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Home » Recipe Type » Sauces, Dips & Frostings » Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

By: Rosemary Published: May 17, 2020 Updated on: May 20, 2021

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Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto just a few ingredients to make one of the best Pesto Recipes you will ever taste. Perfect tossed with your favourite pasta or made into Puff Pastry Twists. So good and so easy.

sundried tomato pesto in a glass jar

I have shared a few Pesto Recipes on An Italian in my Kitchen including the one that started it all. The Classic Basil Pesto, to a little known but equally delicious Arugula (Rocket) Pesto .

But I have to say this is probably the most delicious Pesto I have yet to make or taste. It was a hit with everyone!

A couple of times I tossed it with pasta and since I had a roll of puff pastry in the fridge I made some puff pastry twists.

Table of Contents

  • Where did Sun-dried Tomatoes originate?
  • What are the ingredients in Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto?
  • How to make Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
  • How to store it
  • Can it be frozen?
  • What can you make with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
      • Never Miss a Recipe!
  • How to make Puff Pastry Twists
  • Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Recipe
    • Ingredients  1x2x3x
      • *start by adding 1/3 cup then more if needed but add 1 tablespoon at a time. (I used 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon).
    • Instructions 
    • Notes
    • Nutrition

Where did Sun-dried Tomatoes originate?

Sun-dried tomatoes are very popular in the South of Italy, mainly Calabria, Sicily and Puglia. The end of summer the tomatoes are left to dry out in the sun and then preserved in oil.

What are the ingredients in Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto?

  • Sun-dried tomatoes, you can make your own or use store bought (under oil in a jar).
  • Parmesan Cheese
  • Almonds
  • Pine Nuts
  • Olive Oil
  • Garlic
  • Fresh Basil
  • Oregano

You will notice that salt is not included that is because store-bought sun-dried tomatoes are already salted, if you make your own then just add a couple of pinches of salt to the recipe.

How to make Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

In a food processor add drained sun-dried tomatoes, basil, nuts and garlic, blend until chunky.

sun-dried tomato pesto how to make ingredients in a the mixer

Add the parmesan cheese, oregano and oil, mix until blended to desired consistency. Spoon into a glass jar, top with the extra olive oil and keep refrigerated.

sun-dried tomato pesto how to make ready to mix and mixed

How to store it

Jars of pesto should be stored in the fridge. It will last up to 5-6 days refrigerated. Be sure to cover the pesto with oil so it doesn’t dry out. If you leave the pesto longer in the fridge be sure to check that it hasn’t turned brown, and check the aroma, if it smells rancid then it must be discarded. Also if it has a strange taste it could mean it has gone bad.

sun-dried tomato pesto in a glass jar covered with oil

Can it be frozen?

The pesto can also be frozen, be sure to thaw in the fridge before using. You can freeze in individual portions using ice cube trays or freezer safe jars. It will keep for up to 4 months in the freezer.

What can you make with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?

Besides making this delicious Pesto you can also use sun dried tomatoes to make this easy Spaghetti with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pancetta or how about adding some cut up to your Pizza?

I love adding a few to my salad or even chopping a few before making some homemade bread or buns.

sun-dried tomato pesto and pasta in a bowl

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    How to make Puff Pastry Twists

    • Un-roll the puff pastry and lightly roll a couple of times to smooth it out, or make your own Homemade Puff Pastry.
    • Spread the tomato pesto over half the pastry and cover with the other half.
    • Sprinkle with your favourite seeds, I used poppy seeds.

    how to make puff pastry twists

    • Cut into about 1/2 inch strips and twists.
    • Place on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet and bake at 350F (180C) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden.

    puff pastry twists with sun-dried tomato pesto

    So if you are looking to try a Pesto that is a little different but definitely delicious, why not give this Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto a try and let me know what you think. Buon Appetito!

    sun-dried tomato pesto and pasta in a bowl

    sun-dried tomato pesto in a glass jar

    Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Recipe

    Rosemary Molloy
    Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto just a few ingredients to make one of the best Pesto Recipes you will ever taste. Better than any store-bought.
    5 from 4 votes
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course antipasto, Appetizer, Main Dish, Pasta
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 1 cup
    Calories 1335 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup packed sun-dried tomatoes (drained & quartered) (150 grams)
    • 5 fresh basil leaves
    • 3 almonds (blanched)
    • 1/2 tablespoon pine nuts
    • 1 clove garlic (minced)
    • 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (25 grams)
    • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
    • 1/3-1/2 cup olive oil* (75 grams)

    *start by adding 1/3 cup then more if needed but add 1 tablespoon at a time. (I used 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon).

    • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil to top the finished pesto before refrigerating.

    Instructions
     

    • In a food processor add drained sun-dried tomatoes, basil, nuts and garlic, blend until chunky, then add the parmesan cheese, oregano and oil, mix until blended to desired consistency. Spoon into a glass jar, top with the extra olive oil and keep refrigerated. Enjoy!

    Notes

    I made Pasta for 3-4 two times and Puff Pastry Puffs (see body of post for how to make) with this recipe. 
    You may need to add a little more oil when tossing with your favourite pasta.
    Be sure to cover the top of the pesto with oil before refrigerating.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 1335kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 27gFat: 116gSaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 658mgPotassium: 3770mgFiber: 14gSugar: 42gVitamin A: 1440IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 414mgIron: 11.3mg
    Keyword pesto, pesto with sun-dried tomatoes, sun-dried tomato pesto, tomato pesto
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Updated from July 14, 2019.

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      1. Jeana says

        January 7, 2023 at 3:03 pm

        5 stars
        What a wonderful recipe! One of my favorite ways to make a sundried tomato pesto with pasta dish is with the addition of small chunks of smoked mozzarella. I used to buy prepared sundried tomato pesto in a jar, but making it from scratch has taken my pasta dish to a whole new level! Thank you, Rosemary!

        A hug from New York City, Jeana

        Reply
        • Rosemary says

          January 8, 2023 at 4:24 pm

          Hi Jeana, thanks so much, so glad you like the recipe, sounds like a delicious pasta dish. A hug back to you and one of my favourite cities. Take care and Happy New Year!

          Reply
      2. Shirley says

        May 2, 2022 at 4:53 pm

        I have sun dried tomatoes in packages ie—not oil packed. Any advice on how to substitute them in your recipe?

        Reply
        • Rosemary says

          May 2, 2022 at 5:56 pm

          Hi Shirley, they are fine to use, you might have to add a bit more oil, but wait until the end and see. Let me know how it goes.

          Reply
      3. Cathy says

        May 19, 2021 at 7:28 pm

        I would like to can it for longer shelf life. Can it be water boiled?

        Reply
        • Rosemary says

          May 20, 2021 at 12:15 pm

          Hi Cathy, I would probably not advise that, although you can freeze it which might be the best option.

          Reply
      4. Mark says

        March 20, 2021 at 9:02 pm

        5 stars
        Outstanding recipe! So easy to make and tons of flavor. I hate to buy store-bought prepared foods when you can easily make your own.

        I only needed a few tablespoons for a salmon and couscous recipe, but there is plenty leftover for a pasta dish later this week.

        Reply
        • Rosemary says

          March 21, 2021 at 7:01 pm

          Hi Mark, thanks so much glad you enjoyed it. Yes homemade is so much better and not difficult either. Take care and have a great week.

          Reply
      5. Judy says

        May 28, 2020 at 4:59 pm

        Can this be frozen?

        Reply
        • Rosemary says

          May 28, 2020 at 6:07 pm

          Hi Judy, yes you can freeze it, you can freeze individual portions using an ice cube tray.

          Reply
      6. Betty Sanfilippo says

        July 16, 2019 at 2:41 pm

        5 stars
        Your recipe has inspired me to try and make it this weekend. I ate some store bought Tomato Pesto last night and while it was good, I’d like to try a homemade version.

        Reply
        • Rosemary says

          July 17, 2019 at 9:53 am

          Hi Betty, thanks, I think homemade is so much better than store bought. Let me know what you think.

          Reply

      Hi, I'm Rosemary.

      Living in Italy I learned to cook authentic Italian dishes using whole ingredients, fresh veggies and delicious spices. So take a seat and have a taste! Read More

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