Vegan Sun Dried Tomato Pesto recipe - Vegan in the Freezer (2024)

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Published: . Last Updated: by: Ginny McMeans

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Few meals embody the flavors of summer quite like a delicious pesto dish. Whether served as an appetizer, mixed into a pasta salad, spread on sandwiches, or tossed with steaming hot fettuccine noodles, this dairy-free sun-dried tomato pesto sauce is the perfect way to bring some Italian flair to your kitchen table! It has simple ingredients and is quick to whip up with no cooking required! So grab your food processor or blender, and let's get started making some magical vegan sun-dried tomato pesto!

Table of Contents

Why You'll Love This Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Recipe

Packed With Flavor- Just a few simple ingredients are transformed into something truly special. Fresh spinach, garlic, pine nuts, and sun-dried tomatoes provide the perfect balance of deliciousness.

Aromatic- The smell of this tomato pesto is sure to make your kitchen smell like an Italian paradise!

Easy- You don't need a lot of skill or prep time to make this tasty pesto! Just combine all the ingredients in a food processor or blender, and it's ready to go.

Versatile- Serve it as an appetizer dip, toss it into your favorite pasta dish, or simply spread some onto warm toasted bread. You'll absolutely love the endless possible uses for this pesto!

What Is traditional Sun Dried Tomato Pesto?

Traditional sun-dried tomato pesto, or red pesto, is a classic Italian sauce made by blending spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and parmesan cheese. This vegan version replaces the parmesan with nutritional yeast for a super delicious and vegan-friendly alternative.

Equipment Needed

  • Food Processor or Blender
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients

  • Baby Spinach- The base of the pesto. It adds a fresh and earthy flavor.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes- Adding sweetness and bold zest to pesto sauce.
  • Pine Nuts- For a bit of toasty nuttiness.
  • Garlic- For a bit of sharpness and aromatic warmth.
  • Nutritional Yeast- Replacing parmesan cheese with a vegan alternative that adds cheesy flavor without the dairy.
  • Sea Salt- Enhances the taste of the sundried tomatoes and all the other ingredients.
  • Oil/Olive Oil- Used to help the ingredients blend together and create a creamy texture.

How To Make Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

Get your food processor ready and toss in the spinach. Then, add the sundried tomatoes - but make sure to save that flavorful oil! Follow it up with pine nuts, nutritional yeast, garlic, and salt. Lastly, pour on the saved sundried tomato oil plus more olive oil if needed. Blend everything together until smooth or your desired consistency is reached. You'll be amazed at how delicious this mixture is! Now comes the best part: dive in and enjoy all of the amazing ways you can use this delicious pesto sauce.

How To Use Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Sauce

There are so many different ways to use this vegan sun-dried tomato pesto! Here are some of our favorite ideas:

  • Spread it on pizza or flatbread with some fresh basil leaves.

  • Stir in soups or stew.
  • Mix it into a cold pasta salad.
  • Use it as a spread for sandwiches.
  • Toss with your favorite type of noodles or gluten-free pasta with some toasted bread.
  • Serve as a dip with veggies or crackers.

Popular Substitutions & Additions

If you want to customize your vegan sun-dried tomato pesto, here are some possible substitutes and add-ins:

  • Substitute pine nuts for walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds.
  • Add a tablespoon of fresh oregano or garlic for an herby flavor boost.
  • Swap nutritional yeast with vegan parmesan cheese.
  • Add a few tablespoons of vegan cream cheese for a creamier texture.
  • Season to your taste with ground black pepper, more salt, or lemon juice.
  • Purchasing dry sundried tomatoes allows you to select from a wide variety of oils, including regular olive oil and extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or any neutral-flavored one. Don't forget to rehydrate the sun-dried tomatoes in boiling water for at least 10 minutes before use!
  • Use extra olive oil if you prefer a runnier pesto.
  • Top your pesto with chopped pine nuts, parsley, or fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor!

Now that you know how to make this delicious vegan sun-dried tomato pesto, why not give it a try and see what amazing creations you can come up with?

Can You Freeze Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto?

Yes, you can freeze sun-dried tomato pesto! Let the pesto cool completely before transferring it into ice cube trays, an air-tight container, or a plastic bag. Place it in the freezer until ready to use. To thaw, place the frozen pesto in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, give it a good stir and enjoy!

To store in the fridge, place the pesto in an airtight container or jar, and it will last for up to a week.

Vegan Sun Dried Tomato Pesto recipe - Vegan in the Freezer (3)

Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto FAQs

What is the best type of oil to use in this sun-dried tomato pesto recipe?

It's best to save the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes and use that. If there isn't ¼ cup leftover, you can add any neutral-flavored oil, such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.

Can I make this pesto without a food processor?

Yes, if you don't have a blender or food processor, you can combine all the ingredients with a spoon or fork. For the best flavor, however, we recommend using a food processor for this recipe.

Are there any other variations of sun-dried tomato pesto?

