Bell peppers are one of the most versatile and vibrant vegetables you can find in any kitchen. Their natural sweetness, crisp texture, and beautiful colors make them a perfect ingredient for a variety of vegan dishes beyond the classic stuffed peppers.
If you’re looking to explore bell peppers in new and exciting ways without stuffing them, you’re in for a treat. From fresh salads to roasted sides and flavorful stir-fries, bell peppers add a pop of color and nutrition to any meal.
In this post, we’ll dive into some delicious vegan bell pepper recipes that are not stuffed, proving that there’s so much more to bell peppers than just a vessel for fillings. Whether you want a quick snack, a hearty main dish, or a light appetizer, these recipes will inspire you to get creative with this wonderful vegetable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bell peppers are naturally low in calories but packed with vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber, making them a healthy addition to your vegan diet. These recipes highlight their natural sweetness and crunch without the fuss of stuffing and baking.
You’ll love how easy, vibrant, and flavorful these dishes are, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive gatherings.
Plus, these recipes are incredibly adaptable. Whether you’re craving something warm and roasted or fresh and crisp, bell peppers can shine in countless ways.
Best of all, they pair beautifully with many other plant-based ingredients, making them a staple for anyone embracing vegan cooking.
Ingredients
- Bell peppers (red, yellow, orange, or green) – 4 large
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Garlic cloves – 3, minced
- Red onion – 1 medium, thinly sliced
- Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup, halved
- Chickpeas – 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- Fresh basil – 1/4 cup, chopped
- Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
- Smoked paprika – 1 teaspoon
- Ground cumin – 1 teaspoon
- Salt and black pepper – to taste
- Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional garnish)
- Cooked quinoa or rice – 1 cup (optional for serving)
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Mixing bowls
- Colander (for rinsing chickpeas)
- Measuring spoons and cups
Instructions
- Prepare the bell peppers: Wash and dry the bell peppers. Slice them into thin strips or bite-sized pieces, removing seeds and membranes.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced red onion. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the bell peppers: Toss the sliced bell peppers into the skillet. Stir frequently and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they soften but retain a slight crunch.
- Spice it up: Sprinkle smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper over the vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the spices.
- Add chickpeas and tomatoes: Stir in the drained chickpeas and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften slightly and the chickpeas to heat through.
- Finish with fresh herbs and lemon: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Spoon the bell pepper mixture over cooked quinoa or rice for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips & Variations
For a smoky twist, try roasting the bell peppers under the broiler until charred before slicing and cooking them with the other ingredients.
- Feel free to swap chickpeas for black beans or lentils for a different texture and flavor profile.
- Add a splash of soy sauce or tamari during cooking for an umami boost.
- Incorporate other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or corn for extra variety.
- For a creamy element, drizzle with tahini or vegan yogurt before serving.
- Try adding fresh chili flakes or diced jalapeños if you like a bit of heat.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 220 kcal |
Protein | 8 g |
Carbohydrates | 30 g |
Dietary Fiber | 8 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Vitamin C | 150% DV |
Vitamin A | 120% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This bell pepper dish works wonderfully as a main course when paired with grains like quinoa, brown rice, or couscous. For a lighter option, serve it as a side alongside vegan protein dishes or fresh salads.
Try it as a filling for warm whole-grain tortillas or pita bread, topped with avocado slices and fresh greens for a satisfying wrap. It also makes a fantastic topping on toasted vegan bread with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs.
Looking for more vegan inspiration? Check out these great recipes:
Vegan Bell Pepper Recipe Listicle
Roasted Bell Pepper and Tomato Soup
This warming, vibrant soup features roasted bell peppers blended with tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs. It’s creamy, smoky, and perfect on chilly days.
- Ingredients: Roasted bell peppers, canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, onion, garlic, smoked paprika, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Method: Roast peppers and tomatoes, then blend with sautéed onion and garlic. Simmer with broth and seasoning until flavors meld.
Bell Pepper and Chickpea Stir-Fry
A quick and easy stir-fry combining crunchy bell peppers, protein-packed chickpeas, and Asian-inspired sauce. Great for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
- Ingredients: Bell peppers, chickpeas, garlic, ginger, soy sauce or tamari, sesame oil, green onions, and chili flakes.
- Method: Sauté garlic and ginger, add bell peppers and chickpeas, then toss with sauce and cook until peppers are tender-crisp.
Bell Pepper and Avocado Salad
A refreshing, colorful salad featuring diced bell peppers, creamy avocado, red onion, and a tangy lime dressing. Perfect for summer lunches or potlucks.
- Ingredients: Bell peppers, avocado, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Method: Toss all ingredients gently to combine. Serve chilled.
Grilled Bell Pepper and Zucchini Skewers
Simple vegetable skewers with bell peppers and zucchini marinated in herbs and olive oil, then grilled to smoky perfection.
- Ingredients: Bell peppers, zucchini, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Method: Thread veggies onto skewers, marinate, then grill until tender and slightly charred.
Bell Pepper and Black Bean Tacos
Spiced sautéed bell peppers mixed with black beans make a quick taco filling that’s both hearty and flavorful.
- Ingredients: Bell peppers, black beans, onion, cumin, chili powder, garlic, corn tortillas, and fresh cilantro.
- Method: Sauté veggies and beans with spices, then spoon into warm tortillas and garnish.
Conclusion
Bell peppers are an incredibly versatile and nutritious vegetable that deserve a spot in your vegan kitchen beyond just stuffed recipes. Their bright colors and natural sweetness elevate any dish, whether roasted, sautéed, grilled, or fresh.
These vegan bell pepper recipes offer a range of flavors and textures to suit any occasion, from light salads to hearty mains.
Experimenting with different spices, herbs, and complementary ingredients can help you discover new favorites and keep your meals exciting. Embrace the beauty and simplicity of bell peppers in your cooking — they’re a delicious way to nourish your body and delight your taste buds.
For more tasty vegan recipes, don’t forget to explore the links above and keep your culinary adventure thriving!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Bell Pepper Stir-Fry
Description: A quick and colorful vegan bell pepper stir-fry packed with fresh vegetables and savory spices. Perfect as a light meal or a side dish.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 3 large bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, cubed
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add tofu cubes and cook until golden on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Add sliced bell peppers, onion, and snap peas; stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Stir in soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, and red chili flakes.
- Cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 15 g
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