Roasted Red Pepper Sauce (Dairy-Free)
Tired of boring tomato sauces? This creamy red pepper sauce is the perfect tomato-free alternative that’s rich, vibrant, and loaded with health benefits. Made with roasted red peppers, garlic, olive oil, and almonds, it’s a dreamy addition to pasta, grain bowls, fish and even sandwiches.
There’s a reason we all fall into the “what’s for dinner” black hole: busy weeknights, empty fridges, low inspiration. But this creamy roasted red pepper sauce swoops in like a kitchen superhero, rescuing your dinner plans with very little effort in under 30 minutes.
Vegan Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
I first made this creamy red pepper sauce on a Sunday night when I was low on groceries and even lower on patience. I had a few large red bell peppers, a couple garlic cloves, and some almonds that had been haunting my pantry for weeks. What came out of my food processor was magic—a delicious sauce that tasted like I’d worked all day but took less than the time it takes to watch a TikTok recipe three times in a row.
Since then, it’s become one of my favorite things to batch cook for the week, especially when I need a break from tomato sauce or I’m craving something that tastes indulgent but still supports my hormone balance.
As a Chef and Nutrition Consultant I love when flavor meets function. This creamy red pepper sauce isn’t just a delicious option—it’s a great way to nourish your body. Red peppers are rich in vitamin C, which helps lower cortisol (your stress hormone). Garlic supports detox, almonds offer vitamin E and healthy fats, and apple cider vinegar gives your gut a little love.
It’s not just the best part of your pasta night—it’s functional food at its finest. If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy roasted veggies in flavorful, creamy dishes, check out this cozy Heirloom Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper Soup Recipe or Creamy Yellow Pepper Soup Recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s creamy without the cream—no heavy cream required
- Totally dairy-free and vegan, but you can also add parmesan cheese if you want
- Packed with roasted peppers and fresh herbs
- Freezes like a dream in a freezer-safe container
- Can be used in at least five different ways (more on that soon!)
- It’s a good sauce that tastes even better the next day
Ingredients for Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Ingredient Substitutions
Allergic to nuts? Use seeds or skip them altogether, go heavy on the herbs, and add some heavy cream.
No almonds? Try cashews, sunflower seeds, or even tahini. If you want a flavor-forward twist, check out this wildly popular Cashew Cilantro Crema Sauce Recipe—it’s a great template for how to use cashews as a dairy stand-in.
No apple cider vinegar? Use lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
Did you know?
Red peppers are actually green peppers in their final, fully ripened form! 🌶️
That’s right—red bell peppers are just mature green bell peppers that have been allowed to stay on the plant longer. As they ripen, they become sweeter, more nutrient-dense, and vibrant in color. This extra ripening time boosts their levels of vitamin C and beta-carotene significantly—making red bell peppers one of the best sources of antioxidants among all bell peppers.
Basically, red bell peppers are the wise, sweet elders of the bell pepper family.
How to Make Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
- Roast your red peppers: If using fresh peppers, roast them at 400°F for 25-30 minutes on a baking sheet until the skins blister. Let them cool slightly and remove the skins.
- Sauté the garlic: In a small pan over medium-low heat, sauté shallot and garlic cloves in olive oil with spices until fragrant—don’t let them burn!
- Blend it up: In a food processor or high-powered blender, combine roasted peppers, sautéed garlic and shallot, almonds, vinegar, red pepper flakes, and remaining ingredients. Blend until smooth. For best results, let it run for a full minute or more.
- Adjust consistency: Add a splash of cream (or coconut milk, soy milk, oat milk, or even whole milk) or pasta water to loosen it up if you want.
- Heat gently: Pour the sauce into a saucepan and heat over medium heat until warm.
Health Benefits for Women’s Health
Each ingredient in this creamy sauce supports different aspects of women’s health:
- Red peppers: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants—supports skin, immunity, and stress reduction.
- Garlic: Detoxifying and antimicrobial—great for gut and hormone health.
- Olive oil: Anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy, supports hormone production.
- Thyme and basil: Calming herbs that can support mood balance.
- Almonds: Provide healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E for skin and hormonal balance.
- Apple cider vinegar: Supports digestion and blood sugar control.
- Red pepper flakes: Can gently stimulate metabolism and circulation.
Chef Angie’s Tips
- Make a double batch—freeze half in a freezer-safe container for a future weeknight meal.
- Roast your peppers for deeper flavor (store-bought roasted red peppers work too). Make sure that you rinse them off because they are very acidic from the brine.
- Always blend at room temperature to avoid pressure build-up in a high-powered blender.
