Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

Sun dried tomato pesto is one of those vibrant, versatile sauces that can elevate almost any dish. It’s packed with flavor, thanks to the rich, tangy taste of sun dried tomatoes, the earthy crunch of pine nuts, and the savory depth of Parmesan cheese. This delightful blend isn’t just for pasta; it can be a spread, a dip, or a topping for grilled meats and roasted vegetables. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe will become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation

The beauty of sun dried tomato pesto lies in its versatility. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it also offers a burst of flavor that’s hard to resist. Imagine tossing it with your favorite pasta, spreading it on a crusty piece of bread, or using it as a marinade for chicken or fish. It’s a great way to add excitement to weeknight dinners or impress guests at your next gathering. Plus, it stores well, so you can always have a jar on hand for those moments when you need a quick and delicious solution.

Gather These Ingredients

• 3/4 cup sun dried tomatoes packed in olive oil: These provide the base flavor of your pesto. If you can find sun dried tomatoes packed in oil, they will also add a lovely richness.
• 1/3 cup pine nuts: These nuts add a wonderful creaminess and a nutty flavor. You can toast them lightly for an extra depth of flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic: Fresh garlic will infuse the pesto with a robust flavor that balances the richness of the nuts and cheese.
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese: Grated or shredded, this cheese adds a salty, umami note that rounds out the pesto beautifully.
• 1/2 cup olive oil: A good quality olive oil is essential as it blends all the ingredients together and adds a smooth texture.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Food processor: This is essential for blending the ingredients into a smooth pesto.
• Spatula: To scrape down the sides of the food processor and ensure everything is well mixed.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements will ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
• Jar for storage: A glass jar is ideal for keeping your pesto fresh in the refrigerator.

Sun Dried Tomato Pesto — Do This Next

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by measuring out all your ingredients. This will make the blending process much smoother and faster.

Step 2: Blend the Sun Dried Tomatoes and Garlic

In your food processor, combine the sun dried tomatoes (drained from excess oil) and garlic cloves. Pulse until finely chopped.

Step 3: Add the Pine Nuts

Add the pine nuts to the mixture and pulse again until they are finely ground and incorporated.

Step 4: Incorporate the Parmesan Cheese

Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese to the food processor. Pulse a few times until the cheese is mixed in well.

Step 5: Drizzle in the Olive Oil

With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Keep blending until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. If you like it thinner, add more olive oil.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Taste your sun dried tomato pesto and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Step 7: Store the Pesto

Transfer the pesto to a clean jar and smooth the top with a spatula. Drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top to help preserve freshness. Seal and refrigerate.

What to Use Instead

• For pine nuts: You can substitute with walnuts or cashews if you’re looking for a different flavor or if you have nut allergies.
• For Parmesan cheese: Nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free alternative, giving you a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
• For olive oil: Avocado oil can be a great substitute if you prefer a different flavor profile.
• For garlic: If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used, but the flavor will be milder.

Chef’s Notes

Feel free to customize your sun dried tomato pesto! Adding fresh basil or spinach can enhance the flavor and add a pop of color. If you like a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Always taste as you go to make sure you achieve the flavor balance you love.

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

This sun dried tomato pesto can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing it in ice cube trays. Once frozen, you can transfer the pesto cubes into a freezer bag and pop them out as needed for quick meals. Just thaw the cubes in the refrigerator or microwave before using.

Reader Questions

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun dried tomatoes?

While fresh tomatoes can be used, they won’t give you the same concentrated flavor. Sun dried tomatoes provide a rich, intense flavor that’s hard to replicate with fresh ones.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

To make it vegan, simply replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and ensure your pine nuts are raw. This will keep the flavor profile intact while adhering to a plant-based diet.

What can I serve sun dried tomato pesto with?

This pesto is incredibly versatile! It pairs wonderfully with pasta, grilled vegetables, sandwiches, and even as a dip for bread or crackers. Use it as a topping for pizzas or spread it on a wrap for added flavor.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe can easily be doubled or halved. Just make sure you have a food processor that can handle the increased volume, and adjust the seasoning to your taste as necessary.

Similar Recipes

• Basil Pesto
• Creamy Pesto Pasta
• Vegan Pasta Pesto
• Roasted Red Pepper Pesto

See You at the Table

Sun dried tomato pesto is not just a sauce; it’s a celebration of flavors that can transform a mundane meal into something extraordinary. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a batch in no time. The rich, savory notes of the sun dried tomatoes combined with the creaminess of the pine nuts and cheese create a symphony of taste that will leave your taste buds dancing. So gather your ingredients, fire up that food processor, and let the aroma of homemade sun dried tomato pesto fill your kitchen. Enjoy it now or save some for later—either way, you’re in for a treat!