The Best Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Recipe 🧉 (2024)

Discover the essence of traditional Italian cuisine with my Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto recipe. Picture ripe tomatoes, kissed by the sun, mingling with fresh rosemary, toasted pine nuts, and savory Parmesan cheese. This pesto isn't just a sauce; it's a burst of Mediterranean flavors that can elevate any dish or snack!

And, if you are a fan of green pesto, this red pesto will make its space to your heart in seconds!

What makes this recipe irresistible is its versatility. Beyond being a perfect companion for pasta, this delicious pesto acts as a perfect spread on sandwiches, topping for pizzas, grilled meat and vegetables, and salad dressing! Plus, it only takes 10 minutes to prepare it—incredible easy! So, let's dive into the recipe, where I will tell you how to make homemade classic Italian Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto!

This recipe is: Low carb, Keto-Friendly, Gluten-Free, and Vegetarian.

6 Reasons to Love this Recipe

I love this classic pesto recipe for so many reasons, and I'm sure you will love it as well because it is:

1. Bursting with classic Italian flavors.
2. Minimal ingredients and maximum deliciousness.
3. No cooking is required.
4. Easy to customize to a variety of taste preferences.
5. Long shelf life in the fridge.
6. Perfect for appetizers, grilled meats, salads, and more!

Is Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Recipe Low Carb?

Yes, sun-dried tomato pesto is generally low in carbs, especially without added sugars or high-carb ingredients. However, the exact carb content can vary based on the specific recipe and ingredients.

This tomato pesto recipe has 1 to 2g net carb per tablespoon. It is also a very decadent topping, so there is no need to use much to get a huge flavor infusion. You can easily use it on a low carb or keto diet. As far as pesto is concerned, I have a detailed article on its carb content and nutrition information here at"Is Pesto Low Carb".

Cooking Tools

To make this easy sun dried tomato recipe, you will need the following cooking tools:

• Measuring cups and spoons
• A blender or food processor
• Silicone spatula

💡 My Pro Tip

Toasting the pine nuts adds an incredible depth of flavor. Add the pine nuts to a small pan over medium heat to toast them. Allow them to warm for a couple of minutes, then gently shake the pan to prevent burning. The pine nuts will smell almost like popcorn as they release their oil. When you smell this, turn off the heat and keep toasting for another 30 seconds, consistently moving the pan. Remove the pine nuts, and enjoy!

⏲️ Time-Saving Tips

• I like using a smaller food processor. I've found that my large food processor sometimes just creates a mess with this recipe. I like using the Nutribullet type (it's not an endorsem*nt, just what I use!). Cleanup is a breeze, and the results are much better.
• Bulk roasted garlic. Keeping roasted garlic in the fridge is a great way to always have it on hand. I use it for so many recipes that it is a staple in my kitchen.
• Prep everything in advance. Grate the Parmesan cheese, chop the rosemary, and do the prep work a few hours ahead. When you're ready, this recipe comes together like a breeze.

What to Serve with this Sun Dried Tomato Pesto?

You can enjoy this delicious recipe with multiple other dishes. Some of my favorite food pairings are given below:

• Grilled Pork Chops: Discover the joy of perfectly grilled pork chops, with a charred exterior and juicy interior, an ideal canvas for sun-dried tomato pesto's bold flavors.
• Roasted Chicken: Savor the juicy chicken, its crispy skin and moist meat providing the perfect base for a rich spread of sun dried tomato pesto.
• Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): Zucchini noodles, or "zoodles," provide a fresh, light alternative to pasta. They pair wonderfully with sun-dried tomato pesto for a satisfying and full-flavored meal.
• BBQ Lamb Chops: These delightful lamb chops love to be dipped into this flavorful pesto to give them a delicious Mediterranean flair.
• Salad Dressing: Use this delicious pesto as a salad dressing for your favorite salad recipes. I often experiment with a lot of my salad recipes, and the flavor fiesta this pesto creates is mind-blowing!
• Spread: Being on a low carb diet, I avoid bread and buns, but my kids love this recipe and use it as a flavorful sandwich spread for a quick snack! I also use it as a spread on buns when I make burgers for my kids.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness of this flavorful pesto sauce, as well as ensuring it stays safe to eat. Follow these instructions to keep it in the fridge for up to a week.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Transfer the pesto to an airtight container. Before sealing, pour a thin layer of olive oil over the surface of the pesto. This will prevent oxidization and keep the vibrant crimson-red color. Be sure to use clean utensils when removing any pesto from the container to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezing: This classic sun-dried tomato pesto freezes really well. You can freeze it in ice cube trays for individual use or store it in small paper cups wrapped in plastic wrap. The cups last for about three months in the freezer. They can be thawed in the refrigerator overnight before using again.

Conclusion

Making this Sun Dried Tomato Pesto recipe in your kitchen is rewarding. It offers a sophisticated array of flavors with simple ingredients. This recipe is the ticket if you're looking for a way to jazz up your weekday meals.

I also love that it lasts for a while in the fridge. My family doesn't like to have the same meals multiple days in a row, so this gives me the flexibility to get creative later in the week. It's the perfect combination of flexibility and versatility, all in one simple recipe.

Please write in the comments any questions or suggestions you may have. Also, do you have a a favorite pesto recipe? Let me know in the comments and I will check it out!