Roasted Red Pepper & Ranch Pasta Salad

Roasted Red Pepper & Ranch Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

8oz dried pasta 

1/4 cup chopped roasted red bell pepper (about 2 peppers)

1 cup buttermilk ranch dressing

1 Tbsp poppy seeds (optional)

Directions:

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, then drain again. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.

Process the roasted pepper and Ranch dressing in a food processor or blender until smooth. Pour over the pasta and gently toss to combine. 

Sprinkle on the poppy seeds (if using) and toss to combine. Chill for about 1-2 hours before serving.

Roasted Red Pepper Soup

Roasted Red Pepper Soup

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into small pieces

2 stalks celery, chopped

2 shallots or 1/2 red onion, chopped

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

1 12 -ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained and rinsed

4 to 5 sun-dried tomatoes

4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

2/3 cup sour cream

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/3 cup shredded pepper jack cheese


Directions:

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat.

Add the potatoes, celery, shallots, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste and cook, stirring frequently, until the potatoes begin to soften, about 5 minutes.

Add the red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth and 1 cup water. Cover and bring to a simmer, then uncover and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.

Transfer the soup and sour cream to a blender and, keeping the lid slightly ajar, puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper and stir in half of the cilantro. Divide among bowls and sprinkle with the cheese and the remaining cilantro.