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
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)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
