Vegetable, Fruit | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie Keto Paleo

Sweet Red Pepper

Capsicum annuum Allergen-Free
sweet red pepper

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Solanaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Global
  • Seasonality Summer-Fall, Year-Round
  • Source Plant (Capsicum annuum)

The Forktionary Angle

"Unlocking the hidden sweetness and versatility of the common red bell pepper."

Definition

The ripe, sweet fruit of the Capsicum annuum plant, known for its vibrant red color, crunchy texture, and mild, fruity flavor, with no heat.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet, Fruity, Mildly Bitter
TextureCrisp, Crunchy, Tender
AromaFresh, Grassy, Slightly Earthy
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Global Production (2020)

~36 million tonnes (all bell peppers)

Optimal Storage Temp

7-10°C (extends shelf life)

Vitamin C Content (per 100g)

~127.7 mg (213% DV)

Nutrition Facts

Per 90g (1 medium)
Calories31 kcal
Total Fat0.3 g
Saturated Fat0.1 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein1.0 g
Total Carbohydrate6.0 g
Dietary Fiber2.1 g
Total Sugars4.2 g
Calcium10 mg
Iron0.4 mg
Potassium211 mg

Chef’s Secret

Roasting red peppers enhances their sweetness and develops a smoky depth, making them perfect for sauces, spreads, or salads.

Substitutions

Best Match

Yellow Bell Pepper

1:1

Similar sweetness, texture, and culinary use, slightly less ripe flavor.

Orange Bell Pepper

1:1

Closest in sweetness and texture, vibrant color.

Green Bell Pepper

1:1

Less sweet, slightly bitter, but offers similar crunch and structure. Good for savory dishes.

Piquillo Pepper (jarred)

1:1 (cooked)

Roasted, sweet, and smoky flavor, good for cooked applications like sauces or fillings.

Buying Guide

Choose firm, glossy peppers with no soft spots or wrinkles.

Flavor Pairings

Onions garlic tomatoes olives chicken beef feta cheese herbs.

Recipes Using Sweet Red Pepper

Dinner Party Shellfish Dietary Beginner Cook

Alfredo Shrimp Tilapia

Indulge in this delectable twist on a New Orleans classic! Flaky tilapia fillets are baked to perfection, then generously topped with creamy Alfredo sauce, succulent sautéed shrimp, and vibrant red bell peppers. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste in just 30 minutes. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the heart of New Orleans!

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Time To Make Meat Inexpensive Taste Mood

All American County Fair Prize Winning Chili

This legendary chili recipe, perfected over years, consistently wins raves! Make a massive batch (enough for 30-40 servings!) to freeze and enjoy for months. Its rich, flavorful profile (cumin-free!) is packed with heat and satisfying goodness. Perfect for chili dogs, or topped with cheddar, sour cream, bread, and nacho chips. Share your county fair success (and maybe your favorite pie recipe!) with me if you win!

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Eggs Dairy Occasion 60 Minutes Or Less Eggs Dairy

Allessio's Frittata Tomatoes And Sweet Peppers

A vibrant and flavorful frittata bursting with sweet peppers, juicy tomatoes, and a touch of spicy heat! This easy oven-baked recipe (or stovetop if you prefer) delivers a delicious and satisfying meal in under 40 minutes. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.

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Main Ingredient Dietary Healthy Canadian

Annie's Scrumptious Maple Pecan Spinach Salad W Maple Dressing

Experience the heavenly flavors of autumn with Annie's Scrumptious Maple Pecan Spinach Salad! This vibrant salad combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the crunch of pecans and the freshness of spinach. The unique maple dressing, inspired by "What's Cooking America," perfectly complements the medley of ingredients. Toasting the pecans enhances their nutty flavor, while chilling the jicama intensifies its crisp sweetness. This recipe is easy to customize; adjust ingredient quantities to your liking. Each bite offers a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures, making it a perfect light meal or side dish. Prepare to be amazed!

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Chicken Breasts Time To Make Course Low In Something

Apricot Almond Chicken

This delightful Apricot Almond Chicken Bake is a quick and easy weeknight meal, ready in under 75 minutes! Tender chicken breasts are topped with a sweet and savory apricot glaze, crunchy almonds, and fluffy rice, all baked to perfection in one dish. A perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors your family will love!

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Low Saturated Fat Low In Something Dietary Course

Arroz Con Calabacin Rice With Zucchini

A vibrant and flavorful Spanish rice dish, Arroz con Calabacín, featuring tender zucchini and fragrant rice. Perfect as a light main course for 4 or a satisfying side dish for 6. This recipe, inspired by the foods and wines of Spain, is easy to follow and delivers a delicious taste of the Mediterranean. Updated with improved instructions for optimal results!

