Sun-Dried Tomatoes are one of those ingredients I forget about most of the year…
And then summer rolls around and suddenly I want them in everything. (Trying to make myself feel like I'm on holiday in Italy).
They’re salty, tangy, chewy little flavour bombs. They’ve been doing the rounds in Mediterranean kitchens for centuries. Originally dried out in the sun to preserve the tomato harvest, they’ve become a pantry staple for adding instant depth to meals without much effort.
At The Refill, we sell them loose (oil-free, plastic-free, waste-free), and we’ve even prepped a few smoked paprika and herb-infused jars so all you need to do is top up with oil or water to turn them into an instant sauce.
(P.S. Our sun-dried toms are already salty enough so don't add salt into your cooking when using them!)
Here are six of my favourite ways to use them — for lazy lunches, sunny dinners, and moments when you want something nourishing without too much faff.
🥗 1. The Pasta Salad Glow-Up
Cook up your favourite short pasta, then toss with cucumber, olives, crumbled feta, and a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Finish with fresh herbs (mint, parsley, basil – whatever you’ve got) and a squeeze of lemon.
Simple, summery, and somehow always better the next day.
🌯 2. The Halloumi Wrap Magic
Grill halloumi and some veg (courgette or peppers work well). Spread hummus on a flatbread, layer everything up, and tuck in a few strips of sun-dried tomato.
It’s the savoury hit that takes your lunch from “fine” to “flipping delicious.”
🫒 3. The 5-Minute Tapenade
When you want something snacky-but-special, this one hits the spot.
Blend together:
– a small handful of sun-dried tomatoes
– a clove of garlic
– a few olives + capers
– a good glug of olive oil
Blend until thick and spreadable. Try it on toast, stirred through pasta, or straight from the jar if we’re being honest.
🍸 4. The Mediterranean Martini
Feeling bold? This is the one for you.Salt the rim of your glass with dried tomato powder + sea salt (optional but fancy).
In a shaker with ice, mix:
– 60ml vodka (peppery ones work best)
– 60ml tomato water
– 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
– a pinch of smoked paprika
Shake, strain, and garnish with a cherry tomato, a baby mozzarella ball, or a basil leaf.
It’s salty, sharp, and surprisingly smooth. Summer in a glass.
🥗 5. The Grain Goddess Bowl
Start with a base of couscous, bulgur, or pearl barley. Add roasted veg, chickpeas, and — of course — chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Squeeze over lemon juice, drizzle with olive oil, and toss in some fresh herbs.
It’s nourishing, satisfying, and just the right amount of smug.
🍝 6. The No-Fuss Pasta Sauce
This is the easiest dinner you’ll make all week.
We’ve jarred sun-dried tomatoes with herbs so all you need to do is add a splash of boiling water or olive oil, let them soften, then blend into a silky, tangy sauce.
Toss with hot pasta and top with rocket, toasted seeds, or whatever’s in the fridge.
No chopping. No simmering. Just comfort in a bowl.
Where to find them
You can scoop sun-dried tomatoes loose in the shop — bring your own jar or grab one of ours. We also have a limited batch of pre-jarred tomatoes with herbs ready to be turned into sauces, marinades, and more.
Or you can buy them online here.
📍 Find us at:
The Refill – 7–9 Ropa Court, Friday Street, Leighton Buzzard LU7 1DU