Out of sun-dried tomatoes and don't want to make a store run? A good substitute for sun-dried tomatoes comes down to matching two things: their concentrated tomato flavor and their chewy, jammy texture. I have swapped them in and out of pastas, salads, and appetizer boards for years, and this list covers every option I actually reach for, sorted by what you are making.
This guide rounds up the 8 best substitutes for sun-dried tomatoes, grouped by tomato-based options and non-tomato options, for anyone who is out, on a budget, or looking for something fresher. It's for home cooks making pasta, salads, or an appetizer board who need a swap that actually holds up in their dish. Each substitute notes how its flavor, texture, and saltiness compare to sun-dried tomatoes, plus a substitution ratio, so you can pick the right one on the first try. The post also sorts substitutes by use case (sauces and pasta, salads, antipasto boards, dips) and answers the most common questions about rehydrating and replacing sun-dried tomatoes.
What Are Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes are tomatoes with most of their water removed, either by actual sun drying or, more commonly today, in a low oven or a dehydrator. Losing that water concentrates the flavor into something chewy, sweet, and a little tangy, with a lot more depth than a fresh tomato.
You'll usually find them two ways: packed in oil in a jar, or dry-packed in a bag. Oil-packed tomatoes are soft and ready to use straight out of the jar. Dry-packed tomatoes are firmer and need to be rehydrated in warm water or oil before most recipes can use them.
Oil-Packed vs. Dry-Packed, Why It Matters for Substitutes
It matters more than you'd think. Oil packed sun-dried tomatoes are already soft and a little seasoned from sitting in that oil, so the best substitute for them is something with a similar richness, like oven-roasted tomatoes tossed in olive oil. Dry packed tomatoes are chewier and more concentrated, so a substitute for those should lean firmer, like tomato paste or a well-reduced tomato puree.
I'll note which type each substitute below works best for, so you can match it to your recipe.
How to Use Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes show up most in pasta dishes like this sun-dried tomato pasta salad, on appetizer boards next to marinated mozzarella balls and a burrata caprese appetizer, and stirred into sauces, dips, and dressings.
The Best Substitutes for Sun-Dried Tomatoes
You may not have sun-dried tomatoes in your pantry, or you might not like sun-dried tomatoes. So, I've put together a list of substitutions you can use in place of sun-dried tomatoes. No matter what you're cooking, below is a general list of the best alternatives.
Oven Roasted Tomatoes
Oven-roasted tomatoes are probably the best substitute for sun-dried tomatoes. You'll definitely get that roasted flavor, which is different from sun-dried tomatoes, but they both have a chewy texture and similar flavor, making them an excellent substitute. You can quickly oven-roast tomatoes at home using all the tomatoes from your summer garden.
Tomato Puree
Depending on the recipe you're making, tomato puree is a great substitute. Particularly in pasta dishes like a homemade sauce recipe, you can easily use a tablespoon or two of puree. It has a more intense tomato flavor, so I recommend adding it teaspoon by teaspoon.
Fresh Tomatoes
Of course, fresh tomatoes are a great option. I recommend grape tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, plum tomatoes, or heirloom tomatoes. Depending on what you're making, you may need additional ingredients. I'll get into that!
Tamarind Paste
Tamarind paste is made from the dark and sticky fruit that grows on the tamarind tree. It's commonly used in dishes like pad Thai, Thai curries, or Indian curries. I would recommend using a teaspoon or two in place of sun-dried tomatoes.
Homemade Sun-Dried Tomatoes
You can always make homemade sun-dried tomatoes in a pinch! You can quickly make them in the oven with grape tomatoes and sea salt.
How to Choose the Best Substitute
The right choice depends on what you're making. Here's how I'd sort them.
Sauces and Pasta
- Oven-Roasted Tomatoes
- Tomato Paste
- Tomato Puree or Canned Tomatoes
- Tamarind Paste
Salads and Antipasto Boards
- Fresh Tomatoes
- Homemade Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Roasted Red Peppers
- Kalamata Olives
Dips, Spreads, and Pestos
- Tomato Paste
- Oven-Roasted Tomatoes
- Roasted Red Peppers
FAQ
Can I substitute fresh tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, but expect a lighter, brighter flavor instead of that concentrated sweetness. Fresh tomatoes work best in salads and are not the closest match for sauces or dips.
What is the closest substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
Oven-roasted tomatoes are the closest match in both flavor and texture. They take a couple of hours in the oven, but the payoff is worth it if sun-dried tomatoes are the star of your dish.
Can I use tomato paste instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, especially in sauces where sun-dried tomatoes are adding depth rather than texture. Use less than you think, about a tablespoon per quarter cup of sun-dried tomatoes.
How do you rehydrate dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes?
Soak them in warm water or broth for 15 to 20 minutes until softened, then drain well before using. You can also simmer them in the sauce or dish itself if it has enough liquid.
Why are sun-dried tomatoes so expensive?
It takes about 20 to 30 pounds of fresh tomatoes to make one pound of sun-dried tomatoes, plus the time and labor to dry them. That ratio is what drives up the price.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes if I don't like the texture?
Tomato paste or a well-reduced tomato puree gives you the same concentrated flavor without the chewy bite. They blend into sauces and dressings instead of standing out.
