Sun Dried Tomato Pesto {Red Pesto}

Name: Sun Dried Tomato Pesto {Red Pesto}
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 8 oz sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, undrained); 1 roasted red pepper ( (from a jar of whole roasted red peppers)); 3 garlic cloves; ½ cup fresh basil leaves (well packed); ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves (well packed); ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; olive oil (as needed); salt and pepper (to taste)

This simple and versatile recipe for Sun Dried Tomato Pesto makes a rich yet intense pesto that’s sure to become a new family favorite! The variations are endless!

Pin This Recipe For Later!

What Is Red Pesto (Pesto Rosso)?

Pesto Rosso (which simply means Red Pesto in Italian) is a Sicilian Pesto that has a base of sun-dried tomatoes flavored with fresh herbs and parmesan cheese. It has a deep red color and sweet, tangy flavor.

What Is Red Pesto Made Of?

Typically, it’s made with a base of sundried tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, nuts, and parmasean cheese, but there are many variations out there to choose from.

This recipe is made without nuts and has the addition of parsley and red roasted peppers.

a photo of sun-dried tomatoes, basil, roasted red peppers, parsley, and a block of Parmesan cheese

How To Serve Sun-dried Tomatoe Pesto

There are so many uses for red pesto. It can be used as a simple pasta sauce like with my Pasta with Pesto Sauce. Spread on a sandwich, or to add extra flavor to tomato soup.

The variations are endless, but one thing is for sure – this quick and easy pesto is really delicious and sure to be a hit with your family!

Choosing Sun dried Tomatoes

Choose jarred sundried tomatoes packed in oil, free from added herbs and spices.

If jarred are unavailable, you can use dry-packed by soaking them for 20 minutes in hot water. You’ll have to add your own olive oil (about a half cup should do).

What Cheese For Pesto

fresh grated Parmesan Cheese on a cutting board with a block of cheese next to it

Choose a hard, flavorful cheese such as Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, and Grana Padan.

How To Make Red Pesto From Scratch

Blend sun-dried tomatoes along with their oil, red roasted peppers, garlic, basil, Parmesan cheese, and parsley in a food processor until smooth.

a food processor bowl with the blended red pesto sauce.

Erren’s Top Tips

Wash the herbs well. You don’t want any grit in your pesto. Dry well before using.
For a lighter flavor, cut the amount of basil and add extra parsley instead.
When choosing sundried tomatoes and red roasted peppers, choose varieties without herbs or spices added to them, so you don’t affect the flavors in the recipe.
Some Parmesan cheese is quite salty, so taste before adding seasoning.
For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper or jalapenos before blending.
For a more traditional pesto, add pine nuts or walnuts before blending (½ cup will do).

What does pesto mean in Italian?

Pesto in Italian is the word that refers to a raw sauce that it traditionally made using fresh herbs, garlic, pine nuts, hard Italian blended with olive oil.

Can You Freeze Red Pesto?

Yes, just add to an airtight container and freeze for up to three months.

How To store Pesto

Add to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.

Let’s Make