Different from traditional pesto, this bright red condiment known as ‘pesto rosso‘ is chunkier, with more flavor and less drip. It can easily be served as a dip with crackers, as a sauce for pasta, or even as the base of a pesto-inspired bruschetta! It’s vibrant, hearty, and absolutely LOADED with bright and strong flavor! And it only takes 5 minutes to make. Can you say EASY?
What Is Pesto Rosso?
Pesto Rosso translates to ‘red pesto’. It is a Scicilian variation of a traditional pesto without basil or pine nuts.
As with most recipes, the ingredients and cooking technique will vary according to country and region. Even different families will have different variations of this recipe! But typically with pesto rosso, you will find sun-dried tomatoes and almonds blended together with oil and vinegar.
In this sun-dried tomato pesto recipe, we use a jar of sun-dried tomatoes, vinegar, oil, salt, toasted almonds, a little sugar and garlic cloves. You probably have all of the ingredients on hand, and it truly only takes 5 minutes, if that!
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How To Make Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Recipe:
This is such an easy pesto recipe you guys. There is NOTHING better than a delicious recipe that consists of tossing all of the ingredients in a blender and processing!
MAKE SURE YOU SCROLL DOWN TO THE RECIPE CARD FOR FULL LIST OF INGREDIENTS AND INSTRUCTIONS
Toast the nuts. This is actually very important to develop the earthy, smooth flavor of the nuts.
Place all of the ingredients, including the infused oil that the sun-dried tomatoes are in and the balsamic vinegar, into the food processor or blender, and process until it is the consistency you desire.
THAT’S IT! I know, it took you all of 5 minutes to make this delicious homemade pesto recipe!
Other Ingredients You Can Add
Sun-dried tomato pesto recipes vary, and there are a few other ingredients that you may decide to add to this recipe!
When To Serve Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto:
What To Serve With Pesto?
I always like to toss it with some fresh cooked pasta, because I’m a big carb lover. But there are a ton of other easy dinner options for this pesto that should not be overlooked!
Slow Cooked Tuscan Chicken
This slow cooked Tuscan Chicken recipe uses sun-dried tomatoes to create a delicious and easy Italian dinner recipe!
Is Pesto Mediterranean Diet Friendly?
It’s more than friendly, it’s encouraged!
Pesto is a fantastic way to incorporate raw extra-virgin olive oil AND nuts in one meal! Both of which have been studied for their ability to prevent a variety of diseases.
So in a nut shell (pun intended), this recipe is very much Mediterranean diet friendly. If you want to make it even healthier, omit the salt entirely, or use a pinch of salt. If you want to learn more about the Mediterranean diet, I have a great article here, titled ‘What Is The Mediterranean Diet? Foods List, Evidence Based Research“
What Is The Mediterranean Diet? Foods List, Evidence Based Research
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Frequently Asked Questions:
| Can I use a different nut other than almonds? | Definitely! Walnuts and pine nuts are a popular pesto nut as well. I chose almonds because I always have a big tub of them in my pantry, and they are very affordable. Whatever nut you choose, make sure you toast it accordingly. |
| Should I discard the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes? | NO! When purchasing your sun-dried tomatoes, make sure that they are in oil, as this oil is bursting with delicious flavor. When adding the ingredients to your blender or food processor, make sure to empty the jar of oil in as well. This helps to reduce waste, and the infused oil will drastically elevate the flavor of this pesto. |
| What Do I Do If I Have Dry-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes | If you have dry sun-dried tomatoes, reconstitute them in water! Check out this article from Cooks Illustrated – The Best Way To Rehydrate Sun-Dried Tomatoes. And if you do so, just make sure to add an equal amount of extra virgin olive oil to the pesto! |
| How long is homemade pesto good for? | This homemade sun-dried tomato pesto recipe can be stored in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. The oils may solidify in the cold temperatures, so bring it to room temperature before serving! |
Can You Freeze Homemade Pesto?
You can absolutely freeze leftover pesto, and here’s how!
More Tomato Recipes That You Will Love
If you like this recipe, you will love these other delicious tomato dinner recipes!
Did you make this recipe? It would mean so much to me if you would rate it below the recipe card and tag me in your creation on Instagram so I can admire your work! @RecipeHippie
5 Minute Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Recipe
Equipment
- Food Processor
- OR Blender
Ingredients
- `1 10oz jar of sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil (using entire jar, including oil)
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (can use red wine vinegar if needed, but will change the flavor)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Heat a sauce pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, toss in the almonds and toast until roasted, about 3-4 minutes. This step is important for developing their earthy flavor.
- Toss all of the ingredients in a food processor and blend until a chunky pesto forms. Note that you are using the entire jar of sun-dried tomatoes, including the oil. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can keep this pesto in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Nutrition
Did you like my ‘Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto’ recipe?! If so, go check out my ‘Shiitake Mushroom Pasta With Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce And Honey Yogurt recipe!
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