Herbs add complexity to a range of recipes. Here's a selection of our favorite sauces and dips, beginning with that summertime favorite -- pesto. This simple, classic sauce brings summery flavor to all sorts of dishes, including pizza and pasta -- plus, our version freezes beautifully.

Parsley stands in for more classic basil in this recipe. The addition of flaxseed gives it a healthy boost.

Pistachios are a unique departure from the walnuts used in traditional pesto. The pesto for the crudites is also delicious spooned over steak.

This cilantro version of pesto tastes great with Asian preparations. Try it over rice noodles for a new twist on pasta and sauce.

Sorrel's vibrant color and bright lemon flavor have long been favored for delicate soups and sauces. It's also so natural in pesto.

You can serve this fresh pesto on toasted flatbread or stir it into soup or pasta. Anchovies provide a kick.

Load up on intense flavor, and pare down on calories with less oil, fewer nuts, and more basil.

Serve this easy pesto as a sauce for pasta, fish, or chicken or as a spread on crackers. You can also use it as pizza sauce, in place of traditional red sauce.

The classic recipe: It's made with basil, cheese, pine nuts, and olive oil.

This easy dip is just perfect served with blanched vegetables.

Tarragon, chives, and parsley flavor this spring-hued dip. Serve it with assorted crudites.

Adding cilantro, cumin, and ginger to hummus give it an extra kick that's irresistible.

Try this zesty sauce with roasted potatoes for a new spin on veggies and dip.

Tartar sauce made at home stands far apart from the jarred kind. This herbed version is perfect for dunking fried shrimp -- and more.

Cilantro adds zest to this easy, healthy dip.

Dill, parsley, and chives come together to create a creamy dip that's universally likable.

Creamy ricotta cheese is the perfect foil for pungent herbs like dill and basil. Try this dip with radishes and fleur de sel.

This salsa makes a wonderful dipping sauce. It can also be spooned over grilled shrimp, fish, chicken, or lamb.

Our recipe uses parsley, cilantro, and basil, but you could substitute almost any herbs you like. This salsa also works well as sandwich spread or a base for tomato bruschetta.

A classic with tortilla chips, this cilantro-packed sauce also tastes great on tacos and fajitas.

Allioli is similar to mayonnaise. This version incorporates parsley for a fresher flavor and green hue.

A simple, chilled herb sauce cuts through the richness of grilled meats. Try this rosemary-spiked recipe with lamb chops.