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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers, Sides, Dips

    Easy Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Recipe

    July 2, 2018 By Monika Last Updated May 8, 2022 19 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    Side view of sun dried tomato pesto in small open jar with spoon, with sun dried tomatoes in small dish and green cloth in background.

    This tangy, delicious easy sun dried tomato pesto comes together in seconds and can be stirred into pasta, stews, casseroles, added to sandwiches or enjoyed as a dip. 

    Top down view of sun dried tomato pesto sauce in round dish on top of dark surface with basil leaves, spoon, open jar and sun dried tomatoes in small dish.

    My sun dried tomato pesto sauce is very quick and easy to make and you can keep it in the fridge for several days.  It's convenient as well as versatile, great with both hot and cold dishes.  Pesto can be very handy when it's too hot to make elaborate meals.  For an easy meal idea just cook your favourite pasta, stir in some pesto and enjoy!

    Sun dried tomato pesto ingredients

    In addition to the star ingredient (i.e. sun-dried tomatoes) this recipe also contains fresh basil (I do not recommend using dried, the end result won't be as good), oil, garlic, toasted pine nuts, a little parmesan cheese (ensure it's vegetarian if required) and a drop of lemon juice.  

    I also added a small amount of water into the sauce.  This allowed me to get the consistency I wanted without having to use a lot of oil. So this sun dried tomato pesto is quite light and healthy.

    Ingredients for making sun dried tomato pesto in individual dishes.
    Sun dried tomato pesto ingredients.

    What sun-dried tomatoes are best to use in this recipe

    It's best to use sun dried tomatoes packed in oil, which are soft and full of moisture and you can use them straight from the jar (the dried variety, on the other hand, needs to be rehydrated in a liquid before you can use it).  Also you can use the entire contents of the jar to make this sun dried tomato pesto sauce (including the oil, see Instructions below to ensure you are using the right amount of oil).

    A jar of sun dried tomatoes packed in oil sometimes also contains capers.  If your product does go ahead and use these in this recipe too (1.5 teaspoon will suffice).  They add a delicious, subtle tang without having an obvious presence in this recipe.

    Step-by-step recipe instructions

    1.In a small non-stick pan dry toast the pine nuts until golden stirring often.  This will only take a couple of minutes. 

    Pine nuts in small pan on rack.

    2. In a blender combine all the pesto ingredients, including the pine nuts.

    Top down view of sun dried tomatoes in blender, pine nuts, grated cheese in small dish and basil leaves on top of dark surface.

    3. Pulse a few times until well combined and there are no large tomato pieces visible.  The mixture should still have some texture in it.

    Top down view of sun dried tomato pesto mixture in blender with spoon and lemon half.

    4. Adjust the seasoning if required, place the pesto in a jar or another container and refrigerate for up to 1-2 weeks.

    Side view of sun dried tomato pesto in open jar with basil leaves, spoon, lemon, garlic and sun dried tomatoes in background.

    Serving suggestions

    There are SO many ways to enjoy this easy sun-dried tomato pesto recipe! 

    • With pasta

    If you are adding it into pasta you'll have a quick and easy vegetarian dinner for 6 hungry people ready in minutes. (Be sure to reserve some of the pasta water to loosen the sauce). Top with roasted vegetables, fresh basil and enjoy!

    • As a dip

    You can enjoy this healthy pesto as a dip, puree along with white beans or avocado and serve with crackers or garlic bread.  

    • As a snack

    Spread a small amount of the pesto on baguette slices, sprinkle over some grated cheese and pop in the oven for a delicious snack or easy appetizer!

    • As a spread

    You can also combine this pesto sauce with cream cheese, puree until smooth and make a gorgeously creamy sun dried tomato spread.

    • To add flavour to dishes

    Try stirring it into a creamy chicken breast recipe or skinny alfredo for added flavour.

    In my next post I'll show you just how versatile this pesto recipe is by using it in pesto chicken meatballs.

    Top tips

    • Use sun dried tomatoes in oil. The oil can be added into the pesto along with the capers if present.
    • Do not puree the pesto mixture until completely smooth, it should still have some texture in it.
    • I used a moderate amount of basil but you can increase it to your taste.
    • Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1.5-2 weeks.
    • If using this recipe as a dip refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving, if possible.
    • Not suitable for freezing.

    Substitutions

    • You could use sunflower seeds or chopped blanched almonds instead of the pine nuts.
    • Use the oil from the sun dried tomatoes or another mild tasting olive oil.

    You might also like

    • Sun Dried Tomato Soda Bread with Cheese
    • Roasted Asparagus Pesto Pasta
    • Easy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake (Healthy)
    • Avocado Basil Pesto Pasta Sauce (Low Fat)
    • Zucchini Noodles with Parsley Pesto & Eggs (Appetizer)

    Check out also this collection of healthy vegetarian pasta meals!

    Keep in touch!

    How has your sun-dried tomato pesto turned out for you?  Let me know in the comments below, thanks!

    Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for regular recipe updates! Or you could subscribe to this blog and receive all my latest recipes right in your mailbox!

    Top down view of sun dried tomato pesto in round dish on top of dark surface with basil leaves, spoon, open jar and sun dried tomatoes in small dish.

