Ah, bell peppers: they’re nutritious, sweet, and deliciously crunchy. Plus, they’re just as tasty raw as they are cooked! Even my kids love them. 🙂
For all you fellow bell pepper fans, here are some of my favorite healthy bell pepper recipes – both main dishes and sides.
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Easy & Delicious Recipes with Bell Peppers
I’m a big fan of veggie-packed meals, and I love how versatile bell peppers are – they go well with so many dishes. From Mediterranean meals to Mexican-inspired recipes, they’re always a great addition. So in this list, I’m sharing some of my favorite ways to incorporate them into your diet.
But first, let’s start with a little info on bell peppers!
Why are bell peppers different colors?
Get ready for your mind to be BLOWN.
Get this: different-colored bell peppers are not different versions of bell peppers, but rather the same plant at different levels of ripeness! I know. Crazy, right?!
Red bell peppers are the most ripe, whereas green bell peppers are just bell peppers that have been picked earlier. (This is why red bell peppers tend to be a little sweeter.) While ripening, a green bell pepper turns yellow, then orange, and finally red – unless it’s picked early.
Are bell peppers healthy?
Yes! All bell peppers have nutritional value, though red bell peppers generally contain the most nutrients, since they were able to ripen longer.
Bell peppers are a good source of fiber. They’re also rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and B6!
Bell Pepper Dinner Ideas / Main Dishes
Whether bell peppers are the star of the show (like in stuffed peppers), or they’re a crunchy accent to the dish, these bell pepper recipes are all packed with flavor and nutrients. The best of both worlds!
Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers with Chicken
I couldn’t have a list of bell pepper recipes without stuffed peppers! These Mediterranean baked peppers are stuffed with pulled chicken, tomatoes, olives, chickpeas, quinoa, and feta for a flavorful meal that’s easy to make.
Mexican Stuffed Sweet Potatoes (Vegan)
Roasted sweet potatoes make up the base of this taco-licious vegan meal! It features chopped bell peppers, black beans, onion, and avocado.
Plus, it comes together in just 20 minutes if you use my favorite hack for microwaving a sweet potato!
Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas
I love fajitas with plenty of veggies, and these sheet pan shrimp fajitas definitely fit the bill! With an easy homemade taco seasoning and roasted veggies like bell peppers, onion, and zucchini, this is a perfect healthy weeknight meal.
If you’re not a fan of zucchini, you can swap it out for another vegetable like small cauliflower florets or sliced portobello mushrooms instead.
Sriracha Tofu Stir Fry
This vegetarian tofu stir fry features a flavorful, lightly spicy sriracha honey sauce that really accentuates the crunchy veggies and seared tofu.
I love it with carrots, bell peppers, edamame, and snap peas, but you can use whatever vegetables you have. Serve with brown rice or brown rice noodles if desired!
Vegetarian Mexican Stuffed Peppers
These Mexican-inspired stuffed peppers are super cheesy and piled high with black beans, crumbled tempeh, and quinoa.
The bell peppers get nice and soft in the oven, and they’re made extra flavorful with salsa, green onions, and a delicious seasoning mix.
Ground Turkey Pasta with Tomato Garlic Sauce
Summery veggie penne with ground turkey is a quick and delicious meal for your next pasta night! Plus, it features a fresh tomato sauce that’s easy to throw together.
You can easily leave out the ground turkey, or swap it out for sliced pre-cooked sausage, white beans, pulled chicken, or crumbled tofu/tempeh if you prefer!
Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers
Cooking stuffed peppers in an Instant Pot makes for an even quicker meal! These are stuffed with ground turkey, beans, vegetables, and brown rice, then topped off with plenty of melty cheese.
They’re delicious on their own, or serve them with a side salad and some crusty bread.
Sausage Egg Casserole
This comforting sausage and veggie breakfast casserole is perfect for the holidays, but easy enough to make for any weekend brunch!
It’s studded with sweet and crunchy bell peppers and smothered in melted cheese.
Maple Glazed Salmon with Veggies (Sheet Pan)
Maple glazed roasted salmon pairs deliciously with bell peppers, green beans, and asparagus in this easy sheet pan meal! Not only is it heart healthy, but it’s also super flavorful, thanks to the maple soy ginger sauce.
Matt really loves this salmon dish – and he doesn’t normally like salmon, so that is saying something!
Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk
Looking for a super comforting yet nutritious meal? This coconut curry has a delicious, lightly creamy broth (thanks to the coconut milk) and is packed with veggies – including bell pepper, of course. I love serving it with brown rice!
Vegan Black Bean Chili with Raspberries
This raspberry black bean chili might sound a little odd, but trust me: the flavors are amazing together! The chipotle peppers and cumin pair so well with the tart sweetness of the raspberries.
It’s an easy vegan dish that can be enjoyed any time of year, because it calls for frozen raspberries.
Teriyaki Snap Pea Stir Fry with Chicken
The whole family will love this easy dinner. Chicken breast, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, and crunchy cashews are sautéed in a homemade teriyaki sauce.
It’s just as tasty as takeout, but more nutrient dense!
Side Dishes with Peppers
Sweet bell peppers always elevate a dish – especially these healthy sides!
Quinoa Taco Salad
Who doesn’t love a quick, throw-together meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrients?! This quinoa taco salad features black beans, quinoa, crunchy veggies, cheese, and salsa.
It’s one of my ultimate favorite lunches, and it’s easily portable, so you can take it on the go!
Watermelon Rind Coleslaw
You’ve probably had coleslaw before, but have you tried watermelon rind slaw?
It’s super crunchy and refreshing, and it’s a no-waste recipe. I love using the whole watermelon when I can, and this is a fabulous way to do just that!
Spiced Barley Salad with Pine Nuts
I’m obsessed with the chewiness of barley, and it’s so good in this easy grain salad! It’s seasoned with spices for lots of flavor, and combined with white beans, arugula, other vegetables, and a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt.
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
Veggie-packed pasta salad is tossed in an easy homemade Italian dressing for a perfect summer side! Chopped bell peppers add sweetness and crunch, and optional salami adds a hint of spice and extra savory flavor.
This is the perfect way to use up leftover pasta. It also makes a great picnic meal!
Mediterranean Green Tea Quinoa Salad
Green tea-infused quinoa salad makes for an uber-refreshing side! Crumbled feta, cucumber, and chickpeas give it a Mediterranean spin, and the quinoa adds staying power. It’s all dressed in a light lemon garlic dressing (also infused with green tea).
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That’s all I have for you today! I hope you get a chance to try some of these tasty bell pepper recipes. They are some of our tried-and-true family favorites. 🙂
What’s your favorite way to enjoy bell peppers? In addition to throwing them in meals, I also love snacking on them raw.
