Pesto, with its vibrant green color and rich, aromatic flavor, is a beloved staple in many kitchens. Traditionally made with basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice, and extra-virgin olive oil, this Italian pesto sauce, pesto alla genovese, is incredibly versatile.
Whether you have a fresh batch of homemade basil pesto, like my easy recipe Homemade Pesto in a Blender, or store-bought pesto, there are countless ways to incorporate it into your meals. I like using my blender to make pesto because it's already on my counter, but feel free to use a food processor too! Here are some delicious ideas to inspire you!
Homemade Pesto in a Blender
This recipe makes 1 cup of pesto. Making Homemade Pesto in a Blender is an easy way to enjoy this summery sauce. Enjoy Pesto over pasta, sandwiches, or pizza! It's so versatile.
Grilled Chicken Pesto Burgers
This Grilled Chicken Pesto Burgers are a delicious and easy keto dinner recipe.
Pesto Chicken Meatballs and Vegetables
Need a quick week night dinner recipe? Healthy pesto chicken meatballs are your answer! This recipe only takes 30 minutes to throw together.
Sheet Pan Chicken and Gnocchi Pesto
This easy Sheet Pan Chicken and Gnocchi Pesto is a weeknight favorite in our house. All you have to do is chop up some chicken, throw it on a sheet pan with some vegetables and gnocchi, and bake it for 20 minutes!
Easy Pesto Potato Salad
Looking for an easy summer side dish? This easy Pesto Potato Salad will be your next summer staple. Fresh basil pesto gives the old standard potato salad a nice refresh. You can make your own pesto or buy it to keep this recipe super easy.
Easy Chicken Pesto
Easy Chicken Pesto is a great weeknight dinner. This pesto pasta is a 30 minute dinner, and it's a crowd pleaser!
Zucchini Boats with Farro and Sun Dried Tomatoes
Looking for ways to use up zucchini this summer? This Vegetarian Zucchini Boats with Sun Dried Tomatoes is a great 30 minute summer recipe.
Steak Sandwiches with Pesto Mayonnaise
Use up your steak leftovers with these Steak Sandwiches with Pesto Mayonnaise! These sandwiches contain sauted mushrooms and onions, spinach, thinly sliced sirloin, and pesto mayonnaise!
How to Store Leftover Pesto
Do you have a lot of fresh basil leaves to use up? Pesto is a great way to use them. You can make a big batch of pesto, then pour it in ice cube trays to freeze and have on hand to added to recipes throughout the year!
More Ideas and Recipes Using Pesto
Looking for more delicious ways to use the tasty sauce? Pesto is a wonderful sauce that can upgrade any recipe you already have. Its versatility allows it to enhance a wide variety of dishes, from appetizers to main courses.
Classic Pesto Pasta
The simplest and most classic basil pesto recipe is to toss it with pasta.This is my favorite way to eat pesto because it's such an easy weeknight dinner. Whether you choose spaghetti, penne, or fusilli, pesto adds a burst of flavor that transforms a basic dish into something extraordinary. For an added twist, mix in some roasted cherry tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or grilled chicken (check out how to make Thinly Sliced Chicken Breasts). Short on time? Grab some store bought pesto and a rotisserie chicken at the grocery store. Add a dash of heavy cream for a creamy pesto chicken pasta. Don't forget the crusty bread on the side!
Pesto Pizza
Ditch the traditional tomato sauce and use pesto as the base for your next homemade pizza. Top it with mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and fresh arugula for a fresh and tasty alternative. Pesto pizza is a delightful change that brings new life to your pizza night.
Pesto in Sandwiches and Wraps
Spread pesto on your sandwich or wrap to elevate the flavors is a great easy meal idea. It pairs wonderfully with turkey, chicken, or vegetarian options like grilled vegetables. Combine it with some goat cheese or fresh mozzarella for a creamy, tangy kick and incredible flavor.
Fresh Pesto Bruschetta
Upgrade your bruschetta by adding a layer of pesto. Top toasted golden brown baguette slices with pesto, fresh tomatoes, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This makes for a simple yet impressive appetizer that's perfect for entertaining. Also, you can swap basil pesto for sun-dried tomato pesto for some variation!
Pesto Salad Dressing
Whisk a spoonful of pesto into your vinaigrette to create a unique salad dressing. This works particularly well with salads featuring grilled vegetables, quinoa, or fresh greens. Pesto adds a rich, herbal note that elevates any salad.
Pesto Grilled Vegetables
Toss your favorite vegetables in pesto before grilling. The sauce caramelizes slightly, adding depth and flavor to the veggies. This is an excellent way to make your side dishes stand out.
Pesto on Fish
Fish, such as salmon or tilapia, pairs beautifully with pesto. Spread a thin layer over the fillet before baking or grilling. The pesto adds a vibrant herbaceous flavor that complements the delicate taste of the fish. Top with red pepper flakes for a little spice!
Pesto Deviled Eggs
For a unique appetizer, mix pesto into the yolk filling for deviled eggs. This unexpected twist on a classic dish adds a fresh, herbal flavor that's sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Pesto is far more than just a pasta sauce. Experimenting with pesto can lead to delightful combinations, making your meals more exciting and flavorful. So next time you have pesto on hand, try one of these delicious ideas!
Do you have any special twists or additions to these recipes using pesto? We'd love to hear from you. Also, you could tag a photo on Instagram @hungrywaitress and I'll be sure to share it. Happy cooking!
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