When it comes to differentiating one menu from the rest, chefs can utilize a number of ingredients to help their dishes truly stand out from the pack and make diners want to come back again and again. One of those secret ingredients is Traina Foods Sun Dried Tomatoes. With such powerful flavor, the addition of sun dried tomatoes can take any dish from blah to wow!

Use Them in Dressings

Traina Foods Sun Dried Tomatoes have intense flavor, so when added to salad dressings, marinades and vinaigrettes, a little goes a long way! With a general guideline of “fat to acid” ratio being three parts fat and one part acid, these dressing ideas will splash up any green or pasta salad. The trick to fully emulsifying the dressing is to shake all ingredients in a tightly sealed jar or quickly whisk.

French Vinaigrette

2 Tablespoons Traina Foods Sun Dried Tomatoes, diced

2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar

2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 clove garlic, minced

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Aromatic Sun Dried Tomato Dressing

1/4 cup olive oil

1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar

2 teaspoons chives, chopped

1 Tablespoon Traina Foods Sun Dried Tomatoes

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon cumin

Pinch of chipotle

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Pair Them with Pasta

Sun Dried Tomatoes and pasta go together like peanut butter and jelly. With the addition of a few other bold ingredients, such as anchovies and capers, this Sun Dried Tomato Pasta dish will have diners ordering a second bowl! Another clever combination features Sun Dried Tomatoes, Asiago cheese and spinach over pasta. 

Asian Inspiration

Traina Foods Sun Dried Tomatoes also complement the flavors in Asian dishes, and can bring a traditional dish, such as shrimp lettuce wraps to the next level. Check out this video for Traina Foods’ Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Sweet Chili Sauce and Sun Dried Tomatoes for a quick upgrade on ordinary lettuce cups.

Savory Sandwiches and Wraps

Utilizing Traina Foods Sun Dried Tomatoes can rev up sandwiches, such as this Tuna Salad Wrap with Sun Dried Tomatoes. The following is another recipe classic that is sure to kick up any menu.

Antipasto Sandwiches with Traina Foods Sun Dried Tomatoes

Ingredients

• 2 6-ounce jars marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1 XX-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained and sliced
• 1/2 cup Traina Foods Julienne-Cut Sun Dried Tomatoes in oil, drained
• 2 T olive oil
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 pound fontina cheese, thinly sliced
• 1/2 pound mortadella
• 1/2 pound prosciutto
• 1/2 pound salami
• 6 round focaccia rolls

Preparation

1. Mix the first five ingredients in a small bowl, and then season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Spread the top half of each roll with two tablespoons of the mixture, then stack the bottom half of each roll with mortadella, prosciutto, salami and fontina.
3. Put the top on, press together and warm in a 350 degree oven to toast or serve immediately.