Few appetizers are easier or more crowd-pleasing than a loaded bread dipping oil. This sun-dried tomato pesto version delivers big flavor with minimal effort — just six ingredients and five minutes, with no cooking required.
I keep coming back to simple bread-dipping oils because they’re fast, attractive on a table, and universally loved. This sun-dried tomato pesto spin — a variation on a classic herby pesto oil — works for casual gatherings or a cozy date night.
It’s easy to prepare ahead and relies on pantry-friendly items. While perfect for dipping with crusty bread or focaccia, the oil also doubles as a versatile condiment: drizzle it over grilled chicken, lamb koftas, roast chicken or steak; toss it through pasta for a quick no-cook sauce; spoon it over steamed rice or roast potatoes; or use it as a flavorful topper for hummus or whipped feta.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Olive oil. Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil — it’s the base, so flavor matters.
- Sun-dried tomato pesto. Also called red pesto, this combines sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, nuts, garlic and oil. Homemade or store-bought both work.
- Almonds. Chopped roasted almonds add crunch. You can substitute pine nuts, cashews, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds if you prefer.
- Herbs. Fresh oregano and thyme are used here; basil or dried herbs are fine alternatives.
- Lemon. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the oil — fresh is best.
How to Make Sun-dried Tomato Bread Dipping Oil
Making this dip is as simple as combining the ingredients and tasting for salt. The only prep is chopping the almonds and herbs. For easy cleanup, mix the oil in the serving bowl or a lipped plate.
Watch How to Make Sun-dried Tomato Dipping Oil
Sun-Dried Tomato Dipping Oil FAQs
Yes. The oil keeps well in the refrigerator for about a week in a covered container. Fresh herbs will fade in color the longer they sit in oil, so if you want vibrant herbs for a party, stir them in just before serving.
Beyond dipping bread, use the oil to finish grilled meats, toss with pasta for a quick sauce, spoon over risotto or rice, drizzle on roast potatoes, or add to other dips like hummus or whipped feta for extra flavor.
Four More Bread Dipping Oils to Try
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment or rating below and tag @DishedByKate on social media if you share a photo — I enjoy seeing your recreations.
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Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Bread Dipping Oil
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- Author: Kate Phillips
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
There isn’t an easier appetizer than a loaded bread dipping oil. This sun-dried tomato pesto version is packed with flavor and ready in minutes — perfect for a party or date night with just six ingredients and no cooking.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomato pesto
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon roasted almonds, chopped
- A handful of fresh thyme leaves
- A handful of fresh oregano leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Mix the oil. In a serving bowl or lipped plate, combine 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup sun-dried tomato pesto, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon chopped almonds and the oregano and thyme. Stir to combine and taste; season with salt if needed.
- Serve. Arrange bread around the dipping oil (soft, fluffy focaccia is ideal) and let guests help themselves.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Herbs will fade in the oil over time; add them just before serving if you want bright color.
Ingredients: Sun-dried tomato pesto may be labeled red pesto in stores. Choose good-quality extra virgin olive oil and use fresh lemon juice when possible. Swap almonds with other nuts or seeds to vary texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: dips
- Method: no cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 111
- Sugar: 0.6g
- Sodium: 1.7mg
- Fat: 12.1g
- Saturated Fat: 1.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1.4g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0.6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg