Sweet peppers are colorful, flavorful, and a great way to add crunch and nutrition to your meals. Whether you enjoy them raw, roasted, or stuffed, sweet peppers can be the star of a dish or a tasty addition to your favorite recipes. From salads and appetizers to frittatas and elegant entrées, sweet pepper recipes are as versatile as they are delicious.
Peppers come in many shapes, sizes, and spice levels. They all belong to the same plant family, but they don’t all taste the same. The main difference between sweet and hot peppers is the amount of capsaicin they contain. That's the compound that gives peppers their heat. Sweet peppers have little to no capsaicin, so they don’t taste spicy at all. The more capsaicin a pepper has, the hotter it tastes.
The most commonly eaten sweet peppers include:
These peppers are known for their mild, slightly sweet flavor. Red, orange, and yellow bell peppers are especially sweet and are great for roasting, grilling, or eating raw. Green bell peppers are less sweet but are still mild and crunchy. There are tons of healthy sweet pepper recipes that make the most of the vibrant colors and delicious flavors of this popular veggie.
Hot peppers make their way into many recipes as well, but some very hot peppers are not for the faint of heart. Hot pepper varieties include poblano (mildly spicy), Anaheim (can be mild or hot depending on the variety), jalapeño, serrano, Fresno, habanero, chili, dragon, and ghost peppers (extremely spicy). When preparing recipes using hot peppers, you can usually swap out a pepper that has less heat if you don’t like things too spicy.
Peppers are packed with nutrients, especially vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants. Red bell peppers are one of the best sources of vitamin C and contain more than double the amount found in green peppers. They also contain fiber and are low in calories, making them a healthy choice for just about any meal.
Both sweet and hot peppers can be made into jams, jellies, relishes, and sauces. Tasty sweet pepper recipes include things like sweet pepper jelly, which adds a sweet and tangy kick to crackers with cream cheese or makes a great accompaniment to grilled meats, and roasted red pepper sauce, which can be a rich, creamy base for pasta or a spread for sandwiches.
Bell peppers in all colors are among the most common varieties used in recipes. Cubanelle sweet pepper recipes are not quite as common, but these peppers are often used in Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Dominican-inspired cuisine. They can also be a suitable substitute for bell peppers in other recipes, although some may have a bit more heat.
Sweet peppers are the perfect addition to many types of dishes, contributing flavor, color, and nutrients. Here are some of our most popular healthy bell pepper recipes that show just how versatile these vibrant veggies can be.
These stuffed peppers are filled with barley, black beans, corn, zucchini, and onions, making them a colorful and satisfying plant-based meal that’s heart-healthy and full of flavor.
This lighter take on a game day favorite uses lean ground beef, ground turkey breast, and spices to make healthy sausage that’s paired with sweet bell peppers and onions. Housed on multi-grain rolls, they’re a tasty and healthier option everyone will love.
Packed with colorful red bell peppers, spinach, and feta cheese, this easy egg dish is perfect for a healthy breakfast or light dinner and comes together in just 30 minutes.
This fiber-rich grain salad features nutty farro and a medley of sweet bell peppers tossed in a tasty dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, and mint. It’s a refreshing and nutrient-dense side or lunch.
Fresh grilled swordfish is topped with a tangy, homemade bell pepper chow-chow relish, creating a flavorful and balanced meal that’s perfect for warm-weather dining.
These juicy fajitas are made with lean skirt steak, colorful grilled bell peppers, and a heart-smart marinade for a quick and healthy take on a Tex-Mex favorite.
This protein-packed salad features shredded chicken breast, chickpeas, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and crunchy bell peppers tossed in a fresh lime-infused dressing for a satisfying and flavorful lunch or dinner.
Looking for more sweet pepper recipes? We have tons of healthy pepper recipes on our site to choose from. And if you’re looking for tips on how to cut a bell pepper (the most popular pepper we use), we have a video with step-by-step instructions. It also includes helpful information on how to select and store peppers, how to remove the seeds from peppers, and the best ways to slice and dice peppers.
