20 Savory Recipes That Use Pesto

By Kelly Vaughan
January 05, 2021

From classic basil pesto to unique iterations made with peas, arugula, fennel, mint, and more, we're sharing new ways to cook with this sauce.

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Pesto is an aromatic, super flavorful sauce traditionally made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and olive oil. While a classic version is fantastic on its own, we don't stop at the basics. Swap basil with other fresh herbs such as mint, parsley, or cilantro, or other greens like arugula and spinach. Use walnuts or almonds in place of pine nuts and even throw in salty, flavorful additions like anchovies, capers, and sardines. Or try the sharp and spicy Mustard Green and Roasted Garlic Pesto with Pecorino-Romano Cheese, pictured here. While we could eat pesto by the spoon or with crusty bread, it's too delicious to not utilize in a spectacular dinner recipe. Here, we're sharing some of our most amazing ways to use pesto.

One of the most classic—and easiest—ways to make use of pesto is by pairing it with pasta. We have plenty of recipes that use broken lasagna noodles, campanella, orecchiette, spaghetti, and penne with pesto. But we don't stop there—add in lean turkey sausage, sliced salami, or seasonal vegetables to add even more might to a pesto pasta recipe.

Pesto is also a fabulous accompaniment to a cheese and charcuterie board, but to make it even more friendly as an appetizer, we created a pesto dip recipe that couldn't be easier to prepare. Simply mix pesto with sour cream and mayonnaise for a creamy, flavorful dip that you can serve with vegetables, chips, or pita bread.

From a traditional basil version to inspired twists featuring other aromatic herbs, ahead you’ll find an assortment of creative, delicious, and family-friendly pesto recipes.

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Pull-Apart Cheesy Pesto Bread

Credit: Lennart Weibull
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This indulgent, over-the-top garlic bread is what dreams are made of. Start by making a batch of our homemade pesto, then slice Italian bread and spread the pesto between the slices and stuff with a combination of mozzarella and Taleggio.

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Turkey-Pesto Meatball Soup

Credit: Lennart Weibull
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Our hearty soup starts with mixing together ground turkey, homemade pesto, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. The meatballs are gently cooked in chicken broth along with garlic, escarole, and basil. It's just the dinner you need on a cold winter's night.

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Spring Pesto Dip

Credit: Lennart Weibull
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Turn a pesto into a delicious, easy dip that you can serve alongside pita or crudités. All you need are three ingredients—pesto, mayonnaise, and sour cream.

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Pea-Pesto Handkerchiefs

Credit: Chris Simpson
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Here's an unexpected use for lasagna noodles. Instead of the usual cheesy layered casserole, we used them in a delightful springtime pasta dish with a pea-based pesto that also includes basil, pine nuts, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

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Pasta with Cilantro-Almond Pesto

Credit: Marcus Nilsson
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Sure, pasta and pesto are a fabulous combination, but here we kicked it up a notch with an aromatic pesto made from cilantro instead of the usual basil and toasted almonds in place of pine nuts.

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Campanelle with Pistachio-Mint Pesto, Asparagus, and Cherry Tomatoes

Credit: Christopher Testani
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Fresh mint leaves and pistachios are used to create this aromatic pesto that complements springtime asparagus and juicy cherry tomatoes. It's a delicious, family-friendly dinner that will instantly brighten your weeknight.

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Skillet Chicken with Sundried Tomato and Chickpeas

Credit: Ren Fuller
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Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are flavorful on their own, but they are even tastier when tossed with sundried-tomato pesto, then seared in a cast-iron skillet until they're super crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

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Penne with Spinach Pesto and Turkey Sausage

Credit: Sidney Bensimon
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A combination of curly spinach leaves, fresh basil leaves, and thawed frozen peas are used to create a delicious pesto for this 35-minute pasta recipe.

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Roasted Wild Salmon with Caramelized Fennel and Fennel-Frond Pesto

Credit: Paola + Murray
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Everyone will love the unique combination of pistachios, fennel, and lemon in this pesto, which accompanies panko-breaded salmon. Bonus: You can make the pesto up to one week in advance, so you have it on hand whenever inspiration strikes.

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Lemony Pesto Chicken Soup

Credit: Pernille Loof
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We're all for upgrading basic store-bought ingredients in new and inspiring ways, and that's just what we've done here. In just 20 minutes, orzo, shredded pre-cooked chicken, prepared pesto, and basic chicken stock result in a delicious soup.

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Orecchiette with Broccoli-Rabe Pesto

Credit: Julia Gartland
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Whip up a quick pesto made with bitter broccoli rabe and walnuts, then toss with pasta and sautéed sliced salami—go for something spicy like soppressata!

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Beet Noodles with Parsley Pesto and Parmesan

Credit: Armando Rafael
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Think that vegetable noodles are boring and bland? Think again. Vibrant red beets are roasted, rather than sautéed, then mixed with our homemade parsley pesto and lots of freshly grated cheese.

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Ramp Farinata

Credit: Dana Gallagher
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This chickpea flour pancake which originated in Liguria, a region in northwestern Italy, serves as the base for super pungent ramps—and a homemade ramp pesto.

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Roasted Leg of Lamb with Asparagus and Herbs

Credit: Dana Gallagher
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Although lamb is traditionally served with mint jelly, we think a ramp pesto complements the gamey meat especially well in the spring. The lamb is served with roasted asparagus and spring onions for a special occasion meal.

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Dyed Deviled Eggs

Credit: Dana Gallagher
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Upgrade deviled eggs by adding a dollop of ramp pesto on top of each. This is the perfect appetizer for Easter, Mother's Day, or any other spring soirée.

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Spaghetti with Sicilian Pesto

Credit: Bryan Gardner
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What makes this pesto Sicilian? It's as simple as adding roasted red bell peppers, anchovies, capers, golden raisins, blanched almonds, Parmesan cheese, and plenty of extra-virgin olive oil.

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Green-Pea Pesto Toasts with Soft-Cooked Eggs

Credit: Johnny Miller
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While avocado toast has been all the rage for years now, we're just as fond of this pesto spread made with shelled green peas and basil that we smear atop crusty bread. Top with soft-boiled eggs for a hearty, protein-packed vegetarian meal.

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Penne Rigate with Arugula-Almond Pesto

Credit: Johnny Miller
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Peppery arugula and blanched, toasted almonds shine in this pesto recipe, which we toss with penne pasta. It's a simple but inspired take on the classic sauce.

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Roasted Salmon and Spring Onions with Mint-Caper Pesto

Credit: Gentl and Hyers
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A pungent pesto made with mint, almonds, and capers is paired with roasted salmon for a spectacular entrée that's served with roasted shallots, scallions, and leeks.

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By Kelly Vaughan