Sun Dried 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.
Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Sauce
Equipment
- Food Processor
Ingredients
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.
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. 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! Here are some creative ways to use sun-dried tomato pesto:
| Use | Description | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta sauce base | Toss 1–2 tbsp per serving with hot pasta, a splash of pasta water, and grated cheese. | Concentrated tomato and oil coat pasta evenly and add instant umami and richness. |
| Sandwich & wrap spread | Spread on bread or tortillas before adding meats, cheeses, and greens. | Adds moisture and bold flavor so you can use less mayo without losing richness. |
| Pizza finishing spread | Dollop or smear on crust before toppings or swirl into the finished pizza. | Contributes intense tomato-romano notes and attractive color contrast. |
| Salad dressing boost | Whisk a spoonful with olive oil, vinegar/lemon, salt and a touch of honey. | Turns a basic vinaigrette into a savory, herb-forward dressing instantly. |
| Roasted vegetable finish | Toss roasted veggies with a little pesto just before serving. | Brightens caramelized veg and adds a glossy, flavorful coating. |
| Chicken or pork glaze | Brush on grilled or roasted meat during last minutes of cooking (or mix with mustard/honey). | Creates a savory, slightly sweet crust and keeps lean meats juicy. |
| Crostini & appetizer topping | Spread on toasted baguette slices topped with goat cheese or ricotta. | Concentrated flavor pairs perfectly with mild creamy cheeses for quick hors d'oeuvres. |
| Stir into mashed potatoes | Fold a tablespoon into warm mashed potatoes for a savory twist. | Infuses comfort food with depth — less butter needed, more tomato-herb flavor. |
| Omelette or frittata filling | Add dollops to beaten eggs with spinach and cheese before cooking. | Delivers bold flavor to eggs which otherwise can taste flat on their own. |
| Grain bowl mix-in | Stir into quinoa, farro, or rice with roasted veg and a protein. | Acts as an easy, flavorful binder that makes bowls cohesive and satisfying. |
| Marinade for fish | Thin with lemon juice and olive oil, use briefly (15–30 min) before grilling or baking. | Adds Mediterranean brightness without overpowering delicate fish when used sparingly. |
| Compound butter or finishing oil | Mix with softened butter or extra virgin olive oil; chill or drizzle over vegetables and bread. | Transforms simple dishes — melting pesto butter gives immediate aromatic richness. |
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.
