Are you wondering how to use pesto, besides pasta? You'll find over 30 mouthwatering recipes using pesto here, everything from appetizers to side dishes to entrees, and so much more!
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Pesto is one of my all-time favorite recipe ingredients. It's absolutely full of flavor and can make pretty much any dish a little more exciting.
If you've only eaten this yummy sauce with pasta, then you'll probably be surprised by how versatile it is! From appetizers to entrees, there are so many recipes that would benefit from a little basil zip.
Is all this talk making you hungry? Then you're in luck, because I've rounded up over 30 recipes using pesto that you're going to want to try ASAP. These dishes go way beyond pasta, but don't worry, you'll find a few of my fave pastas here, too!
Keep scrolling to read all my tips for cooking with pesto ... you'll find general ideas first, then the recipes come after that.
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How to Use Pesto
Before we get to the recipes, let's talk about pesto itself. Pesto is a zippy basil sauce that's popular in Italian cooking. It's traditionally made with fresh basil, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic, although variations abound.
There are sooo many ways to use pesto. Of course, there's pasta, but it can also be used in appetizers, on pizza, and even in salads. You can treat it as an integral part of the meal or more of a condiment ... so feel free to get creative!
You'll find many pesto recipe ideas below, so keep reading.
Store Bought vs. Homemade
Although you can buy this sauce pre-made in a jar, there really is no comparison when it comes to flavor. Homemade is the best by leaps and bounds! The goods news is that you can make pesto from scratch in about five minutes. It really couldn't be simpler or quicker to prepare. I promise that it's worth the (minimal) effort.
Of course, sometimes it's just too convenient not to grab store bought. And in a pinch, this refrigerated pesto is my favorite.
Types of Pesto
When it comes to this classic sauce, you're probably thinking in terms of the basil stuff. And while that's certainly the most popular variety, there are many different types of pesto:
- Classic Basil Pesto - Also known as Pesto alla Genovese, this is an Italian favorite!
- Cilantro Pesto - If you're a cilantro fan, you won't be able to resist this version.
- Mixed Herb Pesto - This tasty sauce is a great way to use up all different kinds of herbs.
- Basil-Spinach Pesto -Adding spinach makes a super green pesto that's so delish.
- Ricotta Pesto - Perfect for when you're craving a creamy pesto!
- Kale Pesto - This recipe is a great way to use up lots of kale.
- Macadamia Nut Pesto - Don't be afraid to try different nuts. Macadamias work great in this yummy sauce.
- Rosemary Pesto - Fragrant rosemary make a unique pesto you're sure to love.
You can also purchase (or make) more unique varieties, like Sun Dried Tomato or even Olive Pesto.
30 Recipes Using Pesto
Okay, enough chatting about this classic sauce, let's get to the pesto recipe ideas! I hope you find tons of pesto uses here that you'd never even thought of before. Be sure to let me know which ones you can't wait to try in the comments.
Breakfast Recipes
Spread it on these tasty Breakfast Sandwiches or spoon it over avocado toast.
Add to an omelet or drizzle over scrambled eggs. This Pesto Breakfast Skillet from Naturally Ella looks scrumptious.
Appetizer and Snack Recipes
The bright, bold flavors of this sauce are a natural in dips. Serve pesto as a dip for bread or raw or Grilled Veggies, or try mixing it with sour cream, Greek yogurt, cream cheese, or even goat cheese to make a yummy spread. Try this pretty layered Pesto Dip from Dinner at the Zoo if you want to impress guests.
Pesto pairs so well with tomato and mozzarella. Try drizzling it over these Caprese Skewers for a quick appetizer.
Spread on toast or bruschetta. This Bruschetta with Ricotta and Pesto from Floating Kitchen looks so delicious!
Swirl a spoonful or two into hummus. It would be delicious with Classic Hummus, as well as this Sun Dried Tomato Hummus.
Toss with Popcorn like The Endless Meal did. Yum!
Spread it over puff pastry to make a Tarte Soleil, a beautiful (and easy) French appetizer. Or make this Puff Pastry Christmas Tree for the holidays!
Salad Recipes
Did you know that pesto can be turned into a vinaigrette? Check out my easy Pesto Salad Dressing for details! It's so delicious paired with this Caprese Lettuce Salad.
