Grilled Pesto Red Bell Peppers
Elevate your grilling game with these vibrant and flavorful Grilled Pesto Red Bell Peppers! This quick and easy recipe features smoky, charred red bell peppers topped with a fresh, homemade basil pesto bursting with fragrant garlic, nutty Parmesan, and a zesty hint of lemon juice. Perfect as a warm appetizer or a colorful side dish, this recipe balances simplicity with gourmet appeal. Ready in just 25 minutes, these pesto-coated peppers are not only a feast for the eyes but also pack a bold punch of Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or looking to jazz up a weeknight dinner, this dish promises to be a show-stopping addition to your table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 whole Red bell peppers
- 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Pine nuts
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 0.25 cup Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Cut the red bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
Lightly brush the cut sides of the peppers with 1 tablespoon of olive oil (not included in ingredient list).
Place the peppers cut-side down on the preheated grill. Grill for about 5 minutes, until the peppers develop grill marks and begin to soften slightly.
Flip the peppers over and grill for an additional 5 minutes, until they are tender and slightly charred.
While the peppers are grilling, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Blend the pesto mixture until smooth. If needed, scrape down the sides of the food processor and blend again to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
Once the peppers are grilled, remove them from the grill and transfer to a serving plate.
Spoon the prepared pesto onto the grilled peppers, ensuring each pepper half is generously coated.
Serve immediately as a warm appetizer or side dish. Optionally, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh basil leaves.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
243 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 18.9 g | 24% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.4 g | 17% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 6 mg | 2% | |
| Sodium | 288 mg | 13% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14.1 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.9 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.7 g | ||
| Protein | 5.3 g | 11% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 95 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 509 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
