Substitute for Sun-Dried Tomatoes (16 Easy Savory Options)
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If you need a substitute for sun-dried tomatoes, there are several easy options you can consider depending on the dish you’re preparing.
Our substitutes will work in different recipes and many of them you have in your fridge and pantry!
Sun-Dried Tomato Substitute
Here are 16 substitutes for sun-dried tomatoes:
- Fresh Tomatoes: Use ripe tomatoes, preferably Roma or plum tomatoes, and roast or slow-cook them to achieve a similar concentrated flavor. You can sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and herbs before roasting.
- Canned Tomatoes: Canned diced or crushed tomatoes can be a convenient replacement. Drain them well and use the tomato pieces in your recipe.
- Roasted Red Bell Peppers: Roasted red bell peppers are a popular choice. They have a sweet, smoky flavor and a tender texture that can work well in various recipes, such as pasta dishes, sandwiches, and salads.
- Tomato Paste: Tomato paste is highly concentrated and can impart a rich tomato flavor to your dishes.
- Fresh Cherry Tomatoes Slow-Roasted: Slow-roast cherry tomatoes in the oven until they become slightly dried and concentrated in flavor. This method can mimic the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Halved or quartered cherry tomatoes can add a burst of fresh tomato flavor to salads, pasta, and other dishes.
- Tomato Puree: In recipes where the texture of sun-dried tomatoes isn’t crucial, you can use tomato puree or tomato sauce to add a tomato flavor base.
- Oven-Dried Tomatoes: Slice fresh tomatoes thinly, sprinkle them with salt, and dry them in a low-temperature oven until they become semi-dried.
- Roasted Garlic: Roasted garlic has a milder and sweeter flavor compared to raw garlic. It can be mashed and added to dressings, spreads, or as a topping for pizza and bread.
- Roasted Beets: Roasted beets have a sweet and earthy taste. While not an exact flavor match for sun-dried tomatoes, they can add a unique element to salads, sandwiches, or winter salads.
- Roasted Carrots: Roasted carrots have a sweet and caramelized flavor. They can be used in various recipes, including dips, pasta, and salad.
- Tomato Confit: Make a tomato confit by slow-cooking fresh tomatoes in olive oil with garlic and herbs until they become tender and intensely flavored.
- Roasted Asparagus: Roasted asparagus offers a fresh, slightly nutty flavor and a tender yet crispy texture. It can be a delightful addition to pasta, grain dishes, or as a side vegetable.
- Roasted Zucchini: Roasted zucchini has a mild, earthy flavor and a tender texture. It’s a good choice for pasta dishes, grain bowls, or as a pizza topping.
- Roasted Onions: Roasted onions have a sweet and caramelized flavor. They can be used in a wide range of dishes, from soups and stews to sandwiches and hearty salads.
- Roasted Mushrooms: Roasted mushrooms provide a savory, umami-rich flavor and a meaty texture. They can be a suitable substitute in recipes like pasta sauces, risotto, and sandwiches.
Remember to adjust the quantity and preparation method based on the specific recipe you’re working on, as the intensity and texture of sun-dried tomatoes can vary from dish to dish.
Roasted vegetables are the easiest substitute depending on your specific recipe and desired flavor profile. Each vegetable brings its own unique character to your dishes.
DISCLOSURE: Not intended for the treatment or prevention of disease, nor as a substitute for medical treatment, nor as an alternative to medical advice. Use of recommendations is at the choice and risk of the reader. Ditch the Wheat is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. I only endorse products that I believe in.
Carol Lovett is the founder of Ditch the Wheat and a Globe and Mail bestselling author of the cookbook, Ditch the Wheat. She has been eating gluten free since 2010. She loves all things food, natural living, and spiritual. She's also a reiki master and crystal healer.
Gluten Free Resources
Do you need help with gluten free meals?
I recommend this meal-planning app. It makes cooking gluten free dinners extremely easy and family-friendly.
What gluten free snacks can I eat?
Lots! I have a ton of practical gluten free snack recipes in my cookbook.
How can I eat dessert on a gluten free diet?
You can 100% eat dessert while eating gluten free. Try my dessert cookbook for easy gluten free dessert recipes.
How do I know what is gluten free and what isn’t?
I have a whole section is it gluten free?
How do I make substitutions?
If you need substitution advice I created a ton of resources here.
