sun dried tomato pesto recipe with Smoked Paprika & Toasted Almonds

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My family loves quick, flavorful meals, and this is one of our go-to’s. The rich aroma of toasted almonds and sweet tomatoes, combined with the vibrant color, makes this homemade sun dried tomato pesto recipe truly irresistible. This vibrant, homemade sun dried tomato pesto recipe makes meal prep and quick meals a breeze. Perfect for busy families, meal preppers, and anyone seeking delicious, wholesome food fast for healthy eating. It’s packed with flavor, nutrients, and helps you save time and money. Discover how to whip up this versatile sauce and easily integrate it into your healthy lifestyle.

Ingredient Breakdown & Smart Substitutes

Sun Dried Tomatoes (200 g / 7 oz): Packed in oil, drained well (reserve 2 tablespoons of the oil). These provide an intense, concentrated sweet-savory tomato flavor to our sun dried tomato pesto recipe.
Fresh Basil Leaves (60 g / 2.1 oz): Picked and washed. Essential for bright, herbaceous notes that balance the richness.
Garlic Cloves (2 large): Peeled and roughly chopped. Adds a pungent, aromatic kick to the pesto.
Hard Cheese, Parmesan-style (50 g / 1.8 oz): Finely grated. Contributes savory depth and umami. (Swap: For a vegan sun dried tomato pesto, use 2-3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast instead.)
Blanched Almonds, Toasted (80 g / 2.8 oz total; 50g for pesto, 30g whole for garnish): Provides creamy texture and a nutty depth. (Swap: For a nut-free version, use toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds.) When I’m making this for a quick weeknight dinner, I sometimes buy pre-toasted almonds to shave off a few minutes, which works perfectly.
Sweet Smoked Paprika (5 g / 1 teaspoon): Adds a unique, warm, smoky undertone that truly elevates this particular sun dried tomato pesto.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (120 ml / ½ cup): Plus the reserved 2 tablespoons of sun dried tomato oil. Binds ingredients, adds richness, and ensures a smooth consistency. Opt for cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil for superior taste.
Fresh Lemon Juice (15 ml / 1 tablespoon): Brightens flavors and adds a zesty finish, cutting through the richness.
Fine Sea Salt (2.5 ml / ½ teaspoon) & Freshly Ground Black Pepper (1.25 ml / ¼ teaspoon): To taste. Essential for perfectly balancing all the flavors.
Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley (15 g / ½ oz): Finely chopped, for garnish and a touch of freshness.

For the freshest taste, choose vibrant, green basil leaves. Organic sun-dried tomatoes and high-quality hard cheese can also significantly enhance the overall flavor profile of this easy dinner idea.

Cooking Process in Simple Steps

Toast Almonds: Preheat a dry 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the blanched almonds and toast, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and smell fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let them cool completely. Roughly chop 50g of the toasted almonds, reserving the remaining 30g whole for garnish.
Combine Base Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the well-drained sun dried tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped garlic, grated hard cheese, 50g of the roughly chopped toasted almonds, and sweet smoked paprika. You’ll see a vibrant mix of deep reds and greens.
Pulse to a Coarse Paste: Pulse the mixture 4-5 times until it forms a coarse paste. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are incorporated evenly.
Blend Smooth with Oil: With the food processor running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil and the reserved 2 tablespoons of sun dried tomato oil. Continue to process until the sun dried tomato pesto reaches a creamy but still slightly textured consistency. Do not over-process; some small pieces are desirable. If it looks too dry or chunky, add another tablespoon of olive oil and process briefly until it smooths out.
Season to Perfection: Add the fresh lemon juice, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Pulse briefly to combine the seasonings. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as necessary; you’re looking for a bright, balanced flavor.
Present with Flair: Transfer the finished sun dried tomato pesto to a serving bowl. For visual impact, use the back of a spoon to create a gentle swirl pattern on the surface. Artfully scatter the reserved whole toasted almonds (30g) over one side of the pesto and sprinkle the finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley evenly over the remaining surface, ensuring a vibrant green contrast against the deep reddish-orange of the pesto.

For a quick-prep shortcut when making this healthy recipe, consider using pre-minced garlic (about ½ teaspoon) to save a few minutes of prep time.

Once you’ve mastered this vibrant sun dried tomato pesto, you’ll find countless ways to use it. This versatile sauce elevates many meals with ease.

When & How to Serve Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Recipe

This pesto is perfect for speedy weeknight dinners or quick lunchboxes. It offers convenient, flavorful cooking.

Uses: Toss with pasta, spread on sandwiches, or add to grilled chicken.
Storage: Refrigerate with olive oil for up to 10 days.

Wellness & Diet Benefits

This healthy sun dried tomato pesto recipe supports a balanced, satisfying diet. It aligns with various healthy lifestyle goals.

Nutrition: Provides healthy fats and protein for sustained energy.
Diet-Friendly: Fits low-carb and keto meal plans.

Budget & Time Advantages

Making your own sun dried tomato pesto recipe is cost-effective and time-saving. It’s an efficient choice for healthy eating.

Savings: Cheaper than store-bought, often less than $1 per serving.
Efficiency: Only 10 minutes of prep time, no cooking.

Ingredient Shopping & Online Delivery

Sourcing ingredients for your sun dried tomato pesto recipe is simple. Quality ingredients enhance flavor significantly.

Where to Buy: Find items at supermarkets; specialty stores for premium olive oil.
Convenience: Grocery delivery services offer easy access. I often compare prices online for pine nuts.

Pro Tips & Adjustments

Elevate your sun dried tomato pesto recipe with simple tweaks, customizing it for everyone.

Flavor: Toast pine nuts for depth; a squeeze of lemon brightens it.
Allergies: Use pumpkin seeds for nut-free; nutritional yeast for dairy-free.

FAQs

Can this sun dried tomato pesto recipe be frozen after cooking?

Yes, freeze in ice cube trays, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

What’s the healthiest alternative to pine nuts in sun dried tomato pesto?

Walnuts, almonds, or toasted sunflower seeds are nutritious and flavorful alternatives.

Is this sun dried tomato pesto recipe good for meal prep and weight loss?

Absolutely, it’s low-carb, packed with healthy fats, and perfect for adding flavor to meal prep.

How long does homemade pesto last in the fridge?

It lasts up to 10 days in an airtight container, topped with olive oil.

Can I make this sun dried tomato pesto recipe without cheese for a dairy-free option?

Yes, omit Parmesan and add 1-2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

What are the best ways to use sun dried tomato pesto for quick dinners?

Toss with pasta, spread on chicken, mix into eggs, or use as a flatbread pizza base.

Where can I buy good quality sun-dried tomatoes online?

Check gourmet food retailers, major online grocery stores, or organic specialty shops.

Conclusion

This incredibly easy, flavorful, and healthy sun dried tomato pesto recipe is a kitchen essential that brings big taste and convenience. Save this fantastic recipe to your favorite Pinterest board for quick, healthy meal ideas.