Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto (Pesto Rosso in 5 Minutes)

Pesto rosso (Italian red pesto) is one of those sauces that tastes fancy, but it takes almost no time to make. Instead of basil as the primary ingredient, we use sun-dried tomatoes. It gives this pesto a savory and rich sweetness that makes a simple bowl of pasta taste like something you ordered at your favorite Italian restaurant.

Pesto rosso is also known as red pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto. It is a simple Italian pesto made with sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, nuts, and parmesan cheese (or vegan parmesan cheese). The sun-dried tomatoes give it a deeper, more concentrated flavor than classic basil pesto.

Your Pesto Rosso (Red Pesto) Questions Answered

What is Pesto Rosso?

Pesto rosso is a simple Italian sauce made using just six ingredients (sun-dried tomatoes, basil, olive oil, garlic, pine nuts, and cheese). Its roots are in southern Italy, and it is often called red pesto because of its deep red color.

What is the Difference Between Pesto Rosso and Pesto?

Sun-dried tomatoes are the predominant flavor in sun-dried tomato pesto (pesto rosso), whereas basil is the predominant flavor in traditional pesto (pesto alla genovese). This pesto is perfect for those who want a rich and savory sauce.

Why Make Pesto Rosso Instead of Buying It at Trader Joe’s?

Trader Joe’s pesto rosso is a convenient pantry staple; it is also made commercially and is highly processed. Making this homemade red pesto instead gives you a fresher and richer pesto.

What Type of Sun-Dried Tomatoes to Use?

Sun-dried tomatoes are sold in different forms. All forms are usable; you must determine which type is best for you.

Dehydrated sun-dried tomatoes

Dehydrated sun-dried tomatoes have been dried in the sun or a dehydrator until completely dry. They have a long shelf life but require additional cooking time to rehydrate. These are my least favorite. I find they have less intense flavor.

Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes

Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are thoroughly dried and then packed in oil, giving them a softer texture and a richer, more intense flavor. They are also ready to use, so there is no need to rehydrate them. This is my favorite type of sun-dried tomato to use in this recipe.

Sun-dried tomatoes with herbs

Sun-dried tomatoes with herbs – These are tomatoes that are packed in oil with Mediterranean-style herbs. I usually avoid these. They add flavors that I do not always want. But if the store is out of traditional sun-dried tomatoes in oil, this is my second choice.

Ingredients for Vegan Pesto Rosso

Key Ingredient Notes

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes are the main flavor in red pesto. For the best flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, but without herbs. I find these in the produce section of my grocery store. Some stores also stock them next to pasta sauces.

Nuts

Nuts are a must in this recipe, but the variety you use can vary. I tend to use pine nuts. I find the flavor pairs perfectly with the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. Other popular choices are walnuts or almonds.

Parmesan or Vegan Parmesan Cheese

I make sun-dried tomato pesto using shredded vegan parmesan cheese. But, if you prefer a vegetarian version, use parmesan cheese.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The olive oil adds a rich flavor that balances the sweetness. I recommend using your best olive oil.

See the recipe card for complete information on ingredients and quantities.

Instructions

Step One – Prep

Open the jar and drain the sun-dried tomatoes. (Save some of the oil for extra flavor!)

Step Two – Combine

Add the sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic, nuts, and cheese (or vegan cheese) to the processor.

Step Three – Pulse

Once all the ingredients are in the food processor, pulse 3-5 times. The pesto will be chunky at this stage.

Step Four – Emulsify

Slowly stream in the olive oil while pulsing. This emulsifies the ingredients to create a creamy pesto. If you want a smoother pesto, you can add more olive oil at this stage. Once you’re done, create a dried tomato pasta, bruschetta, pizza, and so much more!

How to Use Pesto Rosso

You can use pesto rosso the same way you use basil pesto, in just about everything! Here are a few common uses.

• Toss it into pasta for a quick and easy dinner.
• Spread on homemade pizza in place of a tomato sauce.
• Spread onto Mediterranean wraps and sandwiches.
• Drizzled on top of roasted vegetables.
• Mixed into a Mediterranean-inspired orzo or grain bowl

Frequently Asked Questions