This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Deliciously caramelized sauteed peppers and onions are a crowd-pleasing side dish for just about any meal! Made with herbs, seasonings and a splash of red wine vinegar. (gluten free, paleo, vegetarian, vegan)

Sauteed peppers and onions are the perfect side dish to go with just about every meal. Made from sweet bell peppers, red and yellow onions, a touch of olive oil and flavorful herbs and spices, this quick and easy vegetable recipe will add beautiful colors to you dinner plate.
And donโt even get me started on how healthy and nutritious they are. Just one serving of these veggies is filled with healthy fats, fiber and an impressive amount of vitamin C!
Besides the typical salt and pepper seasoning in most peppers and onions recipes, Iโve added in some red pepper flakes and dried oregano for extra flavor.
The end result isnโt spicy at all, so donโt worry if youโre sensitive to spicy foods. If you prefer a little spice, I recommend doubling the amount of red pepper flakes.
How to make sauteed peppers and onions
Slice 4 bell peppers, 1 red onion and 1 yellow onion into strips. (photo 1)
Add them into a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. (photo 2)
Add in the salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes and dried oregano. (photo 3)
Stir everything together and cook for 15-17 minutes, until the veggies are softened and caramelized. Add in 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. (photo 4)
Remove from heat and serve.
Tips and Tricks for the best peppers and onions
If the peppers and onions are starting to burn, turn down the heat on your stovetop just a little and adjust from there. We want caramelized peppers and onions, not burned peppers and onions.
If youโre not using a non-stick skillet, you may need to add in a little more olive oil. The veggies shouldnโt really stick to the bottom of the skillet, so add in more olive oil if needed.
Make sure to add in the minced garlic at the end so it doesnโt burn. If you add it in the beginning with all the seasonings, itโll burn and thatโs no bueno!
Ways to use Sauteed Peppers and Onions
Looking for different ways to eat these veggies throughout the week? Here are some of my favorite ideas!
- in burrito bowls with chipotle chicken and cilantro lime rice
- on burgers like this sweet potato black bean burger
- in tacos like these easy chicken tacos
Sauteed Peppers and Onions
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 medium bell peppers, sliced into long strips
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
Instructions
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add in olive oil, sliced bell peppers and sliced red and yellow onions.
- Add in the salt, red pepper flakes, black pepper and dried oregano.
- Stir to coat the vegetables with the olive oil and seasonings. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-17 minutes until the peppers and onions have softened and started to caramelize.
- Add in the red wine vinegar and minced garlic. Mix together and cook for 1 more minute. Taste and season with more salt if necessary.
- Remove the peppers and onions from the heat and serve.
Notes
- If the peppers and onions are starting to burn, turn down the heat on your stovetop just a little and adjust from there. We want caramelized peppers and onions, not burned peppers and onions.
- If youโre not using a non-stick skillet, you may need to add in a little more olive oil. The veggies shouldnโt really stick to the bottom of the skillet, so add in more olive oil if needed.
- Make sure to add in the minced garlic at the end so it doesnโt burn. If you add it in the beginning with all the seasonings, itโll burn and thatโs no bueno!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can I make these the day before my event and just warm them in the microwave.
Hi Marsha! Yes you definitely can!
How come I donโt see my questions posted anywhere?
Iโve already used this form twice already, I donโt have an answer to my questions, and I donโt see them posted anywhere. How come?
Hi Joe. When you submit a comment, we have to approve it first and that is how we are able to respond to them. We receive many many comments daily and ask for your patience when responding to them. In regards to your question, we havenโt tried that method at room temperature so Iโm not sure we can give an answer on that. We recommend storing them in the fridge for optimal freshness, but you are certainly welcome to give it a try!
In my previous email to you, I mean peppers, onions, garlic, olive oil. I know people who store them at room temperature, and swear by it. Just wondering if that a good way or not?
After I cook my onions, peppers, garlic, in olive oil, can you store them at room temperature in a plastic burping Tupperware container? I know, people who swear by that method. I was wondering if that was a good way to do that? If so how long can you store them that way?
After I cook my peppers in olive oil can I store them at room temperature in a burping container? If so how long are they good for?
Outstanding! Wouldโve never thought of adding red wine vinegar!
Absolutely delicious! I made the recipe exactly as written and could have eaten the peppers as a main course. The peppers were so tender and the flavor was great! The recipe is super easy too. I will definitely be making these again! Thank you!
it was so nummy! Kid approved, but I switched by herb from dried oregano to satay with fresh garden basil for a summer twist.
Love your recipes! Iโm mexican and love to cook, grandma never wrote down the amount of her ingredientsโฆ.so your recipes help me with my favorite meals! Thank you
Really yumolicious with the baked salmon I made!!
These were delicious and easy to prepare. Definitely making these often. Had them with grilled Italian sausage!