While most bell peppers start out green, depending on the variety, they will mature into a rainbow of red, orange, yellow and sometimes even purple. Bell peppers are abundant late summer into fall and these colorful veggies have a sweet, not spicy flavor (the spicy peppers we know and love are referred to as chile peppers). Green bell peppers have a grassy flavor and are less sweet than their red, orange or yellow counterparts.When choosing bell peppers, make sure to pick those with shiny, blemish-free skin. No wrinkles or soft spots for these beauties. Their size and shape will vary greatly so don’t use that as an indicator of age or taste. Packed with vitamins and low in calories, bell peppers can (and should) be added to a variety of dishes to bring both color and flavor to your diet. Use them raw or roasted and freeze them if you end up with more than you can handle. Add some to your basket and try one of our ideas tonight!1. Add peppers to your favorite kabobs for late summer grilling. This is when it’s a great idea to get one of each color.
2. Add chopped bell pepper to your favorite tuna or chicken salad for extra crunch. Or try our easy and tasty recipe for Honey Mustard Salmon Salad opens in a new tab.
3. Puree homemade or jarred roasted red peppers and stir into hummus for a simple dip for veggies or pita chips. Or try our Nutty Red Pepper and Basil Dip opens in a new tab made with cashews, peppers and tahini.
4. Make a colorful pepper slaw. Thinly slice peppers and toss with green onions, cider vinegar and just enough mayonnaise to coat the mixture. Let sit in refrigerator until peppers soften slightly.
5. Bell peppers are the perfect ingredient in a stir-fry. They not only bring bright color and flavor but when thinly sliced, they cook quickly.
6. Add chopped or sliced red peppers to a veggie-packed frittata or serve chopped roasted red peppers over scrambled eggs for a savory breakfast treat.
7. Stuffed peppers are a no-brainer. Their shape and sturdiness make a perfect vessel for whatever you desire (rice, ground beef, cheese, etc.). Try our Curried Stuffed Peppers opens in a new tab filled with a mixture of ground turkey, zucchini, cilantro, curry powder and (of course) peppers. Or, get your grains with our Roasted Bell Peppers Stuffed with Quinoa opens in a new tab.
8. Make one of my personal favorite sauces, romesco. This delicious mixture of peppers, tomato, garlic, almonds and paprika comes together in minutes in a food processor. Personalize to your taste by trying with hazelnuts instead of almonds. Serve romesco over meat or fish or as a dip for grilled veggies. Try Roasted Pimenton-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Romesco Sauce opens in a new tab or simple Romesco Sauce opens in a new tab to pair with whatever you like.
9. Make a gorgeous pepper pizza. Brush a pizza crust with extra-virgin olive oil. Top with thinly sliced red, orange and yellow peppers and add dollops of ricotta cheese. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and bake until golden. Add fresh basil leaves just before pizza finishes cooking.
10. Bell peppers make excellent dippers. Cut wide strips and use for hummus, salsa, baba ghanouj and more.
What’s your best bell pepper recipe?
