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

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:

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

Print Save

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!

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

FAQs

Can you freeze marinated sun dried tomatoes? ›

If you have more than you think you'll use in the immediate future, you can also freeze them after they're dried and enjoy them for months to come. These marinated sun-dried tomatoes would make an awesome homemade holiday gift, as well, and the oil tastes just as good as the tomatoes.

Can you freeze tomato pesto? ›

When freezing, be sure to pack the pesto tightly in an airtight container to force out any air pockets; otherwise it can lose flavor. After removing the pesto from the fridge or freezer, bring it to room temperature before using, as the olive oil will have turned solid from the cold.

How long does vegan pesto last? ›

Store any leftover pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the pesto in ice cube trays. Then, transfer the pesto cubes to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months.

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.

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 long will sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil keep? ›

Homemade dried tomatoes packed in oil (without added herbs or garlic) should be shelf-stable for up to 6 months. However, once you've opened them, they should be refrigerated and, after opening, they'll be good for about 1 month.

How do you freeze pesto without it turning brown? ›

To freeze larger amounts of pesto—from 1/2 cup and up—transfer the pesto to a sealable container, cover the surface of the pesto with a thin layer of olive oil, tightly seal the container, and place in the freezer. That layer of olive oil will minimize browning on the surface of the pesto as it freezes.

Is it okay to freeze pesto with cheese in it? ›

Here's a way to freeze your pesto...the trick is to not add the cheese before freezing."

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.

Why does homemade pesto go bad? ›

Because it's an oil-based sauce, it will spoil and go rancid after a while if exposed to air.

What is a good alternative cheese for pesto? ›

If, for whatever reason, you're interested in making a dairy-free pesto, you can go ahead and leave the cheese out, but be sure to increase the quantity of nuts and seeds you're using to compensate. TRY WITH: Pecorino Romano, aged manchego, aged gouda, aged cheddar, cotija, Grana Padano, aged Asiago.

What makes pesto not vegan? ›

Most pesto is not considered vegan for the sole reason that basic recipes call for some kind of hard cheese like Parmesan or pecorino, which is not suitable for vegans. Some authentic Parmesan is even made using rennet, an enzyme found in the lining of a goat or calf's stomach.

How can you tell if sun-dried tomatoes have gone 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)

Can I freeze 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.

Is pesto still good if 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.

How long do jarred sun-dried tomatoes last in the fridge? ›

To maximize the shelf life of your product we encourage customers to store all Bella Sun Luci sundried tomato products, once opened in a refrigerator. Our recommendation is to use the tomatoes within six months after opening, add olive oil as needed to keep tomatoes covered.

Are marinated sun-dried tomatoes good for you? ›

Sun dried tomatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They have a particularly high concentration of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. There has been a lot of interest in lycopene's potential benefits as an antioxidant. Some early research shows it may help protect your skin from the sun.

Do freeze-dried tomatoes taste good? ›

When you make freeze-dried tomatoes, they taste just like fresh to use in your favorite pasta sauce recipe or pizza, soup, stew, and more! Follow this simple tutorial to enjoy garden-fresh-tasting tomatoes any time of year.

What to do with a jar of sundried 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.

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