We’re big sauce people around here. And strongly believe that no meal is complete without one. And while I love ranch dressing as much as the next person, the world of sauces and condiments is so much bigger than the bottled stuff. Making your own sauces, whether it be a basic vinaigrette or a fresh tomato marinara, gives you so much flexibility in flavor and ingredients (and they just taste better). Enter: romesco sauce. This is one of my favorite sauces because:

What is romesco sauce?

Romesco sauce is virtually foolproof. Coming from the Catalonia region of Spain, it’s a quick blend of roasted red pepper, roma tomatoes, lemon, garlic, almond butter, spices, and olive oil. Romesco sauce tastes creamy, rich, and a bit smoky, while being so much healthier than most sauces that taste this decadent! Plus, romesco is naturally vegan (though you would never guess it given how creamy it is).

Romesco Sauce Ingredients

Romesco sauce typically includes roasted red bell pepper, ripe tomatoes, and almond butter for a creamy and nutty base. Infused with the rich flavors of garlic, tangy lemon juice, and smoky paprika, this sauce brings a delightful explosion of flavors!

How to make romesco sauce

To make romesco sauce, you literally just throw all your ingredients in a food processor or blender and puree until smooth and creamy. That’s it. You can roast your own peppers if you have time/motivation, but I usually prefer to just use roasted peppers from a jar! Pro-tip: Almond butter can be expensive to buy, but making it at home is super easy and affordable. Here’s how to make almond butter!

What to serve romesco sauce with

Romesco sauce can be served with so many dishes. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:

Drizzled over roasted veggies (like these asparagus) In a macro bowl (like these Mediterranean bowls) As a pasta sauce (like with zucchini noodles) With a cheese platter (oh hi, cheese board)

Hungry for more dips and sauces? Try these!

Hidden Spinach Guacamole Black Bean Dip Yum Sauce Babaga-hummus (Babaganoush + Hummus) Feta Tzatziki Sauce Healthy French Onion Dip Easy Romesco Sauce  5 minutes  vegan    Live Eat Learn - 72Easy Romesco Sauce  5 minutes  vegan    Live Eat Learn - 43Easy Romesco Sauce  5 minutes  vegan    Live Eat Learn - 94Easy Romesco Sauce  5 minutes  vegan    Live Eat Learn - 44Easy Romesco Sauce  5 minutes  vegan    Live Eat Learn - 78Easy Romesco Sauce  5 minutes  vegan    Live Eat Learn - 64Easy Romesco Sauce  5 minutes  vegan    Live Eat Learn - 34Easy Romesco Sauce  5 minutes  vegan    Live Eat Learn - 51Easy Romesco Sauce  5 minutes  vegan    Live Eat Learn - 11Easy Romesco Sauce  5 minutes  vegan    Live Eat Learn - 80Easy Romesco Sauce  5 minutes  vegan    Live Eat Learn - 74Easy Romesco Sauce  5 minutes  vegan    Live Eat Learn - 14