Roasted Red Pepper and Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing with a Hint of Chili Flakes

This vibrant, flavorful dressing is perfect for topping salads, grilled meats, and roasted vegetables. The roasted red bell pepper provides a sweet, smoky base, while the sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy, umami note. A touch of chili flakes adds a subtle warmth, and the apple cider vinegar helps to balance out the sweetness and acidity. The dressing is easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator for later use.

The inspiration for this dressing came to me one day when I was flipping through a cookbook and saw a recipe for a roasted red pepper sauce. I immediately started thinking about how I could turn it into a dressing, and I came up with the idea of adding sun-dried tomatoes, chili flakes, and apple cider vinegar. I experimented with different proportions of each ingredient until I came up with a dressing that was both flavorful and versatile.

Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 red bell pepper, roasted and peeled
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, soaked and drained
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of chili flakes

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and pulse until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
3. Use immediately or store in a jar in the refrigerator for later use.

Why It Works

• The combination of roasted red bell pepper and sun-dried tomatoes creates a complex and flavorful base for the dressing.
• The chili flakes add a subtle warmth that balances out the sweetness of the red pepper and the tanginess of the sun-dried tomatoes.
• The apple cider vinegar helps to brighten the flavors of the dressing and adds a touch of acidity.
• The dressing is emulsified with olive oil, which helps to create a smooth and creamy texture.