Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I took a bite of my latest creation, the sweet aroma of roasted cherry tomatoes danced through the kitchen, lifting my spirits instantly. This 5-Ingredient Roasted Cherry Tomato Pesto is a game-changer, adding a delightful twist to the classic sauce with its vibrant flavors and simplicity. It’s quick to whip up, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a last-minute gathering. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly—ideal for everyone at the table! Picture it tossed with pasta, slathered on sandwiches, or served as a dip for crostini—the possibilities are endless. Ready to transform your meals with this deliciously easy tomato pesto? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why is this Tomato Pesto Amazing? Simplicity at its finest: With just five ingredients, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for busy culinary enthusiasts. Rich and Robust Flavor: The skillet-to-table method enhances the natural sweetness of roasted cherry tomatoes paired with nutty almonds, creating a unique twist on traditional pesto. Versatile Uses: Imagine this vibrant sauce drizzled on your favorite pasta, slathered on sandwiches, or even as a dip for crostini—it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Quick Prep Time: At just 25 minutes, you’ll have a delectable sauce ready to elevate any meal, making it a fantastic solution for last-minute gatherings. Don’t miss out on other delightful dishes like our Cucumber Tomato Salad or the flavorful Pesto Caprese Pasta to complement your pesto masterpiece! Tomato Pesto Ingredients • For the Pesto Cherry Tomatoes – Adds natural sweetness and acidity. Substitution: Any small, sweet tomato can work; however, cherry tomatoes provide the best flavor. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Provides richness and helps emulsify the pesto. Prep Note: Use a light-flavored olive oil for best results. Slivered Almonds – Adds crunch and nutty flavor. Substitution: Can swap with pine nuts for a more traditional flavor. Garlic – Provides depth and a slight pungency. Note: Adjust according to your preference for raw garlic’s intensity. Fresh Basil Leaves – Contributes aromatic freshness. Substitution: Other herbs can be experimented with, but basil is traditional. Enjoy making this vibrant Tomato Pesto that’s bound to become a favorite in your home! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Tomato Pesto Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial as it prepares the perfect environment for roasting the cherry tomatoes, ensuring they caramelize beautifully. While the oven heats, gather your baking supplies, including a rimmed baking sheet and aluminum foil. Step 2: Roast the Tomatoes Line the baking sheet with foil and spread the cherry tomatoes into a single layer, ensuring ample space between them for even roasting. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil over the tomatoes. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are plump and slightly caramelized, creating a sweet aroma that fills your kitchen. Step 3: Toast the Almonds While the tomatoes are roasting, take a skillet and set it over medium-low heat. Add the slivered almonds and toast them for roughly 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Watch them carefully; you want them golden brown and fragrant, which will enhance the nutty flavor for your Tomato Pesto. Step 4: Blend the Base Once the almonds have cooled slightly, transfer them into a food processor along with the peeled garlic cloves. Pulse until the mixture is finely ground but not overly processed. The blend of toasted almonds and garlic will serve as a robust foundation for your delicious pesto. Step 5: Combine Ingredients With the almonds and garlic blended, add the cooled roasted cherry tomatoes along with their juices, fresh basil leaves, and a pinch of salt to the food processor. Pulse the mixture until it reaches a chunky yet smooth consistency. The vibrant flavors of your Tomato Pesto will start to emerge beautifully at this stage. Step 6: Add Olive Oil While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the remaining olive oil. This process helps to emulsify the ingredients, turning the mixture into a silky pesto. Continue blending until the pesto is smooth and well-combined, with a gorgeous orange-red hue from the roasted tomatoes. Step 7: Adjust Seasoning Taste your freshly made Tomato Pesto and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If desired, add more salt or a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness. This final touch ensures that your pesto reflects your personal taste, making it perfect for topping pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or serving as a flavorful dip. Step 8: Store or Serve If