Food EditionCookItalianSideRoasted Bell Pepper Salad
1 hr 15 minEasyServes 4
Italian · Side

Roasted Bell Pepper Salad

The secret here is patience during the sweating phase. By trapping the steam inside a bowl, you ensure the charred skin slips off effortlessly without tearing the tender, roasted flesh underneath.

Total time
1 hr 15 min
Hands-on
20 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Easy
Before you start

Commit to the char

Don't fear the blackened skin; it is the only way to achieve the necessary sweetness. If you pull them off the fire too early, the texture will remain rubbery.

  • tongs
  • large glass bowl
  • plastic wrap or tight-fitting lid
  • baking sheet
Ingredients

What goes in.

  • 4 largebell peppers (red and yellow)
  • 2 clovesgarlic, thinly shaved
  • 3 tbspextra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbspred wine vinegar
  • 1 tspkosher salt
  • 1 small bunchfresh parsley, chopped
The key technique

Trapping the heat

Immediately transfer the blistered peppers to a bowl and cover tightly. The steam loosens the burnt skin from the pulp, making the cleanup process seamless.

Step by step

The method.

  1. Char the peppers

    Place peppers directly over a gas flame or under a broiler. Turn them frequently with tongs until every side is blackened and blistered, about 10–15 minutes.

  2. Sweat the skins

    Put the hot, charred peppers into a bowl and cover immediately. Let them sit for 30 minutes until cool enough to handle.

  3. Peel and seed

    Rub the blackened skin off with your fingers or a paper towel. Remove the stems and seeds, then tear the flesh into wide, rustic strips.

  4. Marinate

    Toss the pepper strips in a bowl with the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and salt. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to marry.

Variations

Other turns to take.

Capri Style

Add torn fresh mozzarella balls and a handful of pitted black olives to the salad before serving.

Anchovy Punch

Melt two anchovy fillets into the olive oil before tossing with the peppers for a deep, salty backbone.

Tips & troubleshooting

When it doesn't go to plan.

Tip

Do not rinse the peeled peppers under water, as you will wash away the flavorful juices clinging to the flesh.

Tip

Use a mix of red, yellow, and orange peppers to balance the visual appeal.

Tip

If you have leftover oil in the bowl after the peppers are gone, save it for dressing tomorrow's greens.

Questions

The ones that keep coming up.

Can I do this in the oven instead of over a flame?

Yes, roast them at 450°F (230°C) for about 30 minutes, turning once, until the skins are wrinkled and charred in spots.

How long will this last?

It keeps in the refrigerator for up to three days, and the flavor actually improves on the second day.

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