Pesto rosso in a bowl with a wooden spoon.

What we love about pesto rosso

  • Typically pesto sauce uses fresh basil which can get pretty expensive, but the best part of this recipe is that it uses dried spices – cheaper and more convenient.
  • Since dried spices – especially the rosemary tends to be a bit hard – We soaked the spices some olive oil to soften them up and bring out their flavors. Then we combined them with sun dried tomatoes and other traditional pesto ingredients in a food processor.
  • The recipe makes enough pesto to toss 1 pound of cooked pasta and coat 4 chicken breasts – about 1 1/2 cups, but of course you can do whatever you want with it.
A bowl of penne pasta with pesto rosso sauce.

Here’s what you’ll need to make it

Kitchen tools

Ingredients you might need to pick up

  • Sun dried tomatoes
  • Walnuts

Making changes to a recipe can result in recipe failure. Any substitutions listed below are simple changes that I believe will work in this recipe, but results are not guaranteed.

A food processor of sun dried tomatoes, herbs, walnuts, olive oil and garlic.

How to make sun dried tomato pesto

Combine all the ingredients in a food processor. Blend all the ingredients until they are smooth. Toss with pasta or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Close up of a food processor with sun dried tomato pesto blended together.

Everything you need to know about this recipe

How long does Sun Dried Tomato Pesto last?

Sun dried tomato pesto will last up to a week in the fridge if you keep it properly stored in an airtight container. Just note that when it gets cold it will solidify so you’ll want to warm it back up into a liquid before using or serving.

What is the difference between red and green pesto?

Green pesto is made using basil and red pesto uses tomatoes, peppers, or pimento. They’re both pretty similar but the differences are what make them unique and delicious on different foods.

How do you eat red pesto?

You can use it as a sauce for meats or pasta, and you can also use it as a garnish on the plate. Adding a splash of red color to your dinner dish will certainly add a level of high-class and fun!

A pot of penne pasta with sun dried tomato pesto sauce on it.

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Pesto Rosso

This simple, pesto rosso is so delicious and packed with unique, savory flavors. This sun dried tomato pesto recipe is made with pantry staples like dried herbs, so it’s perfect for when you’re in a pinch, but it’s special enough to impress guests. Serve this red pesto sauce with pasta or gnocchi for a traditional Italian dinner, or pair it with chicken or shrimp for something a little different.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes
  • 1 large clove garlic (peeled)
  • 1/4 cup walnuts pieces
  • 2 tablespoons vegan parmesan
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  • In a food processor, combine the remaining ingredients with the ingredients and process until smooth.

Notes

* This recipe is for sauce only, it does not include pasta in the nutrition facts. Toss with your favorite pasta with a tablespoon or two of pasta water.

Nutrition

Calories: 1999kcal Carbohydrates: 101g Protein: 32g Fat: 177g Saturated Fat: 25g Polyunsaturated Fat: 32g Monounsaturated Fat: 114g Cholesterol: 7mg Sodium: 1506mg Potassium: 5886mg Fiber: 24g Sugar: 63g Vitamin A: 1580IU Vitamin C: 72mg Calcium: 391mg Iron: 19mg

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