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Red Pepper Pesto
Red Pepper Pesto is flavorful, easy to make and a great alternative to pasta sauce. Ready in 5 minutes and uses jarred roasted red peppers to make it quick and easy. Great for meal prep, this roasted red pepper pesto also freezes well. This recipe is vegan, gluten free, dairy free, paleo and Whole30 friendly.
Drain the roasted red peppers (I like to rinse them as well). Be sure there is not any water inside the peppers. Let the roasted red peppers drain in a colander.
Add basil, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic powder to a food processor. Blend to break down the basil.
Add the cashews to the food processor and process on high to help break down the cashews (about 1 minute).
Add the drained roasted red peppers to the food processor and blend until the pesto reaches your preferred texture.
This is even better the next day, the flavor intensifies and the color stays really vibrant and bright.
If you don't have a jar of roasted red peppers, you can roast your own. I love using the air fryer to roast red peppers, but you can also use the oven or a gas burner on your stove.
I recommend that you rinse jarred roasted red peppers as I find the water they soak in can be a little acidic.
Be sure the roasted red peppers have been drained of all liquid.
Great for meal prep! Make a double batch and freeze half for later. This is a great way to always have a really delicious sauce on hand.
If you want an even thicker pesto, add more cashews.
Storing leftovers
Fridge: Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to a week in a well sealed container.
Freezer: Freeze leftovers in a freezer safe bag or container for up to 3 months. I like to freeze in Soupercubes then transfer the frozen block to a stasher bag for long term storage. Be sure to label the bag with the name, date and use by date.
Defrost in the fridge before using the pesto. Give it a good stir before serving.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Amount per Serving
Calories
179
Fat
14
g
Carbohydrates
12
g
Fiber
2
g
Sugar
2
g
Protein
4
g
Where does nutrition info come from? Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Food Database.
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