If you’re searching for a punchy new twist on a beloved classic, look no further than this Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto. Bursting with juicy cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and plenty of fragrant basil, this vibrant sauce comes together in just ten minutes—no stove in sight. With toasted almonds and Parmesan lending richness and depth, this pesto brings true Mediterranean sunshine to every dish it touches. Whether slathered on crisp crostini, swirled into hot pasta, or dolloped over veggies, this colorful favorite is guaranteed to become your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto relies on a bit of Sicilian flair and a handful of top-notch ingredients. Each one contributes its own special magic, whether it’s bold color, creamy texture, or irresistible layers of flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes: These offer a burst of sweet juiciness and give the pesto its fresh, summery base.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained): For concentrated, savory depth and that unmistakable tangy kick.
- Fresh basil leaves: Nothing says “pesto” quite like the peppery fragrance and bright green hue of basil.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami richness that ties everything together beautifully.
- Almonds (blanched or toasted): Toasting enhances their nuttiness, giving body and a subtle crunch—classic to Sicilian-style pesto.
- Garlic: Just a couple of cloves infuse the whole sauce with savory sharpness.
- Salt: A pinch pulls all the flavors into focus.
- Black pepper: For a gentle, warming bite in every spoonful.
- Olive oil (plus more if needed): Luscious olive oil brings it all together, creating that dreamy, spoonable consistency.
How to Make Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by gathering everything you need. Give the basil leaves a quick wash and dry, drain the sun-dried tomatoes from their oil, and if you’re opting for an extra depth of flavor, toast your almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden. With everything measured and ready, this process will be a breeze.
Step 2: Combine in the Food Processor
Add cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, almonds, garlic cloves, salt, and pepper to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse several times to start breaking everything down into a coarse mixture—don’t worry if it looks chunky at this stage.
Step 3: Add Olive Oil and Blend
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Watch as your Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto transforms into a thick, beautifully speckled sauce. Scrape down the sides with a spatula as needed to make sure nothing gets left behind. Continue processing until you reach your desired consistency—add a bit more olive oil for a smoother finish if you like.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Scoop a small spoonful and give it a taste. Now’s the time to adjust the seasoning: add a pinch more salt, a crank of black pepper, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders here too.
Step 5: Serve or Store
Your Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto is ready to enjoy! You can toss it with freshly cooked pasta, spread it generously on toasted bread, or use it as an inspired topping for pizzas and sandwiches.
How to Serve Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto
Garnishes
When serving, a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan and a few small whole basil leaves make for a beautiful and appetizing finishing touch. A drizzle of good olive oil and a scatter of toasted sliced almonds also add sparkle and crunch at the table.
Side Dishes
This pesto is wildly versatile! Pair it with a crisp green salad, olives, and grilled vegetables for a true Sicilian-inspired meal. It also complements roasted potatoes, couscous, or a platter of artisan cheeses superbly.
Creative Ways to Present
Besides the classic pasta pairing, try swirling Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto into whipped ricotta, spreading it onto a sandwich, or even using it as a dip for crunchy crudités. For parties, dollop it atop mini mozzarella balls or roasted cherry tomatoes for an eye-catching appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It lasts up to five days, making it a convenient way to elevate weeknight dinners and quick lunches. To help maintain the color, you can drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the top before sealing.
Freezing
Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto freezes surprisingly well! Spoon it into ice cube trays for individual servings or a freezer-safe jar for batch portions. Once frozen, pop the cubes into a bag. Defrost overnight in the fridge or toss straight into a hot pan for sauces.
Reheating
This no-cook sauce doesn’t need reheating—just bring it to room temperature for maximum flavor. If tossing with hot pasta, reserve a bit of pasta water to help the pesto coat the noodles silkily and evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?
Absolutely! A high-powered blender works beautifully. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides more often, and add just a splash more olive oil to help everything blend smoothly.
Can I swap the almonds for another nut?
Yes! Toasted pine nuts or walnuts both make excellent substitutes in Sicilian pesto. Each offers a unique flavor—try experimenting to find your favorite combination.
Is this pesto suitable for vegans?
With just one easy swap—using a plant-based Parmesan or nutritional yeast in place of the cheese—your Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto becomes completely vegan. Check labels on your sun-dried tomatoes too, just in case.
What type Sauce
Short shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or penne are particularly good at catching all that chunky, flavorful sauce. However, it’s equally delicious spooned over spaghetti or even as a pizza topping.
Can I make this without nuts for allergies?
Of course! Simply omit the nuts or use sunflower seeds for similar richness. The pesto will still deliver that irresistible tomato-basil punch.
Final Thoughts
This Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto is the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to all year long—bursting with sun-ripened flavor, shockingly simple, and endlessly adaptable. Give it a try, share it with friends, and let every meal feel like a little Sicilian getaway!
Print
Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 ½ cups
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto recipe is bursting with the flavors of tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan cheese, creating a versatile and tasty sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta, crostini, sandwiches, or pizza. It’s a no-cook sauce that comes together quickly in a food processor, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup almonds (blanched or toasted)
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup olive oil (plus more if needed)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, combine cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, Parmesan cheese, almonds, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pulse to break everything down.
- Add Olive Oil: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until well blended and reaching a spreadable consistency.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more olive oil if desired for a smoother texture.
- Serve: Toss with pasta, spread on crostini, or use as a sandwich or pizza topping. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, lightly toast the almonds before blending.
- You can substitute pine nuts or walnuts for almonds.
- Add red pepper flakes for heat or balsamic vinegar for tang.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
