If you’re craving a sauce that brings a beautiful pop of color and a burst of flavor to any dish, you’re going to love this Easy Homemade Roasted Red Pepper Tahini Sauce in a Jar Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of smoky roasted red peppers and nutty tahini, brightened with lemon juice and garlic, all blended into a creamy, dreamy sauce that feels gourmet but is surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether drizzled on salads, dolloped on grilled veggies, or spread on sandwiches, this sauce is a total game-changer in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture, making the sauce both rich and refreshing. You likely have most of these basics on hand, which is part of what makes this sauce so wonderfully accessible.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Provides a sweet, smoky flavor and vibrant color; choose jarred for convenience or roast your own for extra depth.
- Tahini: Adds creamy, nutty richness; opt for a high-quality tahini to elevate the sauce’s texture.
- Garlic: Delivers a punch of sharp, aromatic flavor that cuts through the creaminess.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens and balances the sauce with fresh acidity, lifting all the other flavors.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin for a fruity undertone and smooth finish.
- Sea Salt: Enhances and rounds out all the flavors; always adjust to taste.
- Water: Used sparingly to thin the sauce to your preferred consistency.
How to Make Easy Homemade Roasted Red Pepper Tahini Sauce in a Jar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Roasted Peppers
If you’re using jarred roasted red peppers, start by draining them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture. If you prefer roasting from scratch, simply roast fresh peppers in a 450°F oven for about 20 to 30 minutes until their skins char and blister beautifully. Then cool, peel off the charred skin, and carefully remove the seeds. This roasting step really unlocks that rich, smoky flavor that is the heart of this sauce.
Step 2: Combine Peppers and Tahini
Cut the prepared roasted red peppers into smaller pieces and place them in your blender. Add the tahini right on top—it’s the creamy base that gives the sauce its luscious texture and nutty depth.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Lemon Juice
Throw in the minced garlic for that aromatic kick, then pour in freshly squeezed lemon juice to brighten the mixture. These two ingredients work beautifully together to lift the sauce beyond simple creaminess into something vibrant and fresh.
Step 4: Drizzle Olive Oil and Season
Add the extra virgin olive oil which brings a fruity, silky smoothness to the sauce. Sprinkle in sea salt, but remember to taste and adjust later—seasoning is key to making this sauce sing!
Step 5: Blend Until Smooth
Start blending at a low speed to combine everything, then gradually crank it up to high for a few minutes until the sauce is perfectly smooth and creamy. You might need to stop once or twice to scrape down the blender’s sides to ensure everything mixes evenly.
Step 6: Adjust Consistency and Final Seasoning
If your sauce feels too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the texture you prefer—whether for drizzling or dipping. Give it a final taste to ensure the flavors are beautifully balanced between smoky, nutty, fresh, and savory.
Step 7: Jar and Store
Transfer your finished sauce into a sterilized jar and seal it tightly. This not only keeps it fresh but makes it super convenient to grab whenever you want to add a flavorful punch to your meals.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Roasted Red Pepper Tahini Sauce in a Jar Recipe
Garnishes
This sauce loves a simple garnish of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to add a pop of green and extra freshness. You can also sprinkle a little smoked paprika or sumac on top to amplify the smoky notes and add visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Think roasted vegetables, grain bowls, pita bread, or even crispy falafel—this sauce is the perfect accompaniment. It adds creamy moisture and bold flavor, transforming everyday sides into something special and crave-worthy.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spreading the sauce inside a wrap before layering veggies and protein for an instant flavor boost. It also works wonderfully as a dip for fresh crudités or drizzled over grilled meats or fish for dinner parties. The vibrant color alone makes any dish feel festive and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This sauce stores beautifully in the fridge for up to a week. Keep it sealed airtight in a jar to maintain its bright flavors and creamy texture. Whenever you use it, just give it a quick stir before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze this sauce for longer storage, ideally in small portions or ice cube trays for easy thawing. Keep in mind that freezing may slightly alter the texture, so a quick stir or light blending after thawing can bring it back to its creamy best.
Reheating
Since this sauce is typically served cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t usually necessary. If you do warm it up gently, do so on low heat and stir frequently to keep the creamy texture from breaking.
FAQs
Can I use fresh roasted red peppers instead of jarred?
Absolutely! Roasting your own red peppers adds a smoky, fresh depth you can’t beat. Just be sure to peel and deseed them well before blending for the best texture.
What can I substitute for tahini if I don’t have any?
While tahini is key for the authentic nutty flavor, you can substitute with almond butter or peanut butter in a pinch—though the sauce will taste a bit different, it will still be delicious.
How spicy is this sauce?
This sauce is naturally mild and creamy with a subtle garlic kick. If you want more heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or a few red pepper flakes during blending.
Is this sauce vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! This Easy Homemade Roasted Red Pepper Tahini Sauce in a Jar Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a versatile addition to many dietary preferences.
How long does the sauce keep in the refrigerator?
Stored in a sealed jar, the sauce stays fresh for up to a week. Always give it a sniff and a taste before using, but properly stored it should keep beautifully for those seven days.
Final Thoughts
I truly can’t recommend this Easy Homemade Roasted Red Pepper Tahini Sauce in a Jar Recipe enough. It’s one of those magical, versatile sauces that elevates everything it touches and brings a bit of sunshine to your meals. Once you make a batch, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again. So go on, grab your blender and give it a spin—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Easy Homemade Roasted Red Pepper Tahini Sauce in a Jar Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Homemade Roasted Red Pepper Tahini Sauce is a creamy, flavorful condiment perfect for drizzling over salads, grilled vegetables, or as a dip. Made with simple ingredients like roasted red peppers, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice, this sauce is both versatile and healthy, delivering a rich, smoky, and tangy flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup Roasted Red Peppers (Jarred or homemade, drained well)
- ½ cup Tahini (Opt for high-quality tahini for best results)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Extra virgin)
- ½ teaspoon Sea Salt (Adjust to taste)
- 2–4 tablespoons Water (To achieve desired consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Peppers: If using jarred roasted red peppers, drain them thoroughly. To roast fresh peppers, preheat oven to 450°F, place peppers on a baking sheet, and roast until charred, about 20-30 minutes. Let cool, then peel off skins and remove seeds.
- Add Roasted Peppers to Blender: Cut the roasted red peppers into smaller pieces and place them into the blender for easier blending.
- Add Tahini: Spoon in the tahini, which will provide creaminess and a nutty flavor to the sauce.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic, which adds a pungent and aromatic note to the sauce.
- Pour in Lemon Juice: Add freshly squeezed lemon juice to bring brightness and acidity to balance the richness of tahini.
- Drizzle Olive Oil: Pour in extra virgin olive oil to enhance flavor and improve the sauce’s texture.
- Season with Salt: Sprinkle in sea salt to taste, which enhances all the flavors.
- Blend Until Smooth: Start blending on low speed and gradually increase to high, blending until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the blender as needed to ensure even blending.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired pourable consistency.
- Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Taste the sauce and add more salt, lemon juice, or garlic if needed according to your preference.
- Transfer to Jar: Pour the finished sauce into a sterilized jar and seal tightly to maintain freshness.
- Storage: Store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir before each use.
Notes
- Use fresh roasted red peppers for the best flavor, but jarred roasted peppers work great for convenience.
- If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse blend instead of fully pureeing.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and garlic to suit your taste preferences.
- Use this sauce as a dip, spread for sandwiches, or drizzle over roasted vegetables and salads.
- Make sure to store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within a week for optimal freshness.
