Red pesto (from sun-dried tomatoes)

Description

Red pesto (from sun-dried tomatoes) is a thick, ruby-orange sauce with an intense, sweet-and-sour flavor featuring distinct notes of umami, garlic, and olive oil, often enriched with nutty creaminess and Parmesan saltiness. The texture is grainy yet easy to spread, and the aroma is concentrated and long-lasting. Nutritionally, red pesto provides healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil, antioxidant lycopene from concentrated sun-dried tomatoes, fiber, potassium, and minerals from nuts and cheese. It is calorie-dense and often quite salty, so it’s best used in moderation as a source of energy and antioxidants that support heart health. In the kitchen, it pairs well with pasta, bruschetta, sandwiches, pizza, sauces for meat and fish, salads, or as a marinade and dip for roasted vegetables. Store in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed jar, covered with oil, and use within 7–14 days; it can also be portioned and frozen (e.g., in ice cube trays) for up to 2–3 months.