Keto Fresh Tomato Basil No-Cook Pasta Sauce
This vibrant no-cook sauce celebrates peak summer tomatoes with fresh basil, garlic, and quality olive oil. Simply combine chopped vine-ripened tomatoes with aromatic herbs and let time work its magic as flavors meld at room temperature. Perfect for hot summer days when you want fresh, bright flavors without turning on the stove. The sauce develops incredible depth after sitting for at least an hour, making it ideal for meal prep. Serve over hot pasta or zucchini noodles with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a light, satisfying meal that tastes like sunshine.
Ingredients
- 4 cups vine-ripened fresh tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 pinch hot pepper flakesfresh minced jalapeño1 pinch:1/4 teaspoonvegetarian
for fresh heat
Instructions
- 1
Wash tomatoes and pat dry, then cut away stem part and cut into half-inch pieces
- 2
Put diced tomatoes into large glass or crockery bowl
- 3
Wash basil leaves and spin dry or dry with paper towel, then finely chop with chef's knife and add to tomatoes
- 4
If using fresh thyme, wash several branches and pat dry, strip off leaves, finely chop, and add to bowl
- 5
Add olive oil, garlic, sea salt, and hot pepper flakes and gently combine
- 6
Let sauce mixture sit on counter at room temperature for at least one hour and as long as all day
- 7
Serve with hot cooked pasta or sauteed zucchini noodles with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired
Tips
Use your best quality extra virgin olive oil since it's a key flavor component in this uncooked sauce
The sauce needs quite a bit of salt to bring out the tomato flavors, so taste and adjust as needed
Fresh thyme can be substituted for dried if available - wash, dry, strip leaves and finely chop
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days, bring to room temperature before serving
Can be made up to 1 day ahead, flavors improve with time
Serve at room temperature over hot pasta or zucchini noodles
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the resting time to avoid bland sauce
Use enough salt to avoid flat flavors
Don't refrigerate immediately to avoid muted flavors
Substitutions
may need extra salt for flavor
for fresh heat
FAQ
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce actually improves with time and can be made up to a day ahead. Let it come to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
What if I don't have fresh basil?
Fresh basil is really key to this recipe's flavor. If you must substitute, use about 1/3 cup dried basil, but the taste won't be quite the same.
How long will this sauce keep in the refrigerator?
The sauce will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Always bring it back to room temperature before serving.