Yes! You can add different herbs and spices to customize the flavor. Some popular pesto recipe additions are lemon juice, fresh basil, oregano, rosemary, and red pepper flakes.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes can be used, but the flavor won't be quite as intense. You'll also need to reduce the amount of olive oil in the recipe since fresh tomatoes are juicier than sun-dried tomatoes.

📋 Recipe

Vegan Sun Dried Tomato Pesto recipe - Vegan in the Freezer (4)

Vegan Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

Ginny McMeans

Serve as an appetizer, mix into pasta salad, or toss with noodles, vegan sun-dried tomato pesto is the perfect way to bring some Italian flair to your table!

4.65 from 14 votes

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Sauces, Dressings, Condiments

Cuisine Pesto

Servings 12 Ounces

Calories 78 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup spinach baby spinach, packed
  • ½ cup sun dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained but save that precious oil
  • ¼ cup pine nuts
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ cup oil , use the oil from the sun dried tomatoes

Instructions

  • Place spinach in food processor.

  • Add the remaining ingredients.

  • Process until well blended.

  • That's it! Enjoy in so many ways!

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1OunceCalories: 78kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSodium: 37mgPotassium: 215mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 275IUVitamin C: 2.7mgCalcium: 9mgIron: 0.7mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply

  1. Trixilie & Bea

    Vegan Sun Dried Tomato Pesto recipe - Vegan in the Freezer (9)
    Hi Ginny,
    your recipe sounds perfect and it´s planed for the next red and green day - mmmhhhh.... 🙂
    We love to eat spinach, but sometimes we forget to buy it, so what do you think, could we use the green leaves of red radish instead of the spinach?
    Hugs and Kisses
    Trixilie & Bea

  2. Ginny McMeans

    I am wondering Trixille because they are a tougher cooking green. Since they are ground up in the pesto they may be fine though. Definitely a much more peppery taste. You'd have to make sure everyone likes radish to start with 🙂

  3. Jen

    I love the idea of making a bigger batch and freezing it in little cubes! So much easier to have on hand anytime!

  4. Des @ Life's Ambrosia

    This would be great on sandwiches or pizza!

  5. Dee

    Love the video, and the pesto looks perfect! I can think of so many ways to enjoy it!

  6. Ginny McMeans

    Thanks Dee. The video was fun to do. 🙂 That pesto is so versatile and thanks again.

  7. Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet

    That looks absolutely fabulous! I could easily chow into this several times a week!

  8. Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet

    I am loving the sound of this pesto! Can't wait to make a batch!

  9. Amy @ Little Dairy on the Prairie

    I could eat this by the spoonful! It looks amazing!

  10. Cathy @ Lemon Tree Dwelling

    Sun dried tomato pesto is my FAVORITE with pasta!!!

  11. Ginny McMeans

    Ha! Thanks Kimberly. It is pretty good 🙂

  12. Ginny McMeans

    Thank you Anna! It's a very pleasant surprise 🙂

  13. Ginny McMeans

    This works great with pasta Cathy. I love the combo too!

  14. irene

    looks delicious

  15. Julie

    Vegan Sun Dried Tomato Pesto recipe - Vegan in the Freezer (10)
    I just finished making this for the first time and it is so damn DELICIOUS! I added about 1/3 cup of basil and only two large cloves of garlic as they were quite large, and this is hands down the best dip I've EVER made. I can't rave about it enough. That's how much I love it. I've decided to make it for Christmas Day so my family can try it. Thanks Ginny for an epic dip!

  16. Ginny McMeans

    What a glowing comment and you are very welcome. Thank you so much for letting me know and have a blast at Christmas!

  17. Angie

    Any other ideas on what to use this pesto on?

  18. Ginny McMeans

    Yes, here are some more ideas Angie. Besides spreading on tortillas for rollups you can also spread it on flatbread for pizzas. It would be delicious added to a sauce for potato gnocchi. On roasted asparagus, add it to hummus for a dip, add it to dairy free mayo as a spread.

  19. Claudia Lamascolo

    Vegan Sun Dried Tomato Pesto recipe - Vegan in the Freezer (11)
    wow now this is my kind of pesto and I love to spread it on Bruschetta there are just so many possibilities to use this delicious creation! love it!

  20. Kristine

    Vegan Sun Dried Tomato Pesto recipe - Vegan in the Freezer (12)
    This recipe sounds absolutely delightful! I can't wait to make your recipe, pinning - thanks!

  21. Danielle

    Looks delicious! I’ve never tried making sun dried tomato pesto at home, you make it look easy!

  22. Tara @ Unsophisticook

    Vegan Sun Dried Tomato Pesto recipe - Vegan in the Freezer (13)
    I could totally just eat this with a spoon -- yum!!!

  23. Monica | Nourish + Fete

    Vegan Sun Dried Tomato Pesto recipe - Vegan in the Freezer (14)
    I love pesto with sun-dried tomatoes, it's amazing in everything! How great to have a vegan version in mind the next time I have a guest who follows that diet!

