Looking for new ways to cook with pesto? Whether you want a quick pasta dish, a flavorful sandwich, or a creative twist on a classic recipe, this list has something for every craving. From creamy sauces to hearty dinners, these dishes make the most of fresh herbs and bold ingredients.
You don’t need hours in the kitchen to enjoy a great meal. Many of these recipes come together in 30 minutes or less, making them perfect for busy weeknights or easy entertaining. Plus, with so many variations from seafood to vegetarian options, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy this versatile sauce.
Get ready to dig into delicious, pesto-packed meals that are simple to make and big on flavor. Scroll through to find your next favorite dish!
Pesto Chicken Pasta
Tender chicken and pasta are tossed in a rich basil pesto sauce for a quick, flavorful meal. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds the perfect finishing touch. Great for a weeknight dinner!
Get the Recipe: Pesto Chicken Pasta
Pesto Salad Dressing
This three-ingredient dressing brings bold, herby flavor to any salad. A simple way to add a fresh twist to your greens!
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salad Dressing
Tuna Pesto Pasta
This easy pasta dish combines tuna, pesto, and hearty pasta for a satisfying meal in just 20 minutes. Great for a quick lunch, dinner, or a potluck!
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta
20-Minute Orzo Pesto Salad
Orzo pasta, pesto, cherry tomatoes, olives, and mozzarella come together in this fresh, Mediterranean-inspired dish. Ready in just 20 minutes!
Get the Recipe: 20-Minute Orzo Pesto Salad
Lemon Pesto Vegetable Pasta with Grilled Cheese
A bright, citrusy pesto coats pasta and fresh vegetables, served alongside a warm, melty grilled cheese sandwich. A satisfying meal with bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pesto Vegetable Pasta with Grilled Cheese
Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto
Creamy burrata pairs with juicy tomatoes and basil pesto for a simple yet impressive appetizer or side dish. Perfect for warm-weather dining!
Get the Recipe: Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto
Chicken Pesto Kabobs
Grilled chicken skewers get a flavorful upgrade with fresh basil pesto. Serve with flatbread, crisp lettuce, and tomatoes for a meal you’ll want to make again and again!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pesto Kabobs
Easy Basil Pesto Sauce Recipe
A classic blend of basil, olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, and pine nuts. This homemade pesto is packed with flavor and perfect for pasta, sandwiches, and more.
Get the Recipe: Easy Basil Pesto Sauce Recipe
Pesto Tortellini Salad with Chicken
Cheese tortellini, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken come together in a creamy, flavorful pasta salad. Great for meal prep or a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Salad with Chicken
Simple Lemon Basil Pesto
A zesty twist on traditional pesto! This version adds fresh lemon for a bright, summery flavor. Ready in less than 10 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Simple Lemon Basil Pesto
Pesto Aioli
Basil pesto meets creamy mayo for a smooth, herby spread that works as a dip, sandwich topping, or burger sauce. A must-try condiment!
Get the Recipe: Pesto Aioli
Pesto Chicken Sub Sandwich
Pesto-coated chicken, tomatoes, and onions come together in a hearty, flavorful sandwich. Perfect for lunch or an easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Chicken Sub Sandwich
Fresh Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad
A light yet flavorful pasta salad with juicy tomatoes and herby pesto. A great side dish or refreshing meal on a warm day.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad
Provolone Stuffed Pesto Meatball Skillet
Juicy meatballs stuffed with provolone cheese, simmered in a rich pesto sauce. A hearty and comforting dish for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Provolone Stuffed Pesto Meatball Skillet
Goat Cheese & Pesto Veggie Scramble
Eggs, fresh vegetables, creamy goat cheese, and rich pesto make for a delicious and satisfying breakfast. A great way to start the day!
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese & Pesto Veggie Scramble
Penne with Pesto
A hearty pasta dish featuring brown rice penne, lamb, and mint pesto. Packed with fresh, bold flavors inspired by spring.
Get the Recipe: Penne with Pesto
Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash Noodles
Spaghetti squash takes the place of pasta in this creamy, pesto-infused dish. A satisfying, lighter alternative to traditional creamy pastas.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash Noodles
Cranberry Pesto Stuffed Lamb
Tender lamb stuffed with a festive cranberry pesto made with basil, mint, and garlic. A flavorful centerpiece for holiday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pesto Stuffed Lamb
Pesto Salmon
Oven-baked salmon coated in a flavorful pesto sauce. This five-ingredient meal is ready in under 25 minutes—perfect for a quick, healthy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese
A Sicilian-inspired pesto with fresh tomatoes, nuts, and basil, blended into a light, summery sauce for pasta. Simple and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese
Pesto Couscous
A quick 10-minute side dish that pairs pesto with fluffy couscous. A great complement to meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Couscous
Arugula Pesto
Peppery arugula gives this pesto a bold twist. Use it on pasta, meats, fish, or as a flavorful spread.
Get the Recipe: Arugula Pesto
Chickpea Pesto Sandwich
Smashed chickpeas and pesto make a creamy, protein-packed sandwich filling. A great option for a quick, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Pesto Sandwich
Zucchini Pesto
A fresh spin on classic pesto! Use this zucchini-based version for pasta, grilled meats, or as a topping for roasted veggies.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pesto
Roasted Pesto Potatoes
Crispy roasted potatoes tossed in pesto, with an optional sprinkle of bacon. A simple, flavorful side for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pesto Potatoes
Radish Greens Pesto
Don’t toss those radish greens! Blend them into a vibrant pesto perfect for pasta, chicken, or as a dip.
Get the Recipe: Radish Greens Pesto
Skillet Zucchini Pesto Pizza
This skillet pizza features a crisp yet chewy crust topped with basil pesto, zucchini, ricotta, and melty mozzarella. A delicious homemade pizza night option!
Get the Recipe: Skillet Zucchini Pesto Pizza
Italian Chicken Pesto Sandwich
Toasty bread, juicy chicken, and creamy pesto sauce make this an easy and satisfying Italian-inspired sandwich. Great for lunch or a casual dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Pesto Sandwich
Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets
Crispy Parmesan and pesto crusted salmon, cooked in the air fryer for a quick and flavorful meal. A must-try for seafood lovers!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets
Easy Pesto Rosso – Sun Dried Tomato Pesto
A bold red pesto made with sun-dried tomatoes, nuts, and olive oil. Great as a pasta sauce, dip, or sandwich spread.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pesto Rosso – Sun Dried Tomato Pesto
Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer
A festive holiday appetizer made with flaky puff pastry and vibrant pesto, shaped into a fun Christmas tree design.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer
Pesto Fettuccini with Bolognese Sauce
Fettuccine pasta meets rich, meaty Bolognese sauce with a touch of pesto for extra depth. A hearty, comforting Italian dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Fettuccini with Bolognese Sauce
Quick & Easy Vegan Pesto
A dairy-free pesto that works as a sauce, dip, or spread. Perfect for adding bold flavor to pasta, pizza, or roasted veggies.
Get the Recipe: Quick & Easy Vegan Pesto