Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

For a unique take on pesto, try this Sun Dried Tomato Pesto. It features sun-dried tomatoes and spinach along with your typical pesto sauce ingredients. Read on to learn how to make this and the variety of ways you can use tomato pesto.

Making this Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

Today I am so excited to partner with Blendtec to be able to giveaway the same blender that I purchased several months ago to one GoodLife Eats reader, plus you will also get their handy Twister Jar. [giveaway has now closed]

I have raved about my Blendtec Blender before. I love how powerful it is and how it doesn’t leave chunks in my smoothies. Plus, it looks attractive on the counter!

I pulled off the remaining leaves from my three basil plants the other day.

It has gotten quite cool here (loving that!), so I didn’t think the plants would be around much longer. We are dipping down to around 40 degrees at night lately.

I had just purchased a big container of sun dried tomatoes as well as a box of organic baby spinach so I decided to whip up a batch of Sun Dried Tomato Spinach Pesto sauce using those ingredients and the last of the basil.

Pesto is such a fun accent to many recipes and meals.

Unfortunately, I am allergic to pine nuts which are a traditional component to pesto sauce recipes.

I have resigned myself to making pesto at home a few times a year since I am unable to enjoy it most of the time when we go out to eat.

What’s in Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

You’ll need a handful of ingredients to make this pasta sauce. Because of the addition of spinach and sun dried tomatoes, you’ll use less basil than classic basil pesto

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Fresh Lemon Juice
• Garlic Cloves
• Baby Spinach Leaves
• Fresh Basil Leaves
• Pine Nuts, Walnuts, or Sunflower Seeds
• Parmesan Cheese
• Sundried Tomatoes
• Salt

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

How to Make Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

1. Measure the oil, lemon juice, garlic, spinach, and basil to the jar of a blender or food processor. Pulse until rough chopped.
2. Add the remaining ingredients in order listed and secure lid. Press “Pulse” 4-6 times until purée texture is reached.
3. Continue to blend or process until desired texture is reached.

The above is simply a quick summary of this red pesto sauce. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

Tips for Making the Best Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

• Don’t try to substitute fresh basil for dried basil when making this sun-dried tomato pesto recipe. It will not work.
• If you’re using a jar of sun-dried tomatoes, you need to make sure you drain the oil first. Otherwise, the oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes will make the pesto too oily.

5 Easy Ways to use Sun Dried Tomato Pesto:

I have to say, I’m a big fan of this recipe for Sun Dried Tomato Spinach Pesto. It is so useful in the kitchen. Just take a look at all the fun ways you can use pesto:

• As a sandwich spread. Pesto is a great way to dress up a sandwich and give it a little something special.
• In place of pizza sauce for an exciting pizza recipe. Pizza sauce doesn’t always have to be a basic tomato sauce. Pesto pizza would be a delicious dinner!
• As a spread or dip for a rustic Italian bread. Consider adding roasted vegetables and a sprinkling of cheese on top of the pesto topped bread for a delicious appetizer.
• Sun dried tomato pesto with an antipasto platter is another great appetizer use for this recipe.
• Add a dollop to a bowl of soup. This is perfect in the winter months when you’d like a little something leftover from summer added for extra flavor.
• Freeze pesto in ice cube trays and drop one frozen cube in the center of a hot bowl of soup. This also helps cool too-hot soup off!
• For an easy dinner, toss pasta with this flavorful pesto. If you have more time, add grilled chicken breasts and/or sauteed vegetables (or your favorite source of protein) to the pesto pasta.

Sun Dried Tomato Pesto FAQs

Got questions about how to make this tomato pesto recipe? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.

Can I make this pesto vegan?

Yes! Make this a vegan sun-dried tomato pesto by using nutritional yeast in place of the parmesan cheese.

Can you freeze pesto?

Yes! Pesto is a great make-ahead recipe, so go ahead and make a double batch next time!

The best way to freeze pesto for use in smaller portions is to use ice cube trays. Once the tomato pesto has frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag or airtight container.

Try this Sun Dried Tomato Pesto!

Next time you’re looking for a unique pesto recipe, give this sun dried tomato pesto recipe a try!

Did you love the rich tomato flavor? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought of this easy sauce.

On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see your photo of this sundried tomato pesto!

More Homemade Pesto Recipes

This Kale Cilantro Pesto is a fun variation from your ordinary pesto sauce. It has so much flavor – fresh kale, cilantro, pepitas, garlic and olive oil, and has a variety of uses!

This simple Greek Yogurt Pesto Dip only requires 2 ingredients – Pesto and Greek Yogurt. It is the perfect condiment to use as healthy dip for your favorite summertime grilled veggies.

If you prefer traditional pesto ingredients, you’ll like this Homemade Walnut Almond Pesto. If you don’t have a pine nut allergy, use them in place of the walnuts and almonds.

Don’t consume dairy? Try this Vegan Basil Pesto. It uses nutritional yeast in place of the parmesan cheese.

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Disclosure:

This post originally contained a giveaway. The giveaway has now closed, though the original comments remain. I was provided with review product, however I previously owned a Blendtec prior to running this giveaway. All fulfillment is provided by Blendtec. All opinions and experiences with the product remain my own opinion.