If you’re looking for a healthy option for your appetizer list, a Crudité Platter with Romesco Sauce is the perfect choice. It’s simple, irresistible and packed with flavor.
Hello folks and welcome back to Simple Saturday!
With March Madness upon us, I thought I’d share a nice healthy option for your appetizer list. I don’t know about you guys, but I have a hard time stepping away from the table and overindulging when cheesy appetizers are involved. Nachos, poppers, cheesesteak egg rolls….they’re all delicious, but come with a warning…devour this and they’ll be extra time at the gym in your future! And ain’t nobody got time for that right?!
And we all know how important veggies are in our diet, so add an incredibly flavorful AND healthy dip to go all with those veggies and I’m in. I’m not one of those people who willing munch on naked carrots or celery. I’ve got to have some kind of dipping action goin’ on to entice me.
This Romesco Sauce is a red pepper and nut based sauce that has an amazing spicy, smoky flavor. It’s perfect with crudités, over seafood or potatoes, or as a spread on a sandwich. Just pulse all the ingredients in your food processor then slowly add the olive oil and process until nice and smooth. It’ll keep in the fridge for a week and it’s the perfect way to dress up those poor naked carrots or celery! Enjoy and Happy Saturday!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1 12 ounce jar roasted red peppers drained
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 slice crusty bread
- 1/2 cup tomato puree
- 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toast almonds in a small dry skillet for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Place all ingredients, except olive oil, in food processor and pulse a few times until finely crumbled. Slowly add olive oil and process until smooth. Cover and chill. Can be made a week in advance.
- Serve sauce with sliced English cucumber, whole lightly salted almonds, julienned carrots, slices of toasted baguette bread, halved and cleaned mini colored peppers, snap peas or any of your favorite veggies.
I love serving romesco sauce with my crab cakes but have never used it with veggies. It’s such a nice change up from the usual veggie dips. Loving this idea Mary Ann! Happy Weekend to you!
Yes, it would be perfect with crab cakes Karen! Hope you have a wonderful weekend too!
It looks so pretty and sounds like a good dipping sauce. It’s on my list for my next get together. Thanks Mary ann
Pat lewis
Yay! So glad you’re following Mrs. Lewis. This sauce is so simple and perfect with all kinds of dishes. Enjoy. Happy weekend!
Your photos make me want to grab a slice of that bread and take a scoop…lovely. I really enjoy romesco sauce and whenever I’ve made it and serve it as you have, it disappears quickly. It is also wonder as a topping on grilled chicken.
Then my job is done Karen! I always like to hear that people want to try and grab something right off the screen. Magic words to a food bloggers ears! Happy weekend!
I sometimes do an appetizers-for-supper night (because you know…those kind of days!) and this is going on this week’s menu. LOVE.
Yes! So easy and so healthy and full of flavor Kate! Enjoy!
I’m not much of a basket ball fan, but I’d totally come to your house to watch it if you are serving this! I’ve never tried romesco with veggies like this before. Great idea!
I’ve been trying to stay on the healthier side of things lately Rachelle! This fits the bill. Happy Saturday!
I don’t think I’ve ever had a Romenesco sauce, but it sounds delicious! These veggies would disappear quickly in my house, especially with a tasty sauce!
Hope you all enjoy Kathy!
I simply love the sound of this romesco sauce! The ingredient list is awesome, just the kind that I would like! I know it would so fantastic on sandwiches! Love your fantastic idea of having a healthy platter for snacking with this awesome sauce! Who needs cheese then? :)
I’m trying hard to not need cheese Amisha! Unfortunately, it’s a favorite of mine and a hard habit to kick. But I do love these veggies with this zesty romesco! It’s really delicious on sandwiches too. I hope you give it a try!
My mom is out visiting and I need to make this. Romesco sauce is so good – so smoky, mellow and flavorful – I love it, Mary Ann. Perfect snacking dinner with some crackers and veggies – and a big glass of cold wine!
I’m so glad she made it there safely Geraldine. I hope you both have a great time!
I just love your romesco sauce, it’s healthy and tasty. Your plate looks so good with all the different veggies.
Thanks Gerlinde! Now, if I combine healthy eats like this and those exercises I saw on your FB I should be looking good for summer! Lol!
I love Simple Saturday and this is a perfect thing to sit down to on the weekend. I don’t think I’ve ever made romesco sauce, so I clearly need to change that. This looks delicious :)
Healthy and March Madness, I like it. I have been trying to eat healthier as I am training for a Triathlon, and I need ‘good’ calories. But, my mental position after I work out seems to crave those unhealthy things, and then of course I tend to justify since I just exercised. But this sauce, might have me tip the scale for healthy. Thanks for sharing.
You sound just like me! I’m trying to get on the healthier side of things this year…it’s been a slow go.
I love healthy appetizer ideas and this is just perfect – love your romesco sauce! :)
Thanks Laura! I love it on my sandwiches too.
Yum! This Romesco sauce will make an incredibly good change from my usual yogurt, garlic and Olive oil dip. Toasted almonds and paprika… Love it. I could even dip Pecorino cheese sticks in it..
Absolutely! Great idea! Enjoy.
I love recipes packed with vitamin and minerals, Mary! Great recipe!
Me too! I feel so much better when I’ve eaten something healthy, than something packed with sugar!
What a gorgeous plate of ingredients, Mary Ann! The sauce has to be delicious! Hugs!
It really is Teagan! I hope you give it a go!