Pesto Rosso (Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto)
Pesto rosso (sun-dried tomato pesto) is a rich and sweet tomato pesto. It takes only five minutes to make. It is perfect for pasta, pizza, and more.

What you’ll love about Pesto Rosso
- Fast and easy recipe: Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend. That’s it!
- Quick weeknight dinner: Cook pasta, pesto, and vegetables in under 20 minutes. My favorite pasta pesto recipe is Mediterranean Pesto Orzo!
- Easily customizable: This recipe can be modified to vegan and dairy-free using a vegan parmesan.

What Type of Sun-Dried Tomatoes to Use?
Sun-dried tomatoes are sold in different forms. All forms are useable; you must determine which type is best for you.
- 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.
- 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.
- Seasoned sun-dried tomatoes are flavored with herbs, garlic, or other seasonings before being dried. They can have a strong flavor, so I recommend using them sparingly.
If you are in a pinch, try using air fryer roasted tomatoes. The air frying makes for a quick cook while intensifying the overall flavor.
Ingredients

Instructions
This recipe is so quick and straightforward that you must place the ingredients into a food processor and pulse until you reach the desired consistency. If the pesto is too dry, add additional olive oil.
It is that easy!


Pairing Ideas
- Pesto rosso is perfect on homemade pizza. I use it instead of sauce, similar to how white pizza is made.
- Try sun-dried tomato with toasted homemade yeast bread as a topping. I like to add kalamata olives for a deeper salty flavor!
- Mediterranean orzo salad is PERFECT with sundried tomato pesto rosso. It tastes like summer in a bowl!
- I like mixing pesto rosso with vegan pasta puttanesca with kalamata olives and capers to give it an even deeper tomato flavor!
Tip: Freeze Extra Pesto Rosso
Freeze any extra pesto in ice cube trays for one hour, then transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag. When the time is ready, you will have individual servings that can be microwaved in 20 seconds!
Frequently Asked Questions
Refrigerator storage instructions – Yes, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. When chilled, the oils in the sauce will solidify. Bring it to room temperature before serving; it will be delicious and spreadable again.
Freezer storage instructions: Place in a small container or use an ice cube tray to freeze individual portions. Once frozen, place the cubes in a Ziploc bag or other airtight container. Before using it, let it defrost in the fridge for a day.
Pesto Rosso, or red pesto, is a tomato-based pesto. The more well-known pesto, Genovese pesto, is basil-based.


Pesto Rosso (Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, preferably packed in oil
- ½ cup basil leaves
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese or vegan cheese alternative
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- 2 garlic cloves
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Place the sun-dried tomatoes, basil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and garlic into a food processor. Slowly add the olive oil while pulsing until you reach the desired consistency. (Genrerly pulse 3 – 5 times.)
So fresh and delicious every time!!
That was the last of my basil from the garden….
I am so happy you like it!! It is a staple in our home. It’s sooooo good!
I love this so much especially in the winter time! So great on toasted baguette.
Trader Joe’s has a pretty great parmesan cheese alternative that is vegan, I just add at the very end so it doesn’t completely dissolve and fall apart in the food processor.
Thank you! I am so happy you liked it! I use the Follow your Heart Brand I get at Kroger, Next time I am at Trader’s I will pick up their parmesan and give it a try.