14 Fresh Pesto Dishes Everyone Loves

Pesto is one of those sauces that instantly adds fresh flavor to almost anything. This roundup features easy pesto recipes that range from classic basil pesto and creative veggie versions to hearty dinners, sandwiches, and seafood dishes. If you love bold flavors and simple meals that feel a little elevated, these pesto recipes are perfect for everyday cooking.

Authentic Italian Basil Pesto – Pesto Genovese

A glass jar filled with green herb and garlic spread sits next to slices of bread topped with the same mixture on a patterned plate. — Authentic Italian Basil Pesto – Pesto Genovese. Photo credit: xoxo Bella .

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This classic basil pesto is creamy, cheesy, and packed with fresh flavor. Made with pine nuts and simple ingredients, it is perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or spreading on bread.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Italian Basil Pesto – Pesto Genovese

Baked Pesto Salmon

Salmon with spinach sauce on a white plate. — Baked Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

This baked pesto salmon is tender and flaky with rich herb flavor. The creamy pesto sauce pairs well with rice, noodles, or a lighter veggie base.
Get the Recipe: Baked Pesto Salmon

Broccoli Pesto

This broccoli pesto is fresh, flavorful, and ready in about 15 minutes. It is vegan, gluten free, and easy to customize with different add ins.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pesto

Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto

A platter of sliced tomatoes, mozzarella balls, olives, fresh basil, and pesto, garnished with ground pepper and served with toasted bread. — Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella .

Creamy burrata paired with juicy tomatoes and pesto makes an easy appetizer or light meal. It works well as a side or served alongside grilled protein.
Get the Recipe: Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto

Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad

This pasta salad combines pesto with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and pasta. It is bright, fresh, and perfect for gatherings or quick lunches.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad

Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets

Three baked salmon fillets topped with melted cheese and herbs are arranged on a white plate, garnished with lemon wedges and chopped parsley. — Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets. Photo credit: xoxo Bella .

These salmon fillets cook up crisp and flavorful in the air fryer. Parmesan and pesto create a savory crust that makes this dish a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets

Cavatelli with Arugula Pesto

A bowl of pasta with pesto, ricotta cheese, arugula, and pine nuts is served with salad, bread, and small dishes of pesto and pine nuts on the side. — Cavatelli with Arugula Pesto. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella .

This cavatelli dish features fresh arugula and basil pesto for a simple yet elegant pasta. It is easy enough for weeknights and nice enough to serve guests.
Get the Recipe: Cavatelli with Arugula Pesto

Chickpea Pesto Sandwich

This chickpea pesto sandwich uses smashed chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian filling. It is flavorful, filling, and great for quick lunches.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Pesto Sandwich

Cranberry Pesto Stuffed Lamb

A plate of sliced meat garnished with cranberries and herbs is placed on a wooden table with pinecones and a bowl of cranberry sauce nearby. — Cranberry Pesto Stuffed Lamb. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This stuffed lamb dish features a cranberry pesto made with herbs and nuts. It is festive, flavorful, and perfect for special dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pesto Stuffed Lamb

Creamy Eggplant Pasta with Ricotta Pesto and Olives

This eggplant pasta is rich and creamy with Mediterranean flavor. Ricotta pesto and olives bring balance and depth to this quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Eggplant Pasta with Ricotta Pesto and Olives

Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash Noodles

A bowl of creamy spaghetti squash with a fork, garnished with halved cherry tomatoes, placed on a grey cloth. — Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash Noodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These spaghetti squash noodles are tossed in a creamy pesto sauce for a lighter take on comfort food. It is satisfying without feeling heavy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash Noodles

Easy Pesto Rosso – Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

A small glass jar filled with red pesto sits on a white plate, surrounded by pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and a wooden spoon. — Easy Pesto Rosso – Sun Dried Tomato Pesto. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella .

This sun dried tomato pesto is a bold alternative to classic green pesto. It works well as a pasta sauce, spread, or dip.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pesto Rosso – Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

Hazelnut Sage Pesto Recipe

A glass jar filled with a thick green smoothie, topped with two hazelnuts, with a blurred green leaf in the background. — Hazelnut Sage Pesto Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This pesto combines earthy sage with toasted hazelnuts for a unique flavor. It is great for pasta, roasted vegetables, or spreading on bread.
Get the Recipe: Hazelnut Sage Pesto Recipe

Italian Chicken Pesto Sandwich

This chicken pesto sandwich features juicy chicken, creamy pesto, and toasted bread. It is a quick meal that feels like something you would order out.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Pesto Sandwich