Bright, fresh, and naturally gluten-free, this Cherry Tomatoes with Pesto recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Juicy cherry tomatoes are tossed in a vibrant homemade pesto made with fragrant basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, gluten-free Parmesan cheese, and a hint of fresh lemon juice for a zesty kick. With only 15 minutes of prep, this no-cook recipe is ideal as a healthy side dish, an elegant appetizer, or even a light midday snack. Bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors and finished with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, this dish is a mouthwatering celebration of simplicity and wholesome ingredients. Serve it right away or let the flavors meld in the refrigerator—it’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing favorite for summer gatherings and beyond.
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Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Cut each tomato in half and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic clove, and lemon juice. Pulse until the ingredients are roughly chopped.
Slowly drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil into the food processor while blending on low speed. Continue blending until the pesto has a smooth and spreadable consistency. Scrape down the sides of the container as needed.
Season the pesto with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Blend for a few extra seconds to incorporate the seasoning.
Spoon the pesto over the cherry tomatoes in the mixing bowl. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss the tomatoes until they are evenly coated with the pesto.
Transfer the pesto-coated tomatoes to a serving dish and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves or a sprinkling of Parmesan if desired.
Serve immediately at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving. Enjoy this gluten-free delight as a side dish, appetizer, or even a simple snack.
Calories |
252 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 23.3 g | 30% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.3 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 9 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 405 mg | 18% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 7.8 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.8 g | ||
| Protein | 6.4 g | 13% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 156 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 423 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.