Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto offers a vibrant blend of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and nuts, perfect for pasta, bread, or as a flavorful spread for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a food processor, chop garlic and pignoli nuts; set aside.
- Blend dried marjoram, dried parsley, fresh basil, butter, and olive oil until well combined.
- Puree the sun-dried tomatoes.
- Chop 5 sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces.
- Add all ingredients together, including grated Parmesan cheese, and mix until thoroughly combined.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the pignoli nuts before adding them to the food processor. If you don't have pignoli nuts, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. Adjust the amount of garlic based on your taste preference, and consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. This pesto can also be blended with cream for a decadent pasta sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This sun-dried tomato pesto is excellent tossed with pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, and pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Cheese And Mushroom Manicotti. You can also spread it on toasted baguette slices or use it as a dip for fresh vegetables. For a complete meal, serve alongside a salad and your favorite grilled protein.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sun-dried tomato pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To maintain freshness, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing. When ready to use, stir well and consider warming it gently over low heat to enhance the flavors before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto contains roughly 5922 calories, with 37g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 590g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (129% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (90% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 25g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought sun-dried tomatoes for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought sun-dried tomatoes work well, but choose those packed in oil for added flavor. If using dry sun-dried tomatoes, soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes prior to blending to soften them.
How can I make this pesto vegan?
To make a vegan version of this sun-dried tomato pesto, simply omit the butter and Parmesan cheese. You can substitute nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and use olive oil for richness, maintaining the overall texture and taste.
What dishes can I use this pesto in aside from pasta?
This pesto is incredibly versatile! Use it as a spread for sandwiches or wraps, a topping for grilled vegetables, or as a flavor booster in soups. It can also be mixed into mashed potatoes or used as a marinade for chicken or fish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).