  24. Sara Piper

    Vegan Sun Dried Tomato Pesto recipe - Vegan in the Freezer (15)
    This recipe is unbelievable!!!!!! I’m going to have so much trouble not eating the whole jar right now!! xxx

  25. Ginny McMeans

    Ha! I'm so glad you found it Sara! I love it too.

  26. Kimberley

    Vegan Sun Dried Tomato Pesto recipe - Vegan in the Freezer (16)
    Supermarket ran out of pine nuts so used walnuts was really good 😀

Vegan Sun Dried Tomato Pesto recipe - Vegan in the Freezer (2024)

FAQs

Can you freeze dried sun-dried tomatoes? ›

Once you've stored dry sun-dried tomatoes in a bag or container, you can place the entire package in the freezer and the tomatoes will last up to two years. Freezing oil-packed tomatoes takes a bit more work — if you freeze the entire container you'll have to thaw the entire thing in order to remove a single tomato.

Can you freeze tomato pesto? ›

Use right away or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months for when needed.

How long does vegan pesto last in the fridge? ›

How long does vegan pesto last? Fresh pesto will store well in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Keep a layer of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the top of the pesto so it doesn't brown.

Does sun dried tomato pesto go bad? ›

Yes, sun dried tomato pesto can go bad. Properly stored in the refrigerator, it can last up to 1 week. To extend its shelf life, you can freeze it or ensure it's covered with olive oil in an airtight container. Always check for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or mold, before use.

How long do dried tomatoes last in the freezer? ›

Sun-dried tomatoes have a relatively long shelf life compared to fresh tomatoes. Typically, sun-dried tomatoes can last for up to 6 months at room temperature, up to a year in the refrigerator, and up to 2 years in the freezer.

Do dry sun-dried tomatoes go bad? ›

Yes, sun-dried tomatoes can go bad. Here are some signs to look out for: Mold or slimy film on top of the oil. Bubbling or fizzing in the jar (this could indicate yeast or bacteria)

How do I know if pesto has gone bad? ›

If your pesto has turned brown instead of green, that's another clear sign that it's rancid. And there's always the smell test: it will have a strong sour smell once it turns. But as always, it's better to err on the side of caution and throw the pesto out if you've got any doubts.

How long does homemade pesto last in the freezer? ›

In general, you can freeze homemade basil pesto for up to 6 months. This timeframe, however, can be influenced by the conditions in your freezer. Additionally, this timeframe could also change slightly with non-basil pestos.

Can you freeze homemade pesto? ›

You can freeze in small pint-size jars or for single servings for making soups or dressing freeze in ice cube trays. Small ice cube trays work well for small batches of soups or if you tend to need more pesto, freeze in big ice cube trays. Pour the pesto into trays and cover with freezer wrap and place in the freezer.

Is pesto bad when it turns brown? ›

This oxidation is largely unavoidable and isn't dangerous per se. Even though it's unlikely to make you sick, we recommend throwing away the jar. People eat with their eyes as much as their mouths, and life is too short to eat pesto that isn't in anything other than peak condition.

Do sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil need to be refrigerated? ›

Should I store my sun dried tomatoes in olive oil with the fridge? Yes, Bella Sun Luci products packed with olive oil must be stored in the fridge once opened.

Why are my sun-dried tomatoes black? ›

Black colour

There are at least two possible causes of dried tomatoes turning black. Excalibur says, “… low acid ones will turn black when dehydrated”; So Easy to Preserve says, “Black color can develop because of oxidization.” (SETP, 2014, page 348) (air getting at them while in storage).

What is the best way to preserve sun-dried tomatoes? ›

If you do not plan to use your batch of sun-dried tomatoes right away, you can either: Refrigerate sun-dried tomatoes. Place them in a small jar then drizzle with olive oil (you will need quite a bit) until the tomatoes are completely submerged. Place a lid on the jar to seal, then refrigerate for up to 4 days.

How do you rehydrate frozen sun-dried tomatoes? ›

However, if you do need them soft you can rehydrate by soaking in either warm water or good quality oil (olive oil is most common) for about 10 minutes. Salads and Sandwiches: Rehydrate the tomatoes by marinating in a bit of salad dressing then enjoy tomatoes in your salad in the winter or on a sandwich.

How do you use leftover sun-dried tomatoes? ›

Sundried tomato recipes
  1. Tuna & sundried tomato pasta bake. ...
  2. Asparagus, sundried tomato & olive loaf. ...
  3. Gluten-free sundried tomato bread. ...
  4. Chicken, green bean & sundried tomato salad with chicken fat croutons. ...
  5. App onlySlow-roasted lemon & tomato butter Savoy with garlic & dill yogurt.

How do you freeze dry tomatoes? ›

Slice, dice, or blend the tomatoes and place onto a freeze dryer tray that fits inside of your machine. Do not overfill the trays. Only fill them in a single layer diced or sliced, and no more than half full of tomato sauce. Prefreeze the tray of tomatoes for at least 24 hours.

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