Super Sauces - Spinach Basil Pesto and Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

My two "Super Sauces" are Spinach Basil Pesto and Roasted Red Pepper Sauce 

Since my youngest is currently allergic to tomatoes, I've had to come up with alternative sauces to stand in for the tomato sauce I used to serve over his pasta and meatballs. Also, now that he's on a gluten-free diet, I've been making personal pizzas at home using gluten-free crusts and a few "Super Sauces."


The first "Super Sauce" is Spinach Basil Pesto which I love stirring into soups like Creamless Cream of Tomato Soup and Healthy Healing Vegetable Soup to add a nice freshness and flavor punch.

Creamless Cream of Tomato Soup with a swirl of Spinach Basil Pesto

Spinach Basil Pesto is also terrific stirred into marinara sauce or mixed in with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce. I've also been using this pesto in place of tomato sauce on my son's pizzas.

The second "Super Sauce" is Roasted Red Pepper Sauce, which is bright red, and adds a color burst to soups like Creamless Cream of Cauliflower Soup. 

Creamless Cream of Cauliflower with a splash of Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

This is one of the first sauces I came up with to mimic the red tomato sauce my son craved so badly when he found out he couldn't have tomato sauce. I serve it over pasta and meatballs, and sometimes use it in addition to the Spinach Basil Pesto on my son's gluten-free tomato-free pizzas.

These two sauces are so easy to make and extremely versatile. They're wonderful to have on hand just to add some color or flavor to soups and other dishes in a pinch.

Spinach Basil Pesto

I like adding spinach to this pesto for extra nutritional value. You really can't even taste it and since spinach is green, it blends right in. I like to keep some pesto in my freezer so I always have some on hand to stir into soup.
Printable Recipe
2 cups baby spinach
2 cups basil leaves
3 cloves garlic
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Place all ingredients in a food processor bowl and process until pureed. 

Just a few fresh ingredients makes a delicious pesto.

Pesto is so creamy and flavorful.

Store in the refrigerator. If desired, freeze portions in ice cube tray, transfer to a freezer bag and store for future use.

I like to freeze pesto so I always have some on hand to stir into soups and sauces.

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

I like to use roasted piquillo peppers as the color is a vibrant red, but any roasted red peppers will do.
Printable Recipe
1 jar roasted red peppers (10 ounces)
2 cloves garlic, chopped
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Place all ingredients in a food processor bowl and process until pureed. Store in the refrigerator. 

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is another easy sauce to make at home.

I love the vibrant red color of Roasted Red Pepper Sauce!