you’re not serving the Tomato Pesto immediately, transfer it into a jar. To keep it fresh for up to a week, cover the surface with a thin layer of olive oil before sealing it. Whether you enjoy it right away or save it for later, this vibrant sauce is sure to impress with its deliciously complex flavors! Make Ahead Options These 5-Ingredient Roasted Cherry Tomato Pesto is an excellent option for meal prep, saving you valuable time during your busy weeknights! You can roast the cherry tomatoes and toast the almonds up to 24 hours in advance. Just allow the tomatoes to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container along with the cooled almonds in the fridge. When you’re ready to make the pesto, simply blend the prepared components with garlic, basil, and olive oil as instructed, and enjoy a freshly made sauce that tastes just as delightful as when made on the spot. With this prep, you’ll have luscious Tomato Pesto prepared in a flash, perfect for enhancing your meals! What to Serve with 5-Ingredient Roasted Cherry Tomato Pesto The vibrant flavors of this aromatic sauce can elevate an entire meal, inviting creativity to the table. Creamy Pasta: A rich, alfredo-style pasta beautifully contrasts with the bright notes of the pesto. It’s comfort food at its best! Crunchy Baguette Slices: Serve warm, crispy baguette slices for dipping. The crunch and freshness complement the nutty pesto perfectly. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with arugula and cherry tomatoes pairs well, providing a refreshing balance to the sauce’s richness. Toss in some feta for added zing! Grilled Chicken: Marinate chicken breasts in olive oil and herbs, then grill to juicy perfection. The pesto’s vibrant flavors will create a harmonious and flavorful dish. Stuffed Peppers: Roast bell peppers stuffed with quinoa and veggies, then drizzle with pesto. The earthiness of the peppers enhances the sweetness of the sauce. Olive Oil Cake: For dessert, a light olive oil cake drizzled with a citrus glaze offers a subtle sweetness, rounding off the savory meal beautifully. Sparkling Water: Crisp and refreshing, sparkling water infused with lemon or lime balances the meal without overshadowing the flavors of the pesto. Elevate your dining experience with these delightful pairings, and watch your table come to life! Tomato Pesto Variations & Substitutions Feel free to put your own spin on this delicious tomato pesto—your creativity is the secret ingredient! Nut-Free: Replace slivered almonds with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option, perfect for those with allergies. Dairy-Free: Leave out the Parmesan and use nutritional yeast instead for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when blending for a delightful spicy twist that elevates the flavor profile. Herb Swap: Instead of basil, try using fresh parsley or mint for a refreshing and unique take on the traditional flavor. Creamy Version: Blend in a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamier texture that’s delicious on pasta or as a dip. Roasted Garlic: For a sweeter, milder flavor, roast your garlic alongside the tomatoes before blending—it adds a depth that’s just heavenly. Citrus Zest: Brighten the dish by adding a teaspoon of lemon or lime zest—this invigorates the flavors and gives it a fresh zing! More Veggies: Fold in some roasted bell peppers or zucchini to enhance the pesto’s texture and boost its nutritional value. Looking for additional inspiration? Try this zesty Cucumber Tomato Salad as a refreshing side or pair it with our hearty Cheesy Garlic Pesto for a complete meal! Expert Tips for Tomato Pesto Roasting Optional: If you’re short on time, using raw cherry tomatoes works too, though roasting enhances the flavors immensely. Nut Toasting: Toast your slivered almonds carefully; they can burn quickly. Keep an eye on them to achieve that perfect golden brown. Freshness Matters: Using fresh basil and high-quality olive oil is key to a robust and flavorful Tomato Pesto. Don’t skimp on these ingredients! Adjust Garlic: The flavor intensity of garlic can vary. Feel free to adjust the quantity to suit your taste preferences without overpowering the other flavors. Creative Substitutions: Don’t hesitate to experiment! Swap almonds for pine nuts, or try different herbs like arugula to create your unique version of this Tomato Pesto. How to Store and Freeze Tomato Pesto Fridge: Store your Tomato Pesto in a tightly closed jar for up to 1 week. Pour a thin layer of olive oil on top to help preserve its freshness. Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the pesto in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a resealable bag for up to 3 months. Thawing: To use frozen Tomato Pesto, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight or microwave on a low setting for a quick defrost. Reheating: Gently reheat your pesto in a skillet over low heat, stirring until warmed through. Enjoy its vibrant flavors on your favorite dishes! 5-Ingredient Roasted Cherry Tomato Pesto Recipe FAQs How do I select the best cherry tomatoes for this recipe? Absolutely! Opt for firm, brightly colored cherry tomatoes without any dark spots or wrinkles. The ripeness is key, as sweet, juicy tomatoes will elevate your pesto’s flavor. If you’re unsure, give them a slight squeeze; they should yield just a little, indicating they’re ripe and ready to roast. What is the best way to store leftover Tomato Pesto? Very simple! Just transfer any leftover Tomato Pesto into a tightly sealed jar and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 1 week. To prevent oxidation, pour a thin layer of olive oil on the surface before sealing, which helps preserve its vibrant color and flavors. Can I freeze Tomato Pesto for later use? Absolutely! To freeze your Tomato Pesto, spoon it into ice cube trays and place them in the freezer. Once frozen solid, pop the cubes out and transfer them to a resealable bag labeled with the date. You can store them for up to 3 months. To use, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight or microwave gently until warm. What should I do if my Tomato Pesto is too chunky? If you find your pesto is a bit chunkier than you’d like, don’t worry! Just add a little more olive oil while blending until you reach your desired consistency. You can also add a splash of water if needed. Pulse it again for a few seconds to get that creamy, smooth texture we all love! Are there any dietary considerations to be aware of with this Tomato Pesto? Yes, it’s always good to be mindful! This Tomato Pesto is vegetarian and naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences. However, if you’re serving others, double-check for nut allergies, as we use slivered almonds here. If allergens are a concern, feel free to substitute with sunflower seeds! How long will my Tomato Pesto last in the fridge? Your Tomato Pesto will be good in the fridge for about 1 week. Just remember to use a tight-sealing container and top it with a little olive oil to maintain its freshness. If you notice any changes in color or smell, it’s best to toss it for food safety. Bold and Flavorful Tomato Pesto in Just 25 Minutes This delicious 5-Ingredient Roasted Cherry Tomato Pesto is a game-changer for any meal, elevating flavors quickly with its vibrant and vegetarian-friendly profile. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 5 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 25 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: AppetizersCuisine: ItalianCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pesto2 cups Cherry Tomatoes Any small, sweet tomato can work; however, cherry tomatoes provide the best flavor.2 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Use a light-flavored olive oil for best results.1/4 cups Slivered Almonds Can swap with pine nuts for a more traditional flavor.2 cloves Garlic Adjust according to your preference for raw garlic's intensity.1 cup Fresh Basil Leaves Other herbs can be experimented with, but basil is traditional. Equipment OvenBaking sheetFood ProcessorSkillet Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Tomato PestoPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Gather your baking supplies, including a rimmed baking sheet and aluminum foil.Line the baking sheet with foil and spread the cherry tomatoes into a single layer. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil over the tomatoes. Roast for about 20 minutes, or until plump and slightly caramelized.In a skillet over medium-low heat, toast the slivered almonds for roughly 5 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.Transfer the cooled toasted almonds into a food processor along with the peeled garlic cloves. Pulse until finely ground.Add the cooled roasted cherry tomatoes along with their juices, fresh basil leaves, and a pinch of salt to the food processor. Pulse until chunky yet smooth.While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the remaining olive oil. Continue blending until the pesto is smooth and well-combined.Taste the Tomato Pesto and adjust the seasoning to your liking with more salt or olive oil if desired.If not serving immediately, transfer to a jar and cover with a thin layer of olive oil before sealing. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gSodium: 200mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesThis vibrant sauce is perfect for topping pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or serving as a dip. Feel free to experiment with substitutions like different nuts or herbs. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
