Sun‑dried tomatoes have always been one of my favourite ingredients, rustic, refined and deeply Mediterranean. Over the years, I’ve made countless recipes with them, and today I’m sharing some of my favourites. Beyond their incredible flavour, sun‑dried tomatoes offer beauty‑from‑within benefits that support radiant skin, healthy hair, and overall wellness.
The Beauty Benefits of Sun‑Dried Tomatoes
Rich in Lycopene for Radiance
Sun‑dried tomatoes contain concentrated lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental stressors and supports a more even, luminous complexion.
Vitamins A & C for Skin Renewal
These vitamins encourage collagen production, brighten the skin and support healthy cell turnover.
Mineral‑Rich for Hair + Energy
Iron, potassium, and magnesium help support circulation, hydration, and energy — all essential for beauty‑from‑within.
Culinary Recipes Featuring Sun‑Dried Tomatoes
(Five original recipes inspired by Giada, Love & Lemons, Preppy Kitchen, Food by Maria, and Mediterranean Diet creators)
Sun‑Dried Tomato & Burrata Caprese (Giada‑Inspired)
A luxurious, Mediterranean‑bright twist on the classic Caprese.
Ingredients
- 1 ball fresh burrata
- 2–3 heirloom tomatoes, sliced
- ¼ cup sun‑dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
- Sea salt + cracked pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the tomatoes
Slice heirloom tomatoes into rounds and arrange them on a serving plate. - Add the burrata
Gently tear or place the burrata in the center of the plate. - Layer the sun‑dried tomatoes
Scatter chopped sun‑dried tomatoes over the burrata and fresh tomatoes. - Season and garnish
Add basil leaves, sea salt, and cracked pepper. - Finish with olive oil and balsamic glaze
Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over the entire dish. - Serve immediately
Best enjoyed at room temperature.
Fridge:
Best eaten immediately. Tomatoes become watery after 24 hours.
Freezer:
Not recommended.
Substitutions:
- Mozzarella instead of burrata (burrata is higher in protein)
- Arugula instead of basil
Lemon Orzo with Sun‑Dried Tomatoes
(Love & Lemons–Inspired)
Light, citrusy, and perfect for warm‑weather lunches.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry orzo
- ⅓ cup sun‑dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- ¼ cup cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt + pepper
Instructions
- Cook the orzo
Boil orzo according to package instructions. Drain and let cool slightly. - Prepare the vegetables
Chop cucumber, parsley, and sun‑dried tomatoes. - Combine ingredients
In a bowl, toss orzo with vegetables. - Dress the salad
Add lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss gently. - Chill or serve immediately
This dish can be served warm or cold.
Fridge:
3–4 days in an airtight glass container.
Freezer:
Not recommended (orzo becomes mushy).
Substitutions:
- Couscous instead of orzo
- Dill instead of parsley
Sun‑Dried Tomato & Herb Frittata
(Preppy Kitchen–Inspired)
A refined, brunch‑ready dish with Mediterranean brightness.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- ¼ cup sun‑dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Prepare the skillet
Heat olive oil in an oven‑safe skillet over medium heat. - Whisk the eggs
In a bowl, whisk eggs until smooth. Season lightly with salt and pepper. - Fold in the fillings
Add sun‑dried tomatoes, feta, and chives to the egg mixture. Stir gently to combine. - Pour into the skillet
Reduce heat to medium‑low. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and let it cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until the edges begin to set. - Bake the frittata
Transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the centre is set and no longer jiggly. - Cool and serve
Let the frittata cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Fridge:
Best eaten immediately. Tomatoes become watery after 24 hours.
Freezer:
Not recommended.
Substitutions:
- Mozzarella instead of burrata
- Arugula instead of basil
Creamy Sun‑Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
A rich, comforting pasta with tender chicken and Mediterranean flavour.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced or cubed
- ½ cup sun‑dried tomatoes in oil
- 1 cup cream or half‑and‑half
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp Parmesan (optional)
- Pasta of choice
- Olive oil
- Salt + pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta
Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Cook the chicken
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside. - Prepare the sauce
In the same pan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add chicken broth, cream, and sun‑dried tomatoes. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. - Add chicken back in
Return cooked chicken to the sauce and stir to coat. - Combine with pasta
Add pasta to the pan and toss until fully coated. Add Parmesan if desired. - Serve warm
Garnish with basil or extra sun‑dried tomatoes.
Fridge:
3–4 days.
Freezer:
1–2 months (cream sauces may separate slightly).
Substitutions:
- Shrimp instead of chicken
- Half‑and‑half instead of cream
Mediterranean Sun‑Dried Tomato Chickpea Bowl
A mineral‑rich beauty‑from‑within bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas
- ⅓ cup sun‑dried tomatoes in oil
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp oregano
- Salt + pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the base
Add chickpeas and spinach to a bowl. - Add sun‑dried tomatoes
Scatter chopped sun‑dried tomatoes over the bowl. - Season
Add oregano, salt and pepper. - Dress the bowl
Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. - Toss and serve
Mix gently and enjoy immediately.
Fridge:
3–5 days.
Freezer:
Chickpeas freeze well; spinach does not.
Substitutions:
- Kale instead of spinach
- White beans instead of chickpeas
Beauty DIY Recipes Using Sun‑Dried Tomatoes
Sun‑Dried Tomato Glow Mask
A gentle, antioxidant‑rich mask for radiance.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp finely minced sun‑dried tomatoes
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp yogurt
Instructions
- Prepare tomatoes
Mince sun‑dried tomatoes until they form a paste. - Mix ingredients
Combine tomato paste, honey, and yogurt in a small bowl. - Apply
Spread a thin layer over clean skin, avoiding the eyes. - Wait
Leave on for 10 minutes. - Rinse
Remove with warm water and pat dry.
Storage
- Fridge:
24 hours only (yogurt spoils quickly). - Freezer:
Not recommended.
Sun‑Dried Tomato Lip & Cheek Tint
A natural rosy tint with antioxidant oils.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp sun‑dried tomato oil
- 1 tsp beet powder
- ½ tsp shea butter
Instructions
- Melt shea butter
Warm gently until soft. - Combine ingredients
Stir in tomato oil and beet powder. - Blend
Mix until smooth and evenly tinted. - Transfer
Pour into a small pot or balm tin. - Use
Apply lightly to lips or cheeks.
Storage
- Room temperature:
3 months. - Fridge:
6 months. - Freezer:
Not needed.
Sun‑Dried Tomato Hair Gloss
Shine + softness with antioxidant oils.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp sun‑dried tomato oil
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp vitamin E oil
Instructions
- Warm oils
Heat gently until coconut oil melts. - Mix
Combine all oils in a small bowl. - Apply
Smooth onto hair ends. - Wait
Leave on for 20 minutes. - Rinse
Shampoo lightly and condition.
Storage
- Room temperature:
6 months. - Fridge:
9 months.
Sun‑Dried Tomato Antioxidant Facial Steam
Gentle detox + hydration.
Ingredients
- Bowl of hot water
- 1 tbsp sun‑dried tomatoes
- 1 chamomile tea bag
Instructions
- Prepare bowl
Fill with hot (not boiling) water. - Add ingredients
Add tomatoes and chamomile. - Steam
Lean over bowl with a towel over your head. - Time
Steam for 5 minutes. - Finish
Rinse face with cool water.
Storage
- No storage — prepare fresh each time.
Sun‑Dried Tomato Cuticle Oil
Strengthening + nourishing.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp sun‑dried tomato oil
- 1 tsp jojoba oil
- 1 drop lavender oil
Instructions
- Combine oils
Mix all ingredients in a small bottle. - Shake
Blend thoroughly. - Apply
Massage into cuticles daily.
Storage
- Room temperature:
6–12 months. - Fridge:
Optional, extends shelf life.
Sun‑dried tomatoes prove that beauty foods don’t need to be complicated — sometimes, the classics truly do the most. Whether enjoyed in a Mediterranean‑inspired dish or used in a simple DIY beauty treatment, they offer a rich blend of flavour, nourishment and radiance‑boosting benefits. I hope these recipes inspire you to bring a little Mediterranean warmth into your kitchen and your beauty routine. Enjoy!
I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?
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