Tomato Pesto Sauce
If regular pesto had a sun-kissed, slightly sassier cousin, it would be sun-dried tomato pesto. This rich, ruby-red sauce brings bold Mediterranean vibes to your kitchen and gives basil pesto a run for its money.
It’s punchy, savory, slightly tangy, and just the thing to slather on pasta, spread on sandwiches, or sneak by the spoonful when no one’s looking. (No judgment — we’ve all been there.)
In this post, I’ll show you how to whip up a batch of sun-dried tomato pesto that’s bursting with flavor and dangerously easy to make. We’re talking pantry staples, a food processor, and about ten minutes — faster than you can say “Where’s my parmesan?” Whether you’re dressing up dinner or looking to impress your snack board, this recipe’s got your back.
And don’t worry, no actual sun-drying required — we’ll let the jarred tomatoes do the heavy lifting. So grab your garlic, flex your olive oil-pouring wrist, and prepare to meet your new favorite condiment. Just one taste, and you’ll be finding excuses to put it on everything. Pizza crusts beware: your bland days are numbered.
What Is Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Sauce?
Sun-dried tomato pesto sauce is a vibrant and flavorful alternative to traditional basil pesto, offering a rich and intense taste that captures the essence of sun-ripened tomatoes. This versatile sauce combines the concentrated sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes with the nuttiness of pine nuts, the sharpness of garlic, and the saltiness of Parmesan cheese, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors that can elevate a variety of dishes.
The process of making sun-dried tomato pesto involves rehydrating sun-dried tomatoes to bring out their robust flavor. Once softened, the tomatoes are blended with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil to create a thick and luscious sauce. Adding olive oil not only helps to bind the ingredients together but also adds a silky texture and a fruity undertone that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
This pesto sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used in numerous ways. It can be tossed with pasta for a quick and satisfying meal, spread on sandwiches or wraps to add a burst of flavor, or used as a flavorful topping for grilled meats, fish, or vegetables. It can also be mixed into dips and spreads or used as a pizza sauce for a unique twist on a classic dish.
In conclusion, sun-dried tomato pesto sauce is a delightful condiment with a burst of Mediterranean flavor in every bite. Its rich and complex taste profile makes it a favorite among food enthusiasts and a versatile addition to any kitchen. Whether used as a sauce, spread, or dip, sun-dried tomato pesto will elevate your culinary creations and impress your taste buds.
Ways It Can Be Used
Sun-dried tomato pesto sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of ways to enhance the flavor of your dishes. Here are some creative ways to use sun-dried tomato pesto:
- Pasta Sauce: Toss it with cooked pasta for a quick and flavorful meal. It pairs well with both long and short pasta shapes.
- Sandwich Spread: Use it as a spread on sandwiches, wraps, or paninis to add a burst of flavor.
- Pizza Topping: Use it as a base sauce for homemade pizzas instead of traditional tomato sauce for a unique and delicious twist.
- Grilled Meat or Fish: Use it as a marinade or sauce for grilled chicken, fish, or steak to add extra flavor.
- Vegetable Dip: Mix it with Greek yogurt or sour cream to create a tasty dip for fresh vegetables or pita chips.
- Salad Dressing: Thin it out with a bit of olive oil or vinegar to create a flavorful dressing for salads.
- Bruschetta Topping: Spread it on toasted bread slices and top with fresh basil or mozzarella for a delicious appetizer.
- Stuffed Chicken or Pork: Use it as a filling for stuffed chicken breasts or pork chops to add moisture and flavor.
- Breakfast Eggs: Stir it into scrambled eggs or omelets for a flavorful breakfast twist.
- Soup Enhancer: Stir it into soups or stews to add depth and richness to the broth.
These are just a few ideas to get you started, but the possibilities are endless when it comes to using sun-dried tomato pesto sauce in your cooking. Get creative and experiment with different dishes to discover your favorite ways to enjoy this delicious condiment!
Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Sauce
Equipment
- Food Processor
Ingredients
- ½ cup basil leaves packed
- ½ cup pine nuts toasted
- 3 cloves garlic
- zest lemon 1/2 lemon
- ½ teaspoon salt kosher
- 1 cup sun dried tomatoes oil-packed
- ¼ cup Parmesan Reggian cheese grated
- ¾ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Drain the sun dried tomatoes of excess oil.
- In the bowl of your food processor, pulse the garlic a couple of times.
- Add the basil, pine nuts, zest, salt and drained sun dried tomatoes. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
- Add the cheese and pulse to distribute evenly.
- With the food processor running, drizzle olive oil through the feed tube until you end up with a thick paste.
- Taste and add a bit more salt if necessary.
