Simple Pesto Spread with Sun Dried Tomatoes
Elevate your appetizers and snacks with this irresistible Simple Pesto Spread with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, a quick yet gourmet recipe that's bursting with vibrant Mediterranean flavors. Made with fresh basil, nutty Parmesan, and your choice of pine nuts or walnuts, this creamy pesto is enriched by the sweet-tangy punch of chopped, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes. With just 10 minutes of prep, this versatile spread is perfect for slathering on crusty bread, crackers, or as a flavorful topping for sandwiches, pasta, or roasted vegetables. A drizzle of optional lemon juice adds a zesty brightness, making it an ideal choice for entertaining or an everyday treat. Store any leftovers in the fridge, and enjoy a taste of summer all week long.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 cups Pine nuts or walnuts
- 2 Garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 cups Extra virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
- 0.5 cups Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped
- 1 teaspoons Lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts (or walnuts), and minced garlic cloves.
Pulse a few times until the ingredients are finely chopped.
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture forms a smooth and creamy consistency. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Season the pesto with salt and black pepper to taste. Add the optional lemon juice for extra brightness, if desired.
Transfer the pesto mixture to a bowl, and gently fold in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes until evenly distributed.
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or olive oil if needed.
Serve immediately as a spread for bread, crackers, or sandwiches, or use as a topping for pasta or roasted vegetables.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent discoloration.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1643 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 160.8 g | 206% | |
| Saturated Fat | 27.5 g | 138% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 2918 mg | 127% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33.3 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.2 g | 40% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.2 g | ||
| Protein | 30.2 g | 60% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 574 mg | 44% | |
| Iron | 8.7 mg | 48% | |
| Potassium | 2158 mg | 46% | |
*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.
