This Sundried Tomato Dressing brings together the rich, tangy flavor of sundried tomatoes with fresh basil, zesty lemon juice, and a hint of honey for a perfect balance of savory and sweet. Blended with garlic and olive oil, the dressing is perfect for adding a burst of Mediterranean flavor to any salad, grilled vegetables, or even as a marinade. Quick and easy to make, it will definitely elevate your dish!
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Just like my Cilantro Lime Tahini Sauce, I love making a batch of this Sundried Tomato Dressing in a mason jar to keep on hand for all kinds of uses. This dressing is perfect not only for salads but also as a delicious spread over toast or a dip for fresh vegetables. I often use it to make sandwiches for my kids.
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Reasons to love this recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe comes together in minutes.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of sundried tomatoes, garlic, basil, and lemon creates a rich, tangy dressing that adds a burst of flavor.
- It's Healthy: Made with wholesome ingredients, the dressing is a great way to enhance the flavor of your meals without relying on store-bought dressings filled with preservatives.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare a batch in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week, so you always have a delicious dressing or spread ready to go.
- Kid-Friendly: Like this Broccoli Microgreens Breakfast Sandwich, the balanced flavors make it a hit even with kids.
Key Ingredients
- Sundried Tomatoes: The star of this recipe, sundried tomatoes bring a concentrated tomato flavor with a touch of sweetness. They add a tangy taste that makes this dressing unique. If you like sundried tomato recipes, you should also try this Tuna Steak with Sundried Tomatoes and Figs recipe!
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch of savory flavor.
- Olive Oil: Adds a smooth, rich base that ties all the flavors together.
- Basil: Fresh basil adds a lovely hint of herbal, slightly peppery notes. I love the combination of fresh basil and sundried tomatoes; they just go so well together. I also use the combination in this Sun-Dried Tomato and Mango Crostini recipe and everyone loves the fresh and savory flavors!
- Honey: A touch of honey adds a subtle sweetness that offsets the acidity of the tomatoes and lemon we'll be using in the recipe.
*** see the recipe card at the end of this post for the full list of ingredients and quantities
Substitutions and variations
- Olive Oil: Substitute with avocado oil or grapeseed oil. I usually like using avocado oil as a neutral flavor because it is more nutritious than grapeseed oil. I use it in this Arugula and Spinach Salad and this Citrus Avocado Salad Recipe.
- Honey: You can substitute with maple syrup or agave syrup for a vegan option, or omit entirely for a less sweet dressing.
- Basil: Swap for fresh parsley, cilantro, or a mix of dried Italian herbs if fresh basil isn’t available. My personal favorite substitution is cilantro. It's such a great addition of flavor to so many different dishes. I use a generous amount of cilantro in this Burrata Cheese with Marinated Mushrooms and Tomato Salsa recipe and it adds a layer of brightness and a vibrant, fresh taste!
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or a teaspoon of harissa for a spicy kick. You can also double the garlic for a more intense, robust flavor that pairs well with grilled vegetables and meats.
Preparation
STEP 1: Prepare the ingredients
Coarsely chop the garlic and fresh basil. And, if using sundried tomatoes packed in oil, drain and coarsely chop them. If using dried sundried tomatoes, rehydrate them by soaking in hot water for about 10 minutes, then drain.
STEP 2: Blend
In a food processor or blender, combine all the ingredients and blend until smooth.If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more honey; for more acidity, add more lemon juice.
Top Tips
- Choose high-quality sundried tomatoes (preferably packed in olive oil) and fresh basil to maximize flavor.
- Adjust Consistency: For a thinner dressing, add more water or olive oil until you reach your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker dressing, reduce the amount of liquid or add a little more sundried tomato.
- Taste as you go and adjust the salt, pepper, honey, or lemon juice to balance the sweetness, acidity, and saltiness to your liking.
- Allow the dressing to sit for at least 10 minutes after blending. This resting time helps the flavors meld together
Frequently Asked Questions
Sundried tomatoes are tomatoes that are dried to remove most of their water, resulting in a concentrated, tangy, and intensely savory flavor. Sundried tomatoes are also chewier, more nutrient-dense, and used to add bold flavor to dishes in smaller quantities.
The dressing can be stored in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Make sure to shake or stir well before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.
Although the dressing is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and blend or stir well before using to restore the consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Drizzle the dressing over mixed green salads such as this Spring Vegetable and Berry Salad, pasta salads, or grain-based salads like quinoa or farro for a burst of tangy flavor. Or, use the dressing as a spread on sandwiches, wraps, or paninis. It's great as a spread in this Broccoli Microgreens Breakfast Sandwich. It also pairs well with grilled vegetables, mozzarella, turkey, or chicken. I love serving it with our Super Easy Sautéed Chicken Thighs.
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Recipe
Sundried Tomato Dressing
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic coarsely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves coarsely chopped
- ½ cup sundried tomatoes coarsley chopped
- ¼ cup olive oil extra virgin
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 heaping tablespoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper or to taste
- ¾ cup drinking water
Instructions
- Coarsley chop the garlic and fresh basil. And, if using sundried tomatoes packed in oil, drain and coarsely chop them. If using dried sundried tomatoes, rehydrate them by soaking in hot water for about 10 minutes, then drain and chop them.
- In a food processor or blender, combine all the ingredients and blend until smooth, adjusting the consistency with a little water. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more honey; for more acidity, add more lemon juice.2 cloves garlic, ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, ½ cup sundried tomatoes, ¼ cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 heaping tablespoon honey, ¾ cup drinking water, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Notes
- Choose high-quality sundried tomatoes (preferably packed in olive oil) and fresh basil to maximize flavor.
- Adjust Consistency: For a thinner dressing, add more olive oil, or water for lighter dressing, until you reach your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker dressing, reduce the amount of liquid or add a little more sundried tomato.
- Taste as you go and adjust the salt, pepper, honey, or lemon juice to balance the sweetness, acidity, and saltiness to your liking.
- Allow the dressing to sit for at least 10 minutes after blending. This resting time helps the flavors meld together
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