This easy romesco sauce recipe is a fast blend of tomatoes, roasted red bell pepper, almond butter, and spices. It takes just 5 minutes to blend up and is packed with so much flavor!
We’re big sauce people around here. And strongly believe that no meal is complete without one.
And while I love ranch dressing as much as the next person, the world of sauces and condiments is so much bigger than the bottled stuff. Making your own sauces, whether it be a basic vinaigrette or a fresh tomato marinara, gives you so much flexibility in flavor and ingredients (and they just taste better).
Enter: romesco sauce. This is one of my favorite sauces because:
- it’s PACKED with smoky flavor
- it’s easy to make (ready in 5 minutes)
- it’s healthy!
What is romesco sauce?
Romesco sauce is virtually foolproof. Coming from the Catalonia region of Spain, it’s a quick blend of roasted red pepper, roma tomatoes, lemon, garlic, almond butter, spices, and olive oil.
Romesco sauce tastes creamy, rich, and a bit smoky, while being so much healthier than most sauces that taste this decadent! Plus, romesco is naturally vegan (though you would never guess it given how creamy it is).
Romesco Sauce Ingredients
Romesco sauce typically includes roasted red bell pepper, ripe tomatoes, and almond butter for a creamy and nutty base. Infused with the rich flavors of garlic, tangy lemon juice, and smoky paprika, this sauce brings a delightful explosion of flavors!
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How to make romesco sauce
To make romesco sauce, you literally just throw all your ingredients in a food processor or blender and puree until smooth and creamy. That’s it. You can roast your own peppers if you have time/motivation, but I usually prefer to just use roasted peppers from a jar!
Pro-tip: Almond butter can be expensive to buy, but making it at home is super easy and affordable. Here’s how to make almond butter!
What to serve romesco sauce with
Romesco sauce can be served with so many dishes. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:
- Drizzled over roasted veggies (like these asparagus)
- In a macro bowl (like these Mediterranean bowls)
- As a pasta sauce (like with zucchini noodles)
- With a cheese platter (oh hi, cheese board)
Hungry for more dips and sauces? Try these!
- Hidden Spinach Guacamole
- Black Bean Dip
- Yum Sauce
- Babaga-hummus (Babaganoush + Hummus)
- Feta Tzatziki Sauce
- Healthy French Onion Dip
Ingredients
- 1 roasted red bell pepper
- 1 cup roma tomatoes about 3 tomatoes
- ¼ cup olive oil 60 mL
- 3 Tbsp almond butter 48 g
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tsp lemon juice 10 mL
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Blend: Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender and blitz until smooth.
- Serve: Serve warm or cold with just about anything…crackers, veggies, pasta, whatever!
STACEY says
Hi, What can be substituted for Almond Butter?
Sarah says
You could probably use a sunflower seed butter! Or pine nuts 🙂
Jack says
So was the bell pepper roasted? The image just shows a raw pepper.
Sarah says
Yep, use a roasted red bell pepper! 😀
Anne Tisdale says
This was great. Served it warm with vegetable pasta. I’m finding it extremely difficult to use the bar to adjust servings. It’s hard to move at times, other times it moves to quickly. Maybe it’s because I’m old and have arthritis. Has anyone else had a problem with this?
Sarah says
Hi Anne! Thanks for pointing this out – I’ll definitely look into it. I’m happy you like the romesco sauce!
Esmé Erasmus says
Hi, I cannot wait to make the sauce – sounds delicious. But I am stunned about interested buyers peeping into your fridge. Does the fridge come with the house? What people do that? 🙂
Sarah says
In the Netherlands it must be normal! Hahaha
Liane @ foodie digital says
The almond butter surprised me! A quick, easy and tasty sauce.
Sarah Bond says
Right?! The almond butter works miracles here!
Deepak says
Recipe looks so easy! But what is the alternative to almond butter?
Sarah Bond says
You could use another nut or seed butter (like sunflower seeds!)
Lisa says
Hello there, just wondering- roughly how king would you say this sauce will last in the fridge?
Sarah Bond says
About 5 to 7 days!
Heather says
Can this be frozen?
Sarah Bond says
Yes! This romesco does well frozen 🙂