Roasted Pepper and Olive Salad

I am going through the fridge, using up what I can before we leave. I am not buying anymore groceries, especially not vegetables until we get back. I was thinking, what do I have that needs to be used up. HMMMMM! Plus, I was making a Greek casserole and wanted a Mediterranean/Greek vegetable to serve along side of it.

Olives have been a part of the Mediterranean region since the beginning of time. Peppers were brought over to the area in the 16th century, after the Spanish settled the New World. Peppers have been a part of the Mediterranean diet ever since. This salad originally comes from Naples, Italy, where it is known as peperoni in padella con capperi e olive, or peppers with capers and olives. I found what I wanted to make. I found what I was looking for. 🙂

Roasted Pepper & Olive Salad

This salad is best when served warm or room temperature. Of course I did what I normally do. I had a recipe, but changed it and made it my own. I think my version was much better too. 🙂 The original salad cooks the peppers in a pan. I roasted mine instead. It also only called for red bell peppers. I had a variety of peppers, so as always, I mixed and matched. I made other changes too. That’s just what I do.

1 red bell pepper, roasted and sliced into thin strips

1 yellow bell pepper, roasted and sliced into thin strips

1 TBSP garlic

1 TBSP capers

1/2 cup mixed olives, sliced

2 TBSP parsley, chopped

1/4 cup olive oil

1-2 TBSP lemon olive oil, optional

1-2 TBSP white balsamic or Prosecco vinegar

salt & fresh ground pepper to taste

Combine the garlic, oil(s), vinegar, capers, olives, salt, pepper and parsley together and mix well, then set aside.

Roast the peppers until completely charred on the outside. Let them sweat in a plastic bag for about 30 minutes, then peel away the skin and rinse. Remove the seeds and slice into thin strips.

Toss the peppers together then spread the olive mixture on top and serve.

This colorful salad is so tasty and versatile. You can use it next to anything you want to serve it with. It is an easy-peasy Mediterranean classic.

Have a great day and make everyday great. Stay safe and stay well. ‘Til next time.