Pesto Rosso (Sun-dried Tomato Pesto)

Bursting with sun-dried tomatoes and Mediterranean flavors, Pesto Rosso is a bold, savory sauce that elevates pasta, spreads, and appetizers.

Course Sauce

Cuisine Italian

Keyword pesto, tomato

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings servings

Calories 594kcal

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes - oil-packed, drained (reserve a little oil if desired)
½ cup Parmesan cheese - grated
⅓ cup pine nuts - toasted, or walnuts
2 cloves garlic
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
½ cup basil leaves - fresh
½ cup olive oil ⅓ to ½ cup
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Pulse the sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, basil, tomato paste, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes in a food processor until the mixture is roughly chopped and begins to come together.
Drizzle the olive oil into the mixture while blending until smooth and spreadable. You may have to stop to scrape down the sides as needed. Feel free to add additional oil until you reach your desired consistency.
Taste and season with salt and black pepper.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Adjust texture with a little more olive oil if you prefer a looser pesto.