10+ Peppers Side Dish Recipes to Spice Up Your Meals

Peppers are versatile vegetables that can brighten up any meal. They add color, flavor, and important nutrients to your dishes.

In this article, you will discover a variety of tasty side dish recipes featuring peppers that are perfect for any occasion.

Whether you prefer sweet bell peppers, spicy chili peppers, or a mix of both, there are endless ways to enjoy them. From sautéing to roasting, these recipes will help you make the most of your peppers and enhance your meals.

1) Sautéed Bell Peppers with Olive Oil

Sautéed bell peppers are a bright and tasty side dish. They are quick to make and add color to your meals. You can enjoy them with almost anything!

To start, you need some bell peppers and olive oil. You can choose red, yellow, or even orange peppers for a nice mix.

Heat your olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced peppers and cook until they become soft. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of salt.

These peppers taste great on tacos, salads, or as a side with any main dish. Plus, they’re very healthy!

Ingredients

• 2 large bell peppers (any color)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the bell peppers into strips.
2. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
3. Add the sliced peppers to the pan.
4. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until soft.
5. Season with salt and serve.

2) Balsamic Vinegar Glazed Sweet Peppers

Balsamic vinegar glazed sweet peppers are a tasty side dish that brings color and flavor to your meal. The sweet and tangy taste of the balsamic vinegar perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the peppers.

You only need a few ingredients to get started. Roasting the peppers enhances their flavor and brings out their sweetness. This dish takes just about 30 minutes, making it quick and easy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound sweet mini peppers
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and slice the mini peppers in half.
3. In a bowl, mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss the peppers in the mixture until well coated.
5. Spread the peppers on a baking sheet.
6. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized. Enjoy!

3) Peperonata with Onion and Tomato

Peperonata is a delicious Italian side dish that brings together the flavors of sweet bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. This dish is perfect to serve alongside grilled meats or crusty bread.

To start, you will want to choose ripe, colorful bell peppers. Slice them into strips, and chop some onions and tomatoes.

Cook the onions in olive oil until they are soft, then add the bell peppers. Once they start to soften, stir in the tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Let it all simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes until everything is tender and flavors meld together. Serve warm and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
• 1 onion
• 2 tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the bell peppers into strips.
2. Chop the onion and tomatoes.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
4. Add the onion and cook until soft.
5. Stir in the bell peppers and cook until they’re soft.
6. Add the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.
7. Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.
8. Serve warm.

4) Caramelized Red Bell Peppers and Onions

Caramelized red bell peppers and onions are a delicious side dish that can brighten any meal. The sweet and savory flavors come together perfectly, making them a great addition to many entrees.

To start, you will need some basic ingredients. The process is simple and rewarding, and you’ll love the aroma that fills your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 4 red bell peppers, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (around 350°F or 180°C).
2. Add the sliced onions and cook until they start to soften.
3. Stir in the sliced bell peppers and cook until they are tender.
4. Add garlic and salt; continue cooking until everything is caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar if desired, and garnish with fresh herbs. Enjoy!

5) Roasted Bell Peppers with Garlic and Oregano

Roasted bell peppers with garlic and oregano make a delicious and colorful side dish. The simple ingredients bring out the natural sweetness of the peppers. You will love how easy they are to prepare.

To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly coat sliced bell peppers with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Place the peppers on a baking tray.

After about 30-35 minutes in the oven, the peppers will become tender and slightly charred. The garlic will add a wonderful aroma while roasting.

Serve these peppers hot as a tasty side or let them cool and use them in salads or sandwiches. They are versatile and packed with flavor!

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers (mixed colors)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the bell peppers and place them on a baking tray.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and add garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss to coat evenly.
5. Roast for 30-35 minutes until tender and slightly charred.
6. Serve warm or let cool for other uses.

6) Stuffed Bell Peppers with Couscous and Herbs

Stuffed bell peppers are a delicious and colorful side dish. They are easy to make and packed with flavor. You can customize them to fit your taste, using different herbs and spices.

For this recipe, you’ll need fresh vegetables and fluffy couscous. The combination creates a tasty mix that is both filling and healthy. You can serve these peppers warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 3/4 cup couscous
• 3/4 cup vegetable broth
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or basil)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook couscous in vegetable broth as per package instructions.
3. Mix cooked couscous with olive oil and chopped herbs.
4. Stuff each pepper half with the couscous mixture.
5. Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender.

7) Sweet and Smoky Grilled Peppers

Sweet and smoky grilled peppers are a delicious side dish that adds flavor to any meal. You can use red, yellow, or green bell peppers. They are simple to make and only take about 15 minutes on the grill.

Start by slicing the peppers into quarters and removing the seeds. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper to enhance their natural taste. For extra flavor, you might add a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). Once hot, place the peppers skin-side down on the grill. Grill them for about 6-8 minutes until they show nice grill marks and are tender.

Ingredients

• Bell peppers (any color)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Smoked paprika (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the peppers into quarters and remove the seeds.
2. Toss the peppers with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Preheat the grill to 400°F (200°C).
4. Place the peppers skin-side down on the grill.
5. Grill for 6-8 minutes until tender.

8) Bell Peppers Stir Fry with Soy Sauce

This bell peppers stir fry is quick and packed with flavor. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes. It’s a great side dish to complement any meal.

Start by slicing red and yellow bell peppers. You’ll want to heat some oil in a pan. Add minced garlic and the sliced peppers for a vibrant mix.

Pour in soy sauce to enhance the flavors. Stir everything together until the peppers soften. You want them crispy, not mushy.

This dish is colorful and delicious, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 red bell peppers
• 2 yellow bell peppers
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the bell peppers into strips.
2. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add the bell peppers and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
5. Pour in the soy sauce and mix well.
6. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the peppers are tender but still crisp.

9) Bell Peppers and Onion Fajita Mix

This bell peppers and onion fajita mix is perfect for any meal. You can use it as a side dish or as a filling for tacos and burritos. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor.

Start by slicing sweet bell peppers and onions. You can use different colors of peppers for a vibrant dish. Sauté them in a skillet over medium heat until they are tender.

Add some spices like cumin and chili powder for extra flavor. Cook until everything is well combined.

Ingredients

• 2 bell peppers (any color)
• 1 large onion
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice bell peppers and onion into thin strips.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
3. Add the sliced vegetables to the skillet.
4. Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.

10) Roasted Sweet Peppers with Italian Herbs

Roasted sweet peppers make a delicious side dish, perfect for any meal. Their natural sweetness shines when they are cooked, especially when combined with Italian herbs.

To make this dish, you’ll need fresh bell peppers. Use a mix of red, yellow, and orange for a colorful presentation. Toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, and a blend of Italian herbs like oregano and basil.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay the peppers on a baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes. They should be tender and slightly caramelized.

These roasted peppers can be served warm or at room temperature. They pair well with grilled meats or can be added to salads for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and orange)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the bell peppers into strips.
3. In a bowl, toss peppers with olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread peppers on a baking sheet.
5. Roast for 20 minutes or until tender.