Best Ways to Use Basil Pesto (Recipes + Tips)

Pesto is a versatile sauce that can be used in a ton of different dishes. Pesto is most commonly used in pasta but it goes way beyond that. This post shares different ways to use pesto, plus some of my favorite pesto recipes.

Different Types of Pesto

The word “pesto” means “to crush” because that is typically how pesto is made. The ingredients are crushed together with a mortar and pestle.

When people are talking about pesto they are often referring to pesto alla Genovese. This is the bright green sauce made with basil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. That type of pesto is what I will be talking about in this post.

There are other types of pesto like sun-dried tomato pesto, mint pesto, arugula pesto, and many others. They typically all have a nut element, a vegetable or herb, and olive oil.

What to Eat with Pesto

You can use pesto as a sauce on almost anything. I love to use pesto as a spread on sandwiches or to top my dinners. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use pesto.

• Add to roasted veggies
• Spread on a breakfast sandwich
• Top your roasted salmon
• Use as a sauce on a grain bowl
• Toss with pasta

Best Recipes Using Pesto

These recipes range from vegetarian pesto recipes, pesto sandwiches, to pesto bead. Some recipes are ones I have created myself and some are from other food bloggers. When I reached out to some other recipe creators these are the recipes that were some of their favorite pesto recipes.

Quick and Healthy Quinoa Pesto Bowl

by Sigsbee Street

This is a fun and simple way to use pesto. Just mix it with some quinoa and top the bowl with crispy mushrooms or a fried egg.

Creamy Pesto Pasta with Parmesan Garlic Breadcrumbs

by SIgsbee Street

If you are looking for a creamy pesto sauce, this is the one for you. You can use fresh basil pesto or store-bought pesto for this recipe. You just mix it with some cream and top it with garlicky parmesan breadcrumbs.

Grilled Halloumi Sandwich with Pesto and Balsamic Tomatoes

by Sigsbee Street

Pesto as the base for a sandwich is such a great way to add flavor to your sandwich. This is one of my favorite pesto sandwich combinations.

Basil Pesto and Mushroom Pizza with Goat Cheese

by Sigsbee Street

Whether making pizza from scratch or using pre-made pizza dough, you can make this pizza. Swap out the traditional tomato sauce for pesto and top it with mushrooms and goat cheese.

Orzo Pesto Pasta Salad

by Sigsbee Street

This pasta salad has cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and orzo. All things that pair perfectly with the bright flavor of basil pesto.

Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Grilled Cheese Sandwich

by Sigsbee Street

If you are looking for a way to up your grilled cheese game, you've got to try this pesto grilled cheese recipe.

Cheesy Braided Pesto Bread

by Quite Baking Day

Not only is it beautiful, this braided bread is loaded with cheese and pesto to pack a flavor punch. What's not to love?

Baked Pesto Salmon

by Laura Fuentes

If you are sick of bland salmon, consider adding some pesto to the dish. It is a great addition to a perfectly baked salmon.

Roasted Butternut Squash Sandwich with Caramelized Onions and Pesto

by Delightful Plate

For a wonderfully unique way to enjoy pesto, try this butternut squash sandwich!

Pesto Green Beans

by From Valeries Kitchen

A simple way to use pesto is to add it to your veggies like these pesto green beans.

Pesto Recipe

If you are looking for a fresh basil pesto recipe check out my classic basil pesto recipe. It has all the usual characteristics such as a ton of fresh basil, pine nuts, and parmesan. This recipe can be changed to use different types of nuts or fresh herbs as needed.

If you want something different, try this kale pesto recipe. This uses kale and parsley instead of basil. Plus, it is a completely vegan pesto!

If you don’t want to make your own pesto, you can actually buy store-bought pesto that is pretty good. If you are looking for store-bought pesto I would recommend Seggiano pesto.

Your Favorite Recipes with Pesto

Let us know in the comments what your favorite way to use pesto is!