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Rice Asian Low In Something Chicken

Asian Chicken Cabbage Rolls

Juicy Asian Chicken Cabbage Rolls bursting with flavor! This family-friendly recipe is packed with tender chicken, savory vegetables, and a tangy, sweet sauce. Inspired by a Canadian chicken farmer's flyer, this recipe is budget-friendly, nutritious, and incredibly delicious. Serves 6. Prep time: 30 minutes.

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Main Ingredient Asian 3 Steps Or Less Meat

Asian Steak Wraps

These flavorful Asian Steak Wraps are a quick and easy weeknight meal! Tender steak marinated in a zesty lime and sesame marinade is perfectly complemented by crisp-tender onions and peppers. Using a frozen onion and pepper mix speeds up prep time, leaving you with more time to enjoy this delicious and satisfying meal. Get ready for a burst of Asian-inspired flavors in every bite!

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15 Minutes Or Less Occasion Time To Make Healthy 2

Asparagus Cashew Stir Fry

This vibrant Asparagus Cashew Stir-Fry is a delicious and healthy weeknight meal ready in under 15 minutes! Tender asparagus spears meet crunchy cashews in a savory sauce, all served over fluffy rice. A perfect blend of textures and flavors that will quickly become a family favorite. #asparagus #cashew #stirfry #weeknightdinner #easyrecipe #healthyrecipe #asianinspired

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Cuisine Holiday Event Potluck To Go

Baked Potato Salad

Elevate your potluck game with this irresistible Baked Potato Salad! This recipe offers a delicious alternative to traditional potato salad, boasting tender baked potatoes tossed in a vibrant dressing and loaded with fresh veggies and crispy bacon. Prep time includes chilling for optimal flavor.

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Time To Make Preparation 4 Hours Or Less Spaghetti

Baked Spaghetti Cheesy Spicy

This isn't your average baked spaghetti! Developed by sisters for late-night study sessions (and many happy bellies since!), this recipe delivers cheesy, spicy goodness in abundance. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers – it freezes beautifully and can even be prepped the day before. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Low In Something 60 Minutes Or Less Fish Time To Make

Baked Tilapia

Flaky, delicious baked tilapia fillets smothered in a creamy herb sauce. This easy recipe from the American Tilapia Association is ready in under an hour and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Impress your family with this restaurant-quality dish!

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To Go Time To Make Picnic 30 Minutes Or Less

Bbq Bean Salad

This vibrant BBQ Bean Salad is the perfect quick & easy picnic side dish! Bursting with color and flavor, it's ready in under 25 minutes. The tangy BBQ dressing is simply irresistible. Adapted from Taste of Home's Country Cooking (2001), this recipe is your go-to for those busy days when you need a delicious, from-the-pantry meal. Impress your friends and family with this crowd-pleasing recipe – perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a casual weeknight dinner.

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30 Minutes Or Less Pasta Rice And Grains Course Dietary

Beer Brat Pasta

Award-winning Beer Brat Pasta! This recipe, a National Pasta Association Top 10 favorite, is a flavor explosion. Enjoy juicy brats, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, savory sauce – all ready in under 30 minutes! Get ready for a taste sensation.

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North American European Course Taste Mood

Beer Brats And Pasta

This award-winning Beer Brats and Pasta Bake recipe was a Top 10 finalist in the National Pasta Cook-Off! Enjoy juicy brats, roasted sweet peppers and onions, and perfectly cooked pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This easy weeknight meal is packed with flavor and sure to become a family favorite!

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Vegetables Lentils Tomatoes Main Ingredient

Big Batch Red Lentil Soup

This vibrant and hearty red lentil soup is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for meal prepping! Easy to customize for vegetarian or vegan diets, this recipe yields approximately 20 cups – enough for multiple meals. Made with a blend of sweet and spicy peppers, carrots, and aromatic spices, this soup is bursting with flavor. Skip the optional lime cream for a vegan option. Prepare this in under an hour using a food processor for faster chopping.

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Course Main Ingredient Course Low Cholesterol

Curried Cauliflower Casserole

This creamy, dreamy Curried Cauliflower Casserole is a comforting and flavorful vegetarian main dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Tender cauliflower florets are nestled in a rich and aromatic curry sauce, then baked to golden perfection. Served over linguine, it's a satisfying and surprisingly easy recipe that will impress your family and friends. Get ready for a burst of curry spices!

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Lasagna Course Pasta Vegetarian

Vegan Veggie Lasagna

This vibrant and hearty Vegan Veggie Lasagna is packed with fresh vegetables and creamy tofu ricotta! A satisfying and healthy meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Made with layers of perfectly cooked lasagna noodles, a rich tomato sauce, and a delicious tofu-based filling, this lasagna is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures in every bite! (Note: Use regular vegan lasagna noodles for the best results. No-bake noodles may not be vegan.)

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