    Easy Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Sauce Recipe

    This tangy, delicious easy sun dried tomato pesto sauce comes together in seconds and can be added to sauces, sandwiches, pasta or enjoyed as a dip.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner, Party Food, Snack
    Cuisine: Italian, vegetarian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 195kcal
    Author: Monika Dabrowski

    Equipment

    • Food processor

    Ingredients

    • 4.94 ounces (140 g) sun dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained weight
    • â…“ cup (80 ml) oil from your jar of tomatoes or vegetable/mild olive oil
    • 10 basil leaves large
    • 1 garlic clove chopped
    • 3 tablespoons parmesan or another hard cheese, finely grated, vegetarian if required
    • 2 tablespoons pine nuts lightly toasted
    • 1½ teaspoons capers
    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
    • 1-2 tablespoons water
    • Pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • In a small non-stick pan dry toast the pine nuts until golden stirring all the time. Place along with all the remaining pesto ingredients in a food processor and pulse a few times until well combined and there are no large pieces left. The mixture should still have some texture in it.
    • Adjust the seasoning if required, transfer the pesto into a jar, close the lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving if possible.

    Notes

    • Use sun dried tomatoes in oil. The oil can be added into the pesto along with the capers (if present).
    • Do not puree the pesto mixture until completely smooth, it should still be a little grainy.
    • I used a moderate amount of basil but you could increase that.
    • If you don't want to use pine nuts good alternatives are sunflower seeds or chopped blanched almonds.
    • You may not need to add any salt to this pesto, but be generous with pepper.
    • Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1.5-2 weeks.
    • Uses: add to pasta, combine with cream cheese to make a spread, puree with avocado or beans to make a dip. If you want to loosen the consistency of the pesto add a bit of water or oil (see Post above for more suggestions).
    • If using this recipe as a dip refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving, if possible.
    • Not suitable for freezing.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 195kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 142mg | Potassium: 395mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 348IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg

    *Nutritional information is automatically generated and should be considered as an estimate.

    **A note about baking: If using a fan-assisted oven refer to your appliance's instructions and adjust the temperature accordingly.

    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @Monika8021 or tag #EverydayHealthyRecipes!
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    1. Kat (The Baking Explorer)

      July 22, 2018 at 5:23 pm

      5 stars
      I love pesto and I love sundried tomatos so this is the perfect combination in my eyes!!

      Reply
      • Monika

        July 23, 2018 at 8:36 am

        Thanks Kat!

        Reply
    2. The Girl Next Door

      July 14, 2018 at 3:34 am

      I love sundried tomatoes, so I'm pretty sure I'll love this pesto!
      Thank you for sharing this simple yet beautiful recipe. I have bookmarked it - will certainly be trying this out. 🙂

      Reply
      • Monika

        July 14, 2018 at 10:18 am

        Thank you, hope you like it!

        Reply
    3. Jo Allison / Jo's Kitchen Larder

      July 07, 2018 at 8:15 pm

      5 stars
      Gorgeous recipe Monika and so many uses for it too! Sun dried tomatoes are fantastic too and so full of Summery flavour! One to make for sure! 🙂

      Reply
      • Monika

        July 08, 2018 at 7:24 am

        Thank you Jo, glad you like it!

        Reply
    4. Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food

      July 07, 2018 at 2:24 pm

      5 stars
      I have not had sun dried tomato pesto in years, and your recipe is a must-try! I love that you use the oil from the tomatoes in the sauce. It never would have occurred to me to eat the sauce with BBQ chicken, but I'll certainly give it a try!

      Reply
      • Monika

        July 08, 2018 at 7:23 am

        Thanks Michelle, this pesto is ideal with chicken, my son likes it in a sandwich too.

        Reply
    5. Monika

      July 07, 2018 at 7:20 am

      Thanks DeeDee, hope you like it!

      Reply
    6. Mandy

      July 06, 2018 at 8:49 am

      5 stars
      Love sundried tomato pesto so much Monika, have pinned this to try soon. Perfect for summer.

      Reply
      • Monika

        July 07, 2018 at 7:22 am

        Thanks Mandy! Pesto is the best summer recipe idea, isn't it?

        Reply
    7. Eb Gargano | Easy Peasy Foodie

      July 05, 2018 at 3:21 pm

      5 stars
      I love sun dried tomato pesto! It reminds me of when my husband and I first got together - we ate lot of this with pasta and veggies, like peppers and mushrooms! Must make that again soon. I love how easy this recipe is too. Thanks for sharing with #CookBlogShare 😀 Eb x

      Reply
      • Monika

        July 07, 2018 at 7:20 am

        Thanks Eb! So glad my recipe brought back good memories for you!

        Reply
    8. Balvinder

      July 03, 2018 at 3:51 pm

      5 stars
      Looks heavenly, Monika! Sun dried tomato pesto is my favorite in/on so many things.

      Reply
      • Monika

        July 03, 2018 at 6:28 pm

        Thank you Balvinder, it's got so much flavour, doesn't it?

        Reply
    9. Corina Blum

      July 03, 2018 at 11:15 am

      5 stars
      This looks really delicious! IT would be so good on a homemade pizza or on pasta.

      Reply
      • Monika

        July 03, 2018 at 6:28 pm

        Thanks! Absolutely! My son had it with toast!

        Reply
    10. AZ@...And a Dash of Cinnamon

      July 02, 2018 at 11:13 pm

      I love sundried tomatoes and pesto! This is def my sort of pesto

      Reply
      • Monika

        July 03, 2018 at 6:26 pm

        Thank you! Glad to hear it

        Reply

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