Mediterranean Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
Elevate your culinary creations with this vibrant Mediterranean Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto. Bursting with flavor from rich sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs, this versatile sauce is perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip. Enjoy the robust taste of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and high-quality extra virgin olive oil in every bite. Make this pesto ahead of time and store it in the fridge to add a quick burst of flavor to your dishes for up to a month. Share this delightful condiment with friends and family, and watch it become a staple in your kitchen!
N/A
Servings
132
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sun-dried tomatoes
2 cups (drained (packed in oil))
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup (N/A)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (N/A)
Fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup (packed)
Fresh parsley leaves
1/4 cup (packed)
Garlic cloves
2 (crushed under a knife and peeled)
Fresh ground pepper
to taste (N/A)
Instructions
1
Begin by draining the sun-dried tomatoes if they are packed in oil.
2
In a food processor fitted with the metal blade, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil, basil leaves, parsley leaves, and crushed garlic cloves.
3
Pulse the mixture until it forms a coarse paste, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
4
Season with fresh ground pepper to taste, and pulse again to combine.
5
Transfer the pesto to an airtight container. If not using immediately, store it in the refrigerator where it will keep for up to 1 month. Enjoy your pesto with pasta, as a spread, or as a dip!
Nutrition Information
10.9g
Fat
2g
Carbs
5.8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto?
It is a vibrant, flavorful sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh herbs like basil and parsley.
How should I store this pesto?
Transfer the pesto to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.
How long does the sun-dried tomato pesto last?
When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it will keep for up to 1 month.
Can I freeze this pesto?
Yes, you can freeze this pesto in ice cube trays or small containers for up to 3 months for longer storage.
What are the best ways to serve this pesto?
It is highly versatile and perfect for pasta, used as a sandwich spread, or served as a flavorful dip.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed, including sun-dried tomatoes, cheese, herbs, and olive oil, are naturally gluten-free.
Is this pesto suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as long as the Parmesan cheese used is made with microbial rennet.
What kind of sun-dried tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, which provide a rich texture and deep flavor.
Do I need to drain the tomatoes before blending?
Yes, you should drain the sun-dried tomatoes if they are packed in oil before adding them to the food processor.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil and parsley?
Fresh herbs are recommended for the best flavor and color, but dried herbs can be used in smaller quantities if necessary.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 132 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this pesto?
Each serving contains approximately 5.8g of protein.
Is this a low-carb recipe?
Yes, with only 2g of carbohydrates per serving, this pesto is suitable for low-carb diets.
Can I make this pesto vegan?
To make it vegan, simply substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free nutritional yeast blend or a vegan Parmesan alternative.
What if I do not have a food processor?
You can use a high-powered blender or finely chop all ingredients by hand and mix them for a more rustic texture.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 garlic cloves, crushed and peeled.
Can I add nuts to this sun-dried tomato pesto?
While not in the original recipe, adding pine nuts or walnuts can provide a traditional pesto texture and nutty flavor.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
High-quality extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor and nutritional profile.
Can I use this as a pizza sauce?
Yes, it makes an excellent and robust base for Mediterranean-style pizzas.
How do I prevent the pesto from browning?
Pouring a thin layer of olive oil over the top of the pesto in its storage container helps prevent oxidation and browning.
Is this pesto spicy?
No, it is savory and aromatic. You can add red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy kick.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients are sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, basil, parsley, and garlic.
Can I substitute the Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or any other hard, aged salty cheese can be used as a substitute for Parmesan.
Is there any added sugar in this pesto?
No, this recipe does not contain any added sugars.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 10.9g of fat.
Can I use cilantro instead of parsley?
You can, but it will significantly change the flavor profile from a Mediterranean taste to something more herbal and citrusy.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, because it is high in healthy fats and very low in carbohydrates, it is perfect for a ketogenic diet.
Do I need to cook this sauce?
No, this is a raw sauce. You simply pulse the ingredients together and it is ready to eat.
Is it a good spread for sandwiches?
Yes, its thick and coarse consistency makes it an ideal flavorful spread for paninis and wraps.
What is the texture of the pesto?
The instructions recommend pulsing until it forms a coarse paste, giving it a rich and slightly chunky texture.