Sun Dried Tomato Basil Pesto Recipe

This Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Pesto combines the rich, tangy flavors of sun-dried tomatoes with fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan for a savory twist on a classic pesto. It’s perfect as a spread for sandwiches or flatbreads, a sauce for pasta or pizza, or a topping for grilled meats and vegetables.

Why This Recipe Works

Versatile: Sun-dried tomato basil pesto, also known as pesto rosso, is a versatile sauce that can be used in to many different ways! Make it at the beginning of the week to add flavor to a plethora of meals including sandwiches or grilled meats!

Simple to Make: This recipe couldn’t be easier to make! Simple pop all of the ingredients into a food processor and blend. If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a blender instead. Just be sure not to over blend, or it will have a different texture.

Packed with Flavor: If you love bold, savory flavors, this sun-dried tomato basil pesto is about to become your new kitchen favorite. It’s a unique spin on classic pesto, blending the rich, tangy taste of sun-dried tomatoes with the freshness of basil and parsley. The toasted pine nuts and Parmesan cheese add a nutty, cheesy depth that pairs perfectly with just about anything!

Supplies Needed

Food Processor
Jar for Storing

Ingredients

Sun Dried Tomatoes: You can use store-bought jarred sun-dried tomatoes, or try using my smoked sun-dried tomatoes recipe instead!
Pine Nuts: Pine nuts add the perfect amount of nutty flavor, and thicken up the sun dried tomato basil pesto. If you can’t find pine nuts, replace them with walnuts. If you have a nut allergy, I recommend using sunflower seeds or omit the pine nuts entirely.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan cheese adds the most flavor. This adds a salty, savory flavor!
Basil & Parsley: Fresh herbs are key here, with basil being the star and parsley adding a mild, earthy flavor.
Garlic: Feel free to adjust the amount depending on how garlicky you like your pesto!
Olive Oil: Use a high quality extra virgin olive oil here. This brings the sauce together and rounds out all the flavors!
Salt & Pepper: Add salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Sun Dried Tomato Basil Pesto

Prep The Sun Dried Tomatoes: If they are packed in oil, remove them and set them aside. If using dried tomatoes, soak them for 10 min in hot water then drain and set aside.
Assemble The Pesto: In a food processor, combine all of the ingredients and pulse until a smooth paste is formed. Taste test and add any salt and pepper if desired.
Store & Serve: Place into a bowl or jar to use as desired or store for up to 1 week in the fridge.

Blending Sun Dried Tomato Basil Pesto in a food processor

Serving Suggestions

There are so many ways to use this sun dried tomato basil pesto recipe! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

Pasta: Use this pesto as a pasta sauce by tossing it with your favorite noodles for a unique twist on pesto pasta! I recommend reserving some pasta water from the noodles, and combining the noodles, pesto and pasta water in a skillet until the desired consistency is obtained.
On sandwiches: You can spread some of this tomato pesto on sandwiches in place of mayo. It is delicious on a grilled cheese sandwich, too!
As a dip: Serve as a dip with your favorite veggies, some crusty bread, and crispy air fryer pita chips!
On flatbreads & pizzas: Ditch the pizza sauce and use this easy pesto recipe instead! You can use it on you favorite flatbread and pizza recipes like my lavash pizza recipe or my gnocchi skillet pizza recipe.
Over grilled meats: Spread this sauce on top of simple grilled meats like grilled chicken, smoked pork loin, or angus beef steaks!

How to Store Sun Dried Tomato Basil Pesto

To keep your sun-dried tomato basil pesto fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. If you want to keep it for longer, freeze it in ice cube trays for up to 3 months—just pop out a cube whenever you need a quick flavor boost!

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