Banana Pepper Recipes Vegan Lovers Will Adore

Banana peppers are a versatile and mildly spicy addition to any vegan kitchen. Their bright, tangy flavor combined with a subtle heat makes them perfect for enhancing a wide variety of dishes.

Whether you’re roasting, stuffing, or pickling these vibrant peppers, they bring a delightful pop of color and zest to your meals. If you’re looking to add some exciting vegan options to your recipe collection, banana peppers are the perfect ingredient to experiment with!

In this post, we’ll explore three delicious vegan banana pepper recipes that are easy to prepare and packed with flavor. From a fresh banana pepper and chickpea salad to stuffed peppers and a tangy roasted banana pepper dip, these recipes will satisfy your taste buds and keep your meals exciting.

Plus, we’ll share some tips, variations, and nutrition facts to help you make the most of this wonderful ingredient.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Banana peppers offer a unique combination of sweetness and mild heat that enhances any dish without overwhelming your palate. Their low calorie count and high vitamin C content make them a nutritious addition to your vegan meals.

These recipes are simple, quick to prepare, and perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks looking to explore fresh, plant-based flavors.

Each recipe below is designed to highlight the banana pepper’s versatility, whether you enjoy it raw, roasted, or stuffed. Plus, they incorporate wholesome ingredients that provide balanced nutrition and satisfying textures.

You’ll also find these recipes adaptable, allowing you to tweak the spice level or add your favorite herbs and spices.

Ingredients

• Banana peppers – fresh, medium-sized, about 6-8 peppers depending on recipe
• Chickpeas – canned or cooked, 1 cup
• Olive oil – 3 tablespoons
• Red onion – ½ small, finely chopped
• Garlic cloves – 3 cloves, minced
• Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
• Tomatoes – 1 medium, diced
• Cooked quinoa – 1 cup (for stuffed peppers)
• Vegan cream cheese – ½ cup (for dip)
• Ground cumin – 1 teaspoon
• Smoked paprika – 1 teaspoon
• Salt and black pepper – to taste
• Fresh basil – optional for garnish

Equipment

• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowls (2-3)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Baking sheet (for roasting)
• Skillet or sauté pan
• Spoon or spatula
• Blender or food processor (optional for dip)

Instructions

Recipe 1: Banana Pepper & Chickpea Salad

1. Prepare the banana peppers: Rinse and thinly slice 4 banana peppers, removing seeds if you prefer less heat.
2. Mix the salad base: In a large bowl, combine the sliced banana peppers, 1 cup canned chickpeas (rinsed and drained), ½ finely chopped red onion, and 1 diced medium tomato.
3. Add herbs and seasoning: Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and black pepper to taste.
4. Toss and chill: Mix everything thoroughly and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Recipe 2: Stuffed Banana Peppers with Quinoa

1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare peppers: Wash 6 banana peppers, carefully cut off the tops, and remove seeds.
3. Make filling: In a bowl, mix 1 cup cooked quinoa, 1 cup chickpeas (mashed slightly), 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff peppers: Spoon the quinoa mixture into each pepper cavity, packing gently without overfilling.
5. Bake: Place stuffed peppers on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender.
6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley or fresh basil over the top before serving.

Recipe 3: Roasted Banana Pepper Dip

1. Roast peppers: Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Place 4 banana peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes, turning halfway, until skins blister.
2. Cool and peel: Transfer the roasted peppers to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for 10 minutes to steam. Peel off skins once cooled.
3. Blend dip: In a blender or food processor, combine roasted banana peppers, ½ cup vegan cream cheese, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Process until smooth: Blend until creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve: Transfer to a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Serve with fresh veggies, crackers, or bread.

Tips & Variations

For milder dishes, be sure to remove all seeds from the banana peppers. If you enjoy a bit more heat, leave some seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your recipes.

Try roasting banana peppers with different herbs like thyme or oregano for a new flavor profile. In the stuffed pepper recipe, you can swap quinoa for rice, millet, or even lentils for a different texture.

For an extra creamy dip, add soaked cashews or a splash of coconut milk before blending. If you want a smoky twist, try adding a small amount of chipotle powder to the dip mix.

Looking for more vegan inspiration? Check out our Half Runner Beans Recipe or try baking some Kodiak Banana Muffins for a sweet finish to your meal.

Nutrition Facts

*RDI = Recommended Daily Intake

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy banana pepper dishes as a refreshing side salad with your favorite vegan protein like grilled tofu or tempeh. The stuffed banana peppers make a hearty main course, perfect for dinner parties or meal prepping.

The roasted banana pepper dip is a crowd-pleaser at gatherings — serve it alongside crunchy vegetables, pita wedges, or your favorite vegan crackers for a quick snack or appetizer.

For a complete meal, pair these recipes with some homemade bread like our Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe or enjoy a sweet treat after with the Glazed Twist Donut Recipe.

Conclusion

Banana peppers are an underappreciated gem in vegan cooking, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and mild heat that enhances any dish. These recipes showcase their versatility, from fresh salads and hearty stuffed peppers to creamy, flavorful dips.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just beginning to explore plant-based cooking, incorporating banana peppers will add exciting new dimensions to your meals.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these recipes are accessible and adaptable to your taste preferences. Plus, their vibrant colors and fresh flavors are sure to brighten up your table.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with herbs, spices, and accompaniments to make these dishes your own. For more delicious vegan ideas, explore our collection of recipes linked throughout this post and continue your culinary adventure with us!

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