These Pesto Dishes Turn Simple Meals Into Something Special

Pesto is one of those ingredients that instantly adds big flavor to everyday meals. This roundup features easy pesto recipes made with fresh herbs, vegetables, pasta, chicken, seafood, and more. These pesto dishes are perfect for quick weeknight dinners, light lunches, or simple appetizers when you want something fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor without extra effort.

20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado

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This grilled pesto chicken comes together fast and tastes incredibly fresh. Juicy chicken pairs with sweet charred tomatoes and creamy avocado for a simple meal that feels special.
Get the Recipe: 20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado

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 perfectly in the air fryer with a crispy parmesan pesto topping. It is an easy dinner that feels fancy without much work.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets

Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Sandwich

This pesto chicken sandwich is crispy, flavorful, and perfect for lunch. The air fryer gives the chicken great texture while the pesto adds bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Sandwich

Arugula Pesto

A bowl of green pesto dip garnished with chopped nuts and cheese, surrounded by fresh arugula leaves on a wooden surface. — Arugula Pesto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This arugula pesto has a peppery bite that makes it stand out. It is a versatile sauce you can spoon over pasta, veggies, or grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Arugula Pesto

Authentic Italian Basil Pesto – Pesto Genovese

A jar of green pesto with a spoon inside, surrounded by sliced bread topped with pesto, on a patterned cloth. — Authentic Italian Basil Pesto – Pesto Genovese. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

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

Baked Pesto Salmon

This baked pesto salmon turns out moist and flaky every time. The creamy pesto sauce makes it great served with rice, noodles, or veggies.
Get the Recipe: Baked Pesto Salmon

Broccoli Pesto

This broccoli pesto is a clever way to add veggies to your meals. It blends up smooth and flavorful and works well on pasta or roasted vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pesto

Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto

Creamy burrata paired with fresh tomatoes and pesto makes an easy appetizer or light meal. It is fresh, colorful, