Sun Dried Tomato Pesto
Bursting with bold Mediterranean flavors, this Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto is a vibrant twist on the classic recipe, combining the rich, tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes with the fresh, herbaceous aroma of basil. Enhanced by the nutty crunch of toasted pine nuts, a savory kick of Parmesan cheese, and a zesty splash of fresh lemon juice, this no-cook, 10-minute pesto is the ultimate time-saver for busy weeknights. Perfectly balanced with a robust drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a touch of garlic, it's a versatile condiment that pairs beautifully with pasta, grilled proteins, crusty bread, or even as a pizza base. This small-batch recipe is easy to make and stores well, delivering an irresistible punch of flavor for up to a week. Whether you're crafting a simple dinner or an elegant appetizer, this sun-dried tomato pesto promises to elevate your culinary creations.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Sun-dried tomatoes (preserved in oil)
- 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 0.25 cup Pine nuts
- 2 whole Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Drain the sun-dried tomatoes if they are heavily soaked in oil, reserving about 1 tablespoon of the oil for blending.
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
In a food processor, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and garlic cloves.
Pulse the mixture a few times to break down the ingredients into a coarse paste.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth but slightly textured.
Add the salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Pulse a few more times to combine and adjust seasoning to taste.
Transfer the pesto to a jar or airtight container. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
374 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.2 g | 44% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.6 g | 38% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 12 mg | 4% | |
| Sodium | 622 mg | 27% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 8.5 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.8 g | ||
| Protein | 11.3 g | 23% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 262 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 306 mg | 7% | |
*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.
