasted Red Pepper Dressing. It’s proof that a handful of simple ingredients can become something extraordinary – and once you taste that sweet-savory magic, you just might find yourself doubling the batch every time.
Print4-Ingredient Roasted Red Pepper Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup (8 servings) 1x
- Category: Sauces-condiments
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This vibrant 4-ingredient Roasted Red Pepper Dressing is an easy, flavor-packed way to elevate salads, grain bowls, or roasted veggies. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and a quick blitz in the blender, you get a creamy, slightly sweet, tangy dressing that’s naturally vegan and gluten-free. It’s perfect for meal prep, coming together in under 10 minutes for a fresh homemade dressing you’ll want to drizzle on everything.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup jarred roasted red peppers, drained
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 small clove garlic
Optional Add-Ins (for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Drain the roasted red peppers well, patting them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps prevent a watery dressing. Peel the garlic clove.
- Add to Blender: Place the drained red peppers, olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), and garlic into a blender or food processor. If desired, add salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard for additional flavor.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend everything together on high until the dressing is completely smooth and creamy. Pause to scrape down the sides once or twice to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or acidity (vinegar/lemon juice) as needed according to your preference.
- Store and Serve: Transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5-7 days. Shake or stir before using, and drizzle generously over your favorite salads, bowls, or vegetables.
Notes
- This dressing thickens slightly in the fridge. If it’s too thick when chilled, simply whisk in a splash of water or more vinegar to loosen before serving.
- The flavors deepen after a few hours, so making it ahead is highly recommended.
- If fresh garlic is too pungent, try roasting it or using 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder instead.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Great for meal prep—keeps well in the fridge all week!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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