- Add tomato paste if you want a hybrid between this and classic tomato sauce.
- Use a high-powered blender to ensure the smoothest texture.
- If looking for added depth, roast your garlic before blending.
- For a creamy red pepper pasta, save your pasta water to thin the sauce—game changer.
- Want more kick? Add extra spices or a second pinch of red pepper flakes.
Ways to Serve
This creamy red pepper sauce has range. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:
- Pasta of choice – creamy red pepper pasta is a weeknight dream.
- Homemade pizza – use it as a tomato-free alternative to pizza sauce.
- Over baked fish– especially white fish such as halibut and cod.
- Sandwich and wrap spread – swirl it with some cream cheese or use on its own.
- Grain bowls – drizzle over quinoa or rice with roasted veggies.
- With crusty bread – don’t underestimate dipping!
Alternative Dairy-Free Sauce Inspirations
If you want more ways to keep your meals fresh and flavorful, there’s a world of dairy-free sauces waiting. Try the zesty Authentic Romesco Sauce Recipe for another nutty, peppery option, or whip up a simple Creamy Vegan Cashew Alfredo Sauce Recipe for ultra-creamy pasta nights.
Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!
Having a few go-to sauces on hand means you’re always a step away from a vibrant, balanced meal—no matter what’s in your fridge that day.
How to Store Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in small portions in a freezer-safe container—perfect for portioning out later use. Let thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently over medium-low heat.
This website may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through these links. As an affiliate, I only recommend products or services I genuinely use and love. Check the affiliate disclosure here.
Equipment
- Baking sheet (for roasting peppers)
- High-powered blender
- Medium saucepan
- Airtight container for storage
- Spatula and measuring spoons
- Garlic press or knife
- Parchment paper
FAQ
Can I make this sauce creamy without using heavy cream?
Yes! Use coconut milk, oat milk, soy milk, or a splash of cream. You can also blend in soaked cashews or almonds for that creamy sauce texture.
Is this sauce spicy?
It has a gentle warmth from red pepper flakes, but you can reduce or increase based on your preference.
Can I use jarred roasted red peppers?
Absolutely! Just make sure to drain them well to avoid a watery sauce.
What’s the best kind of pasta for this sauce?
Creamy red pepper pasta works with anything: fettuccine, penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free options. Just follow the package instructions and cook until al dente.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—this sauce keeps beautifully. In fact, the flavor gets better the next time you use it!
Is this a good option for people on a calorie diet?
It’s lighter than most creamy sauces and made with wholesome ingredients, so it’s a great option. To adjust the daily values, you can reduce the olive oil or use fewer nuts.
Whether you’re trying this for the first time or it becomes a staple in your homemade sauces rotation, this creamy roasted red pepper sauce is a delicious sauce you’ll keep coming back to. It’s the perfect meal starter for pasta recipes, a sauce that doubles as a spread, and a total flavor bomb that works with so many different ways to eat.
Just don’t forget to save a generous handful for yourself before everyone else discovers your new secret weapon.
More Condiment Recipes
Creamy Apple Horseradish Sauce
Roasted Red Pepper Sauce (Dairy-Free)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 Red bel peppers or 16 oz roasted peppers in a jar
- 1 Shallot large or 2 smaller one
- 1 tbsp Dried basil
- 2 tbsp Fresh tyme fresh
- 1/4 cup Olive oil
- 1/2 cup Silvered almonds without the skin
- 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp Salt
Instructions
- 1. Roast your red peppers: If using fresh peppers, roast them at 400°F for 25-30 minutes on a baking sheet until the skins blister. Let them cool slightly and remove the skins.2. Sauté the garlic: In a small pan over medium-low heat, sauté shallot and garlic cloves in olive oil with spices until fragrant—don’t let them burn!3. Blend it up: In a food processor or high-powered blender, combine roasted peppers, sautéed garlic and shallot, almonds, vinegar, red pepper flakes, and remaining ingredients. Blend until smooth. For best results, let it run for a full minute or more.4. Adjust consistency: Add a splash of cream (or coconut milk, soy milk, oat milk, or even whole milk) or pasta water to loosen it up if you want. 5.Heat gently: Pour the sauce into a saucepan and heat over medium heat until warm.
Nutrition
Love My Content? Buy Me a Coffee!
Creating these resources for you is my passion, and I love hearing how they’ve helped you on your health journey. If you appreciate my content and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee to help fuel more tips, recipes, and inspiration. Every little bit means the world to me!
If you made this recipe, please leave a rating/comment. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you high-quality free recipes.
Don’t forget to sign in for my free recipe E-book, and follow me on Instagram to stay informed about all that is happening!