Description
This Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto is a vibrant, flavorful sauce made with fresh basil, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and slivered almonds. Perfect for adding a Mediterranean twist to pasta, sandwiches, or as a savory dip, this pesto blends rich, tangy, and nutty flavors in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds (or pine nuts, if preferred)
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained
- 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra richness)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional for brightness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil, slivered almonds, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and minced garlic. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely chopped.
- Add olive oil: With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency—smooth or slightly chunky, depending on your preference.
- Add optional ingredients: If using, add the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice to the mixture and pulse again to combine thoroughly.
- Season: Season the pesto with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the flavors by adding more lemon juice or salt if desired.
- Store: Transfer the finished pesto to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freeze for longer storage: For extended storage, freeze the pesto in small portions to use later without loss of flavor.
- Serve: Serve the Sicilian pesto tossed with pasta, spread on sandwiches, or as a dip for crackers and vegetables for a delicious Mediterranean flavor boost.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, substitute slivered almonds with pine nuts.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best brightness and acidity.
- For a vegan option, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Adjust olive oil quantity to reach your preferred pesto texture.
- Store pesto with a thin layer of olive oil on top to help preserve freshness.
- Sicilian pesto pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a flavorful salad dressing base.
