Get ready to fall in love with Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto, a vibrant twist on classic pesto that’s bursting with sun-kissed Mediterranean flavors! Unlike the traditional green version, this Sicilian masterpiece—known as pesto alla Trapanese—blends juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant basil, and toasted almonds into a luscious sauce that practically begs to be tossed with pasta, slathered on crusty bread, or spooned over grilled veggies. It’s incredibly simple to whip up, gloriously colorful, and guaranteed to become your new go-to for easy entertaining or weeknight dinners!

Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity is the secret behind this recipe’s magic. Each ingredient plays its own irreplaceable role, combining for a pesto that’s rich, fresh, and just a little bit nutty. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you shouldn’t skip a single thing!

Cherry Tomatoes (2 cups, halved): These add juicy sweetness and a bright, fresh tomato flavor that’s the heart of Sicilian pesto.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil (1/2 cup, drained): Intensely flavored and slightly chewy, they bring a concentrated tomato punch and gorgeous color.
Fresh Basil Leaves (1 cup): Classic basil adds an unmistakable herbal aroma and vibrant green flecks throughout the sauce.
Slivered Almonds, Toasted (1/3 cup): Toasting the almonds brings out their buttery richness, giving the pesto a luscious texture and nutty depth.
Garlic Cloves, Peeled (2): Just the right amount for a gentle bite and savory complexity—adjust to your garlic-loving heart’s content!
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Salty, nutty, and creamy, Parmesan is the secret to balancing acidity and adding body.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1/3 cup): Choose a high-quality oil to tie everything together with fruity, peppery notes and silky smoothness.
Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle kick and a hint of warmth—add more or less to suit your spice preference.
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential finishing touches to make every flavor shine—taste and tweak until it’s just right!

How to Make Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by halving the cherry tomatoes and draining the sun-dried tomatoes if they’re packed in oil. Toast the slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they’re fragrant and golden. This quick prep makes a world of difference in flavor and ensures your Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto has the perfect texture.

Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients

In a food processor, add your cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, toasted almonds, peeled garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. These powerhouse ingredients form the backbone of your pesto, so don’t be shy about packing them in!

Step 3: Pulse to Perfection

Pulse everything together until the mixture is finely chopped, scraping down the sides as needed. You’re looking for a texture that’s not too chunky and not too smooth—think somewhere between a salsa and a traditional pesto. This ensures every bite of your Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto is loaded with flavor and just the right amount of crunch.

Step 4: Stream in the Olive Oil

With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. Keep blending until the sauce becomes cohesive and slightly creamy but still maintains a rustic texture. The olive oil brings all the flavors together, adding a luxurious silkiness that makes this pesto extra irresistible.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Taste your pesto and season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Transfer it to a bowl and serve immediately, or cover and chill if you’re making it ahead. Whether you’re tossing it with hot pasta, spreading it on fresh bread, or dolloping it over grilled chicken or vegetables, this Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto is pure sunshine in a bowl!

How to Serve Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto

Garnishes

Take your presentation to the next level by topping your pesto with a sprinkle of extra toasted almonds, a few torn basil leaves, and a generous shower of grated Parmesan. A drizzle of good olive oil and a crack of black pepper just before serving adds that final chef’s touch. These garnishes don’t just look gorgeous—they add layers of texture and flavor that make every bite pop.

Side Dishes

Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto pairs beautifully with almost any Italian-inspired side. Serve it with a bowl of al dente spaghetti or penne, a fresh green salad, or a platter of grilled vegetables. For a heartier meal, offer it alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or even as a lively dip for crispy breadsticks or focaccia. The possibilities are as endless as your cravings!

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond pasta! Try serving your Sicilian pesto as a vibrant crostini topping at your next gathering or swirl it into creamy ricotta for a stunning appetizer dip. It’s also fantastic as a pizza base, spooned over roasted potatoes, or layered into a sandwich. Let your imagination run wild—this pesto brings a burst of Sicilian sunshine to any dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To keep it extra fresh and prevent browning, pour a thin layer of olive oil over the surface before sealing. This little trick locks in color and flavor so you can enjoy your pesto all week long.

Freezing

Want to keep a taste of Sicily on hand year-round? Freeze your pesto in small portions—ice cube trays work beautifully—so you can thaw just what you need. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and give it a good stir before using.

Reheating

Sicilian pesto is best served at room temperature or gently warmed. If you need to take the chill off, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, until just warmed through. Avoid overheating, as this can dull those fresh flavors and make the cheese grainy.

FAQs

Can I make Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto without a food processor?

Absolutely! A blender will also work, though you may need to scrape down the sides more often. For an extra rustic feel, try chopping everything by hand with a sharp knife and mixing in the olive oil at the end.

Is there a vegan version of this pesto?

Yes! Simply swap out the Parmesan cheese for a vegan alternative or nutritional yeast. You’ll still get that wonderful umami flavor and creamy texture without any dairy.

What pasta shapes work best with Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto?

Short shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle are perfect for catching every bit of this chunky, flavorful sauce. Of course, classic spaghetti or linguine are equally delicious options!

Can I use different nuts instead of almonds?

Definitely. While almonds are traditional for Sicilian pesto, you can experiment with pine nuts, walnuts, or even pistachios for a unique twist. Just be sure to toast them first for the best flavor.

Is Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto gluten-free?

Yes—the sauce itself is naturally gluten-free! Just pair it with your favorite gluten-free pasta or serve with gluten-free bread if you’re avoiding gluten.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to bring a burst of Mediterranean color and flavor to your kitchen, this Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto is the perfect place to start. It’s quick, customizable, and guaranteed to gather compliments every time you serve it. Try it once, and I promise you’ll find yourself making it again and again!

Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 1 1/2 cups (about 6 servings) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto, also known as pesto alla Trapanese, is a vibrant and flavorful sauce made from fresh cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant basil, toasted slivered almonds, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, blended with extra virgin olive oil. Lighter than traditional green pesto, it offers a beautiful balance of sweet and savory flavors with a slight kick from optional red pepper flakes. Perfect as a pasta sauce, spread, or topping for grilled meats and vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Herbs

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained
1 cup fresh basil leaves
2 cloves garlic, peeled

Nuts and Cheese

1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Oils and Seasonings

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, add cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, toasted slivered almonds, peeled garlic cloves, grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes if using. Pulse the mixture until it is finely chopped but not completely smooth, keeping some texture.
Add Olive Oil: With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. Continue processing until the sauce becomes smooth yet retains some texture, creating a vibrant pesto consistency.
Season: Taste the pesto and add salt and black pepper according to your preference. Pulse briefly to combine the seasoning evenly.
Serve: Transfer the Sicilian pesto to a serving bowl. Serve immediately tossed with your favorite pasta such as spaghetti or penne, spread on crusty bread, or as a vibrant topping for grilled meats or vegetables.

Notes

This Sicilian-style pesto is known as pesto alla Trapanese and is lighter and sweeter compared to traditional green pesto.
Pairs especially well with spaghetti or penne pasta for a fresh, summery dish.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, topping with a thin layer of olive oil to maintain freshness and prevent discoloration.
To toast slivered almonds, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Sauce, Condiment
Method: No-Cook, Food Processor
Cuisine: Italian (Sicilian)