Today, we’re on a journey to the Mediterranean, exploring the charming world of pesto. This article provides a guide to making one of Itali’s most beloved sauces, homemade Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto.
A fundamental component in Italian cuisine, pesto is a sauce that originated in the picturesque region of Liguria. But pesto is not confined to one standard recipe. There are countless variations, each bringing its own unique blend of flavors to the table.
From the classic basil variant, we love this tangy sun-dried tomato version, each is a testament to the incredible flavors that simple, high-quality ingredients can produce. Whichever variant you choose to make, ensure you use the freshest of ingredients to truly capture the spirit of this classic Italian recipe.
This simple recipe will bring the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your home, let’s make homemade Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto!
Looking for a classic Italian pesto recipe? Check out this Homemade basil Pesto Recipe here.
Table of contents:
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto: A Tangy Twist
Sun-dried tomato pesto, or “Pesto Rosso,” introduces a delightful tang and depth to the traditional pesto. The ingredients include:
- Sun-dried tomatoes: These give the pesto a robust, sweet-tart flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes are a concentrated source of vitamins C and K, iron, and antioxidants.
- Almonds: Used in place of pine nuts, they add a crunchy texture and earthy flavor. Almonds are high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
- Red chili flakes: They add a subtle heat to the pesto but you can leave them out. Capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their heat, is known to have anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefits.
- Garlic: A single clove can infuse the pesto with an intense, pungent flavor. Garlic has numerous health benefits, including antimicrobial properties and cardiovascular health support.
- Parmesan Cheese: Its sharp, umami flavor adds depth to the pesto. Cheese is a good source of protein and calcium.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: This helps emulsify the ingredients into a smooth paste and adds a fruity richness. Olive oil has been shown to fight heart disease.
- Salt: This boosts all the other flavors.
Again, this pesto isn’t suitable for vegetarians or vegans due to the Parmesan. Vegetarians can substitute it for another Italian-style hard cheese, just check the labels to make sure there’s no animal rennet used or if it’s marked vegetarian. A vegan alternative can be made by substituting the parmesan with nutritional yeast (you’ll only need about half the amount).
How to Make Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
Equipment
- Food processor
- Box/cheese grater
Ingredients
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Optional: Red chili flakes to taste
Method
- Place sun-dried tomatoes, almonds, and peeled garlic cloves in the bowl of a food processor.
- Pulse until coarsely chopped.
- Add Parmesan cheese (and chili flakes if using) and pulse again until mixed.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while the food processor is on until the mixture is smooth.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Your sun-dried tomato pesto is ready to serve. If not used immediately, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Dietary Suitability of Pesto
Sun-dried tomato pesto is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans without some moderation (just swap out the Parmesan). Vegetarians can substitute it for another Italian hard cheese and vegans can use nutritional yeast instead.
- Suitable for gluten-free diets: The traditional recipes for both Basil Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto are gluten-free, so they can be enjoyed by individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
- Not Suitable for Dairy-Free Diets: The Parmesan cheese makes these unsuitable for individuals following a dairy-free or lactose-free diet. Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto can also be unsuitable if Parmesan is included. You can use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, just halve the amount and taste from there.
- Suitable for the Mediterranean diet: Both pesto variations, especially when made with high-quality olive oil and fresh ingredients, align with the principles of the Mediterranean diet.
Serving Suggestions for Pesto
Pesto is a versatile and flavorful sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions for pesto:
- Pasta: The most common use for pesto is as a pasta sauce. Simply toss cooked pasta (such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne) with a generous amount of pesto. You can also add some sautéed vegetables, cherry tomatoes, or grilled chicken for extra flavor and texture.
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Spread pesto on bread or tortillas before adding your favorite fillings. It works well with grilled vegetables, deli meats, cheeses, and even tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
- Salads: Use pesto as a dressing for salads. Mix it with olive oil and a touch of lemon juice, then drizzle it over your greens. It’s especially great with salads containing tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil (Caprese salad).
- Grilled Meats and Seafood: Pesto can serve as a marinade or topping for grilled meats like chicken, pork, or beef, as well as seafood like salmon, shrimp, or scallops. Spread a thin layer of pesto on the meat or fish before grilling, or spoon some over the cooked dish before serving.
- Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables are enhanced by a dollop of pesto. Drizzle the sauce over vegetables like roasted potatoes, broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini for an extra burst of flavor.
- Pizza: Use pesto as a base sauce for homemade pizzas instead of the traditional tomato sauce. Top with your favorite cheeses, vegetables, and meats for a unique twist.
- Dips and Spreads: Mix pesto with cream cheese, yogurt, or sour cream to create flavorful dips for crackers, breadsticks, or fresh vegetables.
- Rice and Grains: Stir pesto into cooked rice, quinoa, couscous, or other grains for a quick and tasty side dish.
- Eggs: Swirl pesto into scrambled eggs, omelets, or frittatas for a burst of color and flavor.
- Bread and Crostini: Spread pesto on toasted baguette slices or crostini as an appetizer or snack.
- Soup: Add a spoonful of pesto to soups, such as tomato soup, minestrone, or vegetable soups, to elevate the flavor.
- Stuffed Chicken or Fish: Create a pocket in chicken breasts or fish fillets and stuff them with a mixture of pesto and cheese before baking or grilling.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto is very rich and strong in flavor, so a little goes a long way. Experiment and get creative with your dishes by incorporating pesto in various ways.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto FAQs
How long does Sun-dried tomato pesto take to make?
- Prep time: ~5 minutes
- Cook time: none
- Total time: 5 minutes
What is pesto and how is it used in cuisine?
Pesto is a flavorful sauce that originates from Genoa, the capital of Liguria in Italy. A common way to enjoy pesto is with pasta and fresh tomatoes. However, it can also be paired with breadsticks or spread over a sandwich. Pesto is versatile and can also be used as a dip, pizza sauce, spread, salad dressing, and more.
Are there vegan versions of pesto available?
Yes, while traditional pesto often contains Parmesan cheese, there are increasing numbers of vegan pesto brands appearing in the market. However, finding vegan pesto might be challenging in some stores. Luckily, you can make your own pesto at home and substitute the Parmesan for a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.
What are the nutritional aspects of pesto?
Pesto is generally rich in healthy fats. For every tablespoon (16g) of pesto, it provides around 92 calories, 9.5g of fat, 158mg of sodium, 0.9g of carbohydrates, 0.2g of fiber, 0.11g of sugars, and 1.4g of protein. The fats in pesto come primarily from olive oil, cheese, and nuts.
Nutrition Facts Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
| Servings: 4 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 341 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 34.2g | 44% |
| Saturated Fat 6.1g | 30% |
| Cholesterol 10mg | 3% |
| Sodium 171mg | 7% |
| Total Carbohydrate 5.5g | 2% |
| Dietary Fiber 2.1g | 7% |
| Total Sugars 1.7g | |
| Protein 7.6g | |
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% |
| Calcium 166mg | 13% |
| Iron 1mg | 3% |
| Potassium 203mg | 4% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
Homemade Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
Equipment
- Food processor
- Box/cheese grater
Ingredients
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Optional: Red chili flakes to taste
Instructions
- Place sun-dried tomatoes, almonds, and peeled garlic cloves in the bowl of a food processor.1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1/2 cup almonds, 3 cloves garlic
- Pulse until coarsely chopped.
- Add Parmesan cheese (and chili flakes if using) and pulse again until mixed.1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while the food processor is on until the mixture is smooth.1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Season with salt to taste.Salt to taste
- Your sun-dried tomato pesto is ready to serve. If not using immediately, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.Optional: Red chili flakes to taste
Notes
Nutrition Facts Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
| Servings: 4 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 341 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 34.2g | 44% |
| Saturated Fat 6.1g | 30% |
| Cholesterol 10mg | 3% |
| Sodium 171mg | 7% |
| Total Carbohydrate 5.5g | 2% |
| Dietary Fiber 2.1g | 7% |
| Total Sugars 1.7g | |
| Protein 7.6g | |
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% |
| Calcium 166mg | 13% |
| Iron 1mg | 3% |
| Potassium 203mg | 4% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
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