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Grilled Padron Peppers – Easy & Healthy

10 November 2025 by Carly Leave a Comment

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Enjoy these simple grilled Padron peppers, a classic Spanish appetiser made with just olive oil and sea salt. Naturally gluten-free, vegan, and ready in less than 10 minutes, this healthy snack is full of flavour and perfect for low-carb or clean-eating diets.

Grilled padron peppers with sea salt and olive oil

Tender, juicy, and just the right touch of salty, these grilled Padron peppers are the easiest and healthiest snack or appetiser you can make in under 10 minutes. They’re light, full of flavour, and packed with antioxidants – perfect for anyone following a clean, low-carb, or gut-friendly diet.

Why not serve this delicious appetiser tapas-style with some more gluten, dairy and sugar free recipes including; lamb and buckwheat meatballs, gluten-free baked onion rings, or some delicious olive and herb dip with cheesy buckwheat crackers.

Jump to:
  • ? Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  • ? Ingredients
  • ? How to Make Grilled Padron Peppers
  • ? Substitutions
  • ? Storage
  • ✨ Top Tip
  • ❓FAQ
  • ? Related
  • Grilled Padron Peppers – Easy & Healthy Snack

? Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • A naturally low-carb, gut-friendly snack that fits beautifully into anti-inflammatory or Candida Diet meal plans.
  • Quick and effortless – ready in under 10 minutes with only 3 ingredients.
  • Packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and healthy fats from extra virgin olive oil.
  • This recipe is made healthier by dry grilling and then topping with a quality extra virgin olive oil.

? Ingredients

Ingredients to make grilled padron peppers

Padron peppers – small, mild green peppers with a touch of natural sweetness.

Extra virgin olive oil – adds richness and healthy fats, plus helps the salt to evenly coat the peppers once they are grilled.

Flaky sea salt – enhances the smoky flavour and adds the perfect savoury finish.

See recipe card for quantities.

? How to Make Grilled Padron Peppers

Raw padron peppers on a baking tray

1. Wash the Padron peppers and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Line a baking tray with baking parchment (or use a ceramic or Pyrex dish) and arrange the peppers on the tray.

Half grilled padron peppers

2. Place peppers under a hot grill (broiler) for 5 minutes, until they start to blister and char slightly.

Flip them over using tongs and grill for another 1–2 minutes, keeping an eye on them to prevent burning.

Grilled padron peppers tossed with extra virgin olive oil

3. Remove the peppers from the grill and drizzle immediately with extra virgin olive oil and toss gently to evenly coat.

Grilled padron peppers with extra virgin olive oil and flaky sea salt

4. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving while still warm. You can eat the whole pepper except for the stalk.

Hint: If you’re using parchment paper, keep the edges flat so they don’t curl up near the grill element (parchment paper can burn or even catch fire if too close to the heat!). You can also just place the peppers directly in a baking tray or ceramic / Pyrex dish instead.

? Substitutions

  • Shishito peppers can be used instead of Padron peppers if unavailable – they’re similar in flavour and texture.
  • For a spicier version, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chilli flakes after cooking.
  • If avoiding nightshades, try blistered okra or green beans for a similar style dish.

? Storage

Padron peppers are best served immediately while warm and crisp.

If you have leftovers, store in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly under the grill for 2–3 minutes to restore some of the texture.

Freezing is not recommended as the peppers will become soggy.

Grilled padron peppers on a white dish

✨ Top Tip

Don’t coat the peppers in oil before grilling – adding the oil afterwards maximises the nutritional benefits and gives a fresher flavour.

❓FAQ

Can I make Padron peppers in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway through for even blistering.

Are Padron peppers spicy?

Most are mild, but roughly one in ten can surprise you with a bit of heat – it’s part of the fun!

Can I make these without oil?

Yes, you can skip the olive oil for a completely oil-free version, but a light drizzle after cooking will help the salt to stick. Unlike traditional recipes, I purposefully grill these without oil and add the extra virgin olive oil at the end for maximum health benefits.

Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out for you! Be sure to rate and leave a comment below, alternatively, tag @anti_candida_kitchen on Instagram with the hashtag #anticandidakitchen. Happy cooking!

? Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

  • Gluten free kimchi burgers with a fried egg
    Gluten Free Kimchi Burger Recipe (Keto-Friendly)
  • Grain-Free Nut and Seed Granola Zoomed In
    Grain-Free Nut and Seed Granola (Oat-Free, Sugar-Free)
  • Top view high protein breakfast scramble with ground beef and eggs
    Breakfast Scramble with Ground Beef & Cauliflower – High Protein
  • Gluten Free Tomato and Zucchini Au Gratin in a serving dish
    Gluten Free Tomato and Zucchini Au Gratin (Dairy-Free)
Blistered padron peppers with olive oil and sea salt

Grilled Padron Peppers – Easy & Healthy Snack

Enjoy these simple grilled Padron peppers, a classic Spanish appetiser made with just olive oil and sea salt. Naturally gluten-free, vegan, and ready in less than 10 minutes, this healthy snack is full of flavour and perfect for low-carb or clean-eating diets.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 3 minutes mins
Cook Time 7 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine European
Servings 2
Calories 46 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 150 g Padron peppers about 5 oz
  • ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil about 7 ml
  • ⅛ teaspoon flaky sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Wash the Padron peppers thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
  • Line a baking tray with baking parchment or use a ceramic or Pyrex dish. Place the peppers in a single layer under a hot grill (broiler) for about 5 minutes, until they start to blister and turn golden brown.
  • Using tongs, flip the peppers and grill for another 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye so they don’t burn.
  • Remove from the grill, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, toss to coat, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
  • Serve immediately while warm as a snack, appetiser, or side dish.

Notes

You don’t need to coat the peppers with oil before cooking. Add the oil afterward to preserve nutrients and enjoy the best flavour.
If using parchment paper, keep the edges flat and away from the grill element to prevent burning as parchment paper can burn or catch fire if left for too long.
Padron peppers are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat under the grill for 2–3 minutes before serving. Not suitable for freezing as the peppers can turn watery.
This recipe serves 1-2 people.

Last step! If you make this recipe, will you do me a huge favour and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review letting me know what you thought? It really helps! Thanks for your support!!

Nutrition

Calories: 46kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 148mgPotassium: 131mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 278IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 0.3mg

Disclaimer: Nutritional info is approximate and for general guidance only. Unit conversions are automatically generated and may not be accurate.

Keyword Olive Oil, Padron Peppers
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Filed Under: Sides, Snacks

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About Carly

Hey there I'm Carly!

I make delicious gluten, dairy and sugar-free recipes focused on the gut-loving Candida diet. Having followed the diet myself, I know how hard it can be, so I'm here to help you to succeed on it too!

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