Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
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 Recipe
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
Nutrition
Updated from July 14, 2019.
HI, I am excited to try this. Can you use the sun-dried tomatoes in seasoned oil or does it have to be plain sun-dried tomatoes?
Hi Doreen, I always use plain but seasoned oil might be nice. Let me know how it goes. Take care!
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
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!
I have sun dried tomatoes in packages ie—not oil packed. Any advice on how to substitute them in your recipe?
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.
I would like to can it for longer shelf life. Can it be water boiled?
Hi Cathy, I would probably not advise that, although you can freeze it which might be the best option.
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.
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.
Can this be frozen?
Hi Judy, yes you can freeze it, you can freeze individual portions using an ice cube tray.
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.
Hi Betty, thanks, I think homemade is so much better than store bought. Let me know what you think.