Bright, nutty, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto is truly a kitchen staple you’ll want on repeat all year round. This vibrant twist on traditional pesto combines sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, buttery blanched almonds, garlicky punch, and a salty Parmesan finish, all brought together with the golden richness of extra virgin olive oil. What I love most is how this recipe celebrates Sicilian sunshine in every bite, whether you’re tossing it with pasta, dolloping it over grilled veggies, or simply slathering it onto crusty bread. If you’re looking for a flavorful shortcut to Italian comfort, Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto is about to become your new obsession.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients can transform into something truly extraordinary. Each component of this Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto brings its own magic, so let’s spotlight how they come together to create a memorable dish.
- Cherry tomatoes: For a burst of sweet tang and a gorgeous rosy hue, opt for ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes and halve them before use.
- Blanched almonds: These lend buttery richness and a subtle crunch—try lightly toasting them first for even deeper flavor.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds intense umami and a nutty, salty backbone that ties the pesto together beautifully.
- Fresh basil leaves: Nothing beats the fragrant, peppery lift that two big cups of basil provide; pack them loosely for the brightest flavor.
- Garlic: Just two cloves give your pesto a lively kick, balancing all that richness.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Pour in quality oil for the silkiest texture—add a splash more if you want a looser sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste at the end so you can fine-tune the brightness and depth.
How to Make Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto
Step 1: Prep Your Food Processor
Start by setting up your food processor with the blade attachment in place. Make sure your cherry tomatoes are halved and your basil leaves are washed and dried. Prepping your ingredients ahead means you’ll be blending up that Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto in no time at all.
Step 2: Combine the Core Ingredients
Toss the cherry tomatoes, blanched almonds, freshly grated Parmesan, basil leaves, and garlic into the bowl of the food processor. These superstar elements are the heart of your Sicilian pesto, and pulsing them together helps them mingle into a beautifully chunky mixture.
Step 3: Blend and Stream in Olive Oil
Pulse the processor several times until everything is finely chopped, scraping down the sides to catch any stubborn bits. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in your extra virgin olive oil. This step helps emulsify the pesto, creating that irresistible, spreadable texture Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto is famous for.
Step 4: Adjust the Seasoning
Once your mixture looks thick but smooth, pause and taste. Sprinkle in salt and pepper a little at a time, blending briefly after each addition. This ensures your pesto shines bright, savory, and perfectly balanced.
Step 5: Final Blend and Serve
Scrape down the sides one last time and give your pesto a final quick pulse. If you love a touch of heat, this is the time to add a pinch of red pepper flakes. The Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto should be creamy but scoopable, ready to be enjoyed right away!
How to Serve Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto
Garnishes
Set your Sicilian pesto apart with a few simple finishing touches. Swirl in a spoonful of ricotta for extra creaminess, sprinkle with extra chopped almonds for crunch, or scatter more fresh basil ribbons on top for a pop of green. A light drizzle of olive oil elevates the color and gloss of the pesto beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto is wonderfully versatile and loves a supporting cast. Serve it next to a platter of grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a bright Italian salad. It’s just as delicious spooned onto crostini or as a punchy condiment for cheese boards and antipasto platters.
Creative Ways to Present
Try tossing the pesto with hot pasta and roasted cherry tomatoes for a quick meal, or spread it inside panini for a gourmet twist. You can even spoon dollops onto baked fish or chicken. For party snacks, swirl it into yogurt as a dip, or layer in jars with more Parmesan for an impressive edible gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto, simply place it in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to four days. To preserve the color and flavor, press a sheet of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing.
Freezing
Sicilian pesto freezes beautifully! Transfer it to small containers or ice cube trays for single servings. Once frozen, pop out the cubes and store them in zip-top bags for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy bursts of summer flavor even when basil is out of season.
Reheating
To use frozen pesto, simply thaw in the fridge or at room temperature. If it looks a bit thick after thawing, stir in a little olive oil. Avoid heating it on high, as that can dull the fresh basil flavor; instead, gently warm it by tossing with hot, just-cooked pasta or vegetables.
FAQs
Can I use a different nut instead of almonds?
Absolutely! While blanched almonds are classic for Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto, you can substitute with toasted pine nuts, cashews, or even walnuts for a different flavor profile.
Is Sicilian pesto vegan-friendly?
Traditional recipes include Parmesan, but you can easily make this Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto vegan by swapping in nutritional yeast and omitting the cheese, or using a plant-based parmesan alternative.
What’s the best pasta shape for Sicilian pesto?
Short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni catch the chunky, saucy pesto best, but honestly, any pasta is a good canvas for this zesty sauce!
Can I make Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto without a food processor?
Definitely. A high-power blender works well, or you can try using a mortar and pestle for a more rustic texture (just chop the tomatoes and garlic first).
What can I do if my pesto turns out too thick?
No worries! Simply drizzle in a bit more extra virgin olive oil or a splash of pasta cooking water and pulse again until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a pesto lover or discovering this bold, sun-kissed sauce for the first time, Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto is sure to brighten your table and your mood. I can’t wait for you to make this at home and put your own creative twist on it—each spoonful is a little taste of Sicily, ready to share!
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Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto is a flavorful twist on classic pesto, combining cherry tomatoes, blanched almonds, and fresh basil for a vibrant sauce that’s perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or grilled vegetables.
Ingredients
Cherry Tomato Pesto:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup blanched almonds
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more if needed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine cherry tomatoes, almonds, Parmesan, basil, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Add Olive Oil: While the processor is running, slowly stream in olive oil until smooth.
- Season: Adjust consistency with more oil if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Use immediately as a sauce or store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Notes
- To intensify flavor, toast almonds before blending.
- For heat, add red pepper flakes; for creaminess, add ricotta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment, Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian, Sicilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 4mg
