16 Delicious Pesto Recipes That Bring Bold Flavor to Every Meal

Pesto isn’t just for pasta, it’s a versatile, flavor-packed ingredient that can elevate any meal. This roundup features everything from classic arugula and kale pestos to creamy pasta dishes, sandwiches, and even roasted potatoes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a flavorful lunch, or a side dish with a twist, these pesto recipes are easy to make and full of fresh, vibrant taste that will brighten up your table.

Arugula Pesto

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Fresh arugula is blended with garlic, nuts, and olive oil for a peppery, vibrant pesto. Each spoonful is bright, nutty, and flavorful. Perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or drizzling over roasted vegetables. Quick to make and full of garden-fresh taste.
Get the Recipe: Arugula Pesto

Cavatelli with Arugula Pesto

Soft cavatelli pasta is coated in peppery arugula pesto. Each bite is tender, herby, and lightly nutty. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner. A simple yet flavorful twist on traditional pesto pasta.
Get the Recipe: Cavatelli with Arugula Pesto

Chickpea Pesto Sandwich

Mashed chickpeas are combined with pesto for a creamy, savory filling. Each bite is hearty, nutty, and flavorful. Perfect for lunchboxes or light dinners. A plant-forward way to enjoy classic pesto flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Pesto Sandwich

Creamy Eggplant Pasta with Ricotta Pesto and Olives

Roasted eggplant and olives are tossed with creamy ricotta pesto over pasta. Each bite is rich, tangy, and nutty. Great for a dinner that feels indulgent yet fresh. Combines Mediterranean flavors in a satisfying pasta dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Eggplant Pasta with Ricotta Pesto and Olives

Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Sandwich

Chicken breasts are coated with pesto and cooked in the air fryer for a juicy sandwich. Each bite is tender, flavorful, and aromatic. Quick enough for a weeknight meal. Pairs perfectly with fresh greens or cheese.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Sandwich

Pesto Salad Dressing

Pesto is blended with vinegar and olive oil for a fresh salad dressing. Each drizzle adds herbaceous, garlicky flavor. Great for leafy greens, grain bowls, or roasted vegetables. Simple to make and store for multiple meals.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salad Dressing

Pesto Couscous

A bowl of green herb couscous topped with halved cherry tomatoes and grated cheese, placed on a marble surface next to a spoon and a napkin. — Pesto Couscous. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Fluffy couscous is tossed with fresh pesto for a herby, nutty side dish. Each bite is light, flavorful, and satisfying. Ideal for quick lunches or dinners. Works well as a base for roasted vegetables or chicken.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Couscous

Tuna Pesto Pasta

Tuna is combined with pasta and pesto for a quick and flavorful meal. Each bite is savory, herby, and filling. Perfect for packed lunches or weeknight dinners. A twist on classic pasta salads with fresh pesto flavor.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

Italian Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Chicken, pesto, and melted cheese come together on toasted bread. Each bite is warm, nutty, and aromatic. Great for lunch or casual dinners. Layers of flavor in a handheld meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Pesto Flatbread

Flatbread is topped with pesto and optional vegetables or cheese. Each bite is crispy, herby, and flavorful. Perfect for quick snacks or appetizers. Easy to customize for different tastes.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Flatbread

One Pot Creamy Pesto Orzo Recipe with Chicken

Orzo and chicken are cooked together with creamy pesto sauce. Each bite is cheesy, nutty, and comforting. Great for simple weeknight meals. Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Creamy Pesto Orzo Recipe with Chicken

Kale Pesto Sauce

A white bowl filled with bright green mashed peas or vegetable puree on a light surface. — Kale Pesto Sauce. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Kale is blended into a vibrant, nutrient-rich pesto. Each spoonful is earthy, nutty, and garlicky. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or roasted vegetables. A flavorful alternative to traditional basil pesto.
Get the Recipe: Kale Pesto Sauce

Ooey Gooey Cheesy Baked Pesto Tortellini Recipe

Cheese-filled tortellini is baked in pesto for a melty, flavorful dish. Each bite is rich, cheesy, and herbaceous. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep. Comfort food with a fresh pesto twist.
Get the Recipe: Ooey Gooey Cheesy Baked Pesto Tortellini Recipe

Pea Shoot Pesto

A bowl of wide green pasta ribbons mixed with sautéed mushrooms, fresh herbs, and thinly sliced onions sits on a striped cloth. — Pea Shoot Pesto. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Tender pea shoots are blended into a bright, green pesto. Each bite is fresh, slightly sweet, and nutty. Great for pasta, sandwiches, or drizzling over roasted vegetables. A creative alternative to classic basil pesto.
Get the Recipe: Pea Shoot Pesto

Pesto Salmon

Salmon fillets are coated with pesto and baked or grilled. Each bite is moist, savory, and flavorful. Perfect for a quick dinner with bold flavor. Pairs well with grains or roasted vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Roasted Pesto Potatoes

A plate of roasted potatoes coated in green herb sauce, served on a gray plate with a spoon, on a blue cloth napkin. — Roasted Pesto Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Potatoes are tossed with pesto and roasted until crispy. Each bite is crunchy, tender, and nutty. A flavorful side dish for chicken, fish, or steak. Easy to make and packed with fresh pesto taste.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pesto Potatoes