This roasted red pepper cottage cheese romesco sauce is smoky, tangy, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s like a Spanish-inspired dip and sauce in one, but lightened up with cottage cheese instead of the usual bread and oil. You get the bold roasted red pepper flavor, a little heat, some nuttiness from almonds, and a creamy texture you can pour, dip, or spread.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’ve always loved romesco sauce—especially on roasted veggies and grilled chicken. But traditional versions are heavy on oil and take a bit more work. This one’s quicker, lighter, and uses cottage cheese for creaminess and protein. The flavor is still bold, rich, and a little smoky—basically, the perfect all-purpose sauce.
Here’s why it’s on repeat in my kitchen:
- 🔥 Bold roasted flavor from red peppers and garlic
- 💪 High in protein and lighter than the original
- ⏱️ Comes together in under 10 minutes
- 🥄 So versatile—use it as a dip, sauce, or spread
- 🌶️ It looks fancy but uses simple ingredients
⏱️ Time & Servings
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4 (makes about 1¼ cups)
📊 Macros (per ¼ cup serving)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Roasted peppers + almonds give romesco its signature body and flavor.
- Cottage cheese replaces oil and bread, giving creaminess and protein without heaviness.
- Blending the nuts and peppers creates an emulsion, so the sauce stays smooth and thick.
- Garlic and vinegar cut the sweetness, balancing everything out.
Ingredients
- 1 cup roasted red peppers (jarred, drained or homemade)
- ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese
- ¼ cup toasted almonds (or use slivered almonds)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
How to Make Roasted Red Pepper Cottage Cheese Romesco Sauce
1. Toast the Almonds (If Not Already Toasted)
Warm a small dry pan over medium heat. Add almonds and toast for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until golden and fragrant.
2. Add Everything to Blender
Add roasted red peppers, cottage cheese, toasted almonds, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to a blender or food processor.
3. Blend Until Smooth
Blend for 30–60 seconds until the sauce is creamy and smooth with a little texture from the almonds.
4. Taste and Adjust
Taste the sauce and adjust with more vinegar or salt if needed. Blend again for a few seconds.
5. Serve or Store
Use immediately or store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
🍽️ What to Serve With
This romesco sauce is super versatile. Try it with:
- 🍗 Grilled chicken or pork
- 🍤 Shrimp skewers
- 🥦 Roasted vegetables (especially cauliflower, broccoli, or zucchini)
- 🧄 Spread on toast or sandwiches
- 🥔 Drizzled over potatoes or grain bowls
🧾 Meal Plan Ideas
- Monday: Serve over grilled chicken with roasted sweet potatoes
- Tuesday: Use as a dip for raw veggies or crackers
- Wednesday: Spoon onto salmon and serve with quinoa
- Thursday: Toss into a pasta salad with arugula and chickpeas
- Friday: Spread on flatbread with sautéed mushrooms and greens
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using raw almonds: Toasting brings out flavor and prevents bitterness
- Not draining jarred peppers well: Too much liquid will water down your sauce
- Over-blending: You want it smooth but still a little textured—don’t make it soupy
- Skipping vinegar: It brightens everything—don’t leave it out
❓ FAQ
Can I use cashews instead of almonds?
Yes! Cashews will make it slightly creamier and sweeter.
Can I make it spicy?
Totally—add a pinch of cayenne or a chopped roasted jalapeño.
Does it taste like cottage cheese?
Nope. The cottage cheese blends in for texture—flavor-wise, it’s all about the peppers, almonds, and garlic.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, just thaw and re-blend if it separates.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
✨ Enjoy!
This Roasted Red Pepper Cottage Cheese Romesco Sauce is smoky, creamy, and crazy versatile. Whether you’re drizzling it, dipping into it, or spreading it on everything—it’s gonna steal the show. 🌶️🥄🔥