Serve this dressing with a crunchy lettuce like romaine, grape tomatoes, olives, and bocconcini (mini fresh mozzarella balls), or drizzle it over tomato salads, like this Burrata Caprese or this Caprese Freekeh Salad, too.
Pesto can also be in pasta salads, like this Southwest Pasta Salad. Or you could try it instead of the vinaigrette in this Greek Pasta Salad.
Soup Recipes
A spoonful of pesto makes a delightful addition to a bowl of soup! There's even a classic French soup that calls for it. Give this Soupe au Pistou recipe from David Lebovitz a try, and let me know what you think.
Don't stop there though! Add a dollop of this boldly-flavored basil sauce to my Minestrone, Classic Vegetable Soup, and Tomato Soup recipes, too.
Sandwich Recipes
Pesto makes an excellent sandwich spread. You can slather it on almost any sandwich, even grilled cheese!
Try this Hummus Sandwich which uses a delicious mixed-herb pesto that has so much flavor. Spread it on this simple Caprese Sandwich with tomatoes and fresh mozzarella (find the recipe at the end of the travel guide), or treat yourself to this Tomato Tartine (which has a pesto vinaigrette dressing).
Make this unique Halloumi Sandwich or these delightful Green Veggie Burgers, both of which use this tasty Pesto Mayo Spread.
Side Dish Recipes
This easy sauce is the perfect way to perk up a simple side dish! Here are a few ideas to try:
Mix with (or drizzle over) steamed or Roasted Vegetables, stir a spoonful or two into mashed potatoes, mix with softened butter, then serve with corn on the cob or fresh baked bread.
Pair it with bread and cheese in this Pesto Pull-Apart Bread like The Cooking Jar did.
Toss it with veggies and bake, like Love & Lemons did with this Crispy Baked Zucchini.
Main Dish Recipes
My favorite way to use pesto is in a delicious main dish. It's so versatile!
Let's start with the classics ... it doesn't get more traditional than pasta. This simple Pesto Pasta is the BEST way to use this sauce, and it's beyond easy to make. Or try it in this Pesto Gnocchi, which only takes 15 minutes to make! I also love this scrumptious Kale Pesto Pasta, this Creamy Pesto Ricotta Pasta, and this Pasta with Roasted Vegetables which uses a unique cilantro pesto.
Mix it with cream cheese to make an amazing base for a mouthwatering Tomato Galette!
It's also wonderful stirred into risotto. You won't be able to resist this Pesto Risotto!
Have you tried pesto on pizza instead of tomato sauce? It's scrumptious, and you'll love these recipes:
- Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta, Artichokes, and Broccoli
- Pesto, Feta, and Veggie Pizza
- Caprese Pizza (brush the crust with pesto instead of olive oil)
- Grape, Feta, and Pesto Pizza
- Grilled Pizza
- Kale Pesto Pizza
- Roasted Pumpkin Pizza
- Mediterranean Pizza
Pesto is also a great finishing touch for many entrees. I love the creamy version in Roasted Veggie Bowl, and this Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl would certainly benefit from a dollop, too.
FAQs about Pesto
Pesto should not be heated, because heat causes the basil to oxidize and turn brown. Instead, let the heat of the pasta (or whatever you mixing the sauce with) warm it up.
You can eat pesto cold. It's delicious in pasta salads, spread on sandwiches, stirred into dips, and so much more.
Pesto works with almost any type of pasta, from strands of spaghetti and capellini to shapes such as penne or fusilli.
Pesto is made with healthy ingredients like fresh basil, olive oil, and garlic. However, it is high in fat, so you'll probably want to enjoy it in moderation.
Homemade pesto sauce lasts about two to three days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for up to three months. For best results, top refrigerated pesto with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent it from discoloring.
Yes, pesto can be frozen. Freeze larger portions in an ziptop plastic bag or small container. Smaller amounts can be frozen in an ice cube tray, then transferred to a ziptop bag for longer storage.
I hope you found some creative ideas for how to use pesto sauce! There really is so much you can do with it. What is your favorite way to use pesto?
P.S. Looking for more helpful kitchen tips? Check out my guides 30 Ways to Use Roasted Garlic and What to Eat with Hummus next!
