16 Fresh Pesto Recipes That Make Everything Taste Better

Pesto is one of those ingredients that instantly adds fresh flavor to almost any dish. This collection brings together easy pesto recipes that work for pasta dinners, sandwiches, appetizers, and creative twists you might not expect. If you love bright herbs, creamy sauces, and simple meals that taste impressive, these pesto recipes are full of inspiration.

Broccoli Pesto

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This broccoli pesto is fresh, flavorful, and ready in about 15 minutes. It is vegan and gluten free, with easy options for nut free or vegetarian versions.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pesto

Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto

A platter of colorful heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella balls, olives, fresh basil, pesto, and toasted bread slices on a wooden table. — Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella .

Creamy burrata pairs beautifully with juicy tomatoes and fresh pesto in this simple dish. It works well as an appetizer, side, or light summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto

Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad

This pasta salad combines pesto, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and pasta for a bright and satisfying dish. It is perfect for warm weather meals and gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad

Cavatelli with Arugula Pesto

A bowl of pasta with pesto, arugula, ricotta cheese, and pine nuts, surrounded by smaller plates of pasta, pine nuts, bread, and fresh herbs on a brown surface. — Cavatelli with Arugula Pesto. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella .

This cavatelli with arugula pesto is simple yet elegant. Fresh arugula and basil bring bold flavor that elevates pasta night without extra work.
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 an easy lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Pesto Sandwich

Cranberry Pesto Stuffed Lamb

A plate of sliced meat topped with a berry and herb garnish, surrounded by whole cranberries, with pinecones and greenery nearby on a wooden table. — Cranberry Pesto Stuffed Lamb. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This stuffed lamb features a cranberry pesto made with basil, mint, garlic, and pine nuts. It makes a beautiful and flavorful centerpiece for holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pesto Stuffed Lamb

Creamy Eggplant Pasta with Ricotta Pesto and Olives

This creamy eggplant pasta comes together in about 30 minutes and is full of Mediterranean flavor. Ricotta pesto and olives add richness and depth.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Eggplant Pasta with Ricotta Pesto and Olives

Italian Chicken Pesto Sandwich

This Italian chicken pesto sandwich pairs juicy chicken with creamy pesto on toasted bread. It is a quick and satisfying option for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Kale Pesto Sauce

A white bowl filled with bright green, mashed guacamole placed on a light-colored surface. — Kale Pesto Sauce. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This kale pesto sauce is vegan, dairy free, and ready in under five minutes. It is a healthy way to add bold flavor to pasta, sandwiches, or bowls.|
Get the Recipe: Kale Pesto Sauce

Pea Shoot Pesto

A bowl of wide ribbon pasta with pesto sauce, topped with sautéed mushrooms, shaved onions, and fresh greens, placed on a striped cloth. — Pea Shoot Pesto. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This pea shoot pesto is bright, fresh, and made with pistachios. It comes together quickly and is perfect for spring inspired meals.
Get the Recipe: Pea Shoot Pesto

Penne with Pesto

This penne with pesto is hearty and full of fresh flavor. It makes a satisfying pasta dish that feels both comforting and seasonal.
Get the Recipe: Penne with Pesto

Pesto Couscous

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

This pesto couscous is a quick side dish ready in about 10 minutes. It is an easy way to add flavor to simple meals and pairs well with meat or seafood.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Couscous

Pesto Fettuccini with Bolognese Sauce

A bowl of fettuccine pasta topped with meat sauce, grated cheese, and fresh basil, served on a wooden table with tomatoes and other dishes nearby. — Pesto Fettuccini with Bolognese Sauce. Photo credit: xoxo Bella .

This pesto fettuccini combines rich beef Bolognese with tender pasta and pesto. It is a hearty Italian inspired dinner that feels extra comforting.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Fettuccini with Bolognese Sauce

Pesto Flatbread

A rectangular plate with three slices of pizza topped with arugula, cherry tomatoes, ricotta cheese, and pesto sauce. — Pesto Flatbread. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This pesto flatbread comes together fast using naan, ricotta, cherry tomatoes, and pesto. It is crispy, fresh, and perfect for easy dinners or appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Flatbread

Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese

A white bowl of rotini pasta with green edamame, shredded cheese, and thin slices of prosciutto, next to a fork on a burlap surface. — Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This pesto pasta alla Trapanese features a fresh tomato based pesto with nuts and basil. It is a refreshing and flavorful summer pasta option.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese

Pesto Pasta Salad

This pesto pasta salad is light, fresh, and made with cherry tomatoes and parmesan. It is an easy choice for summer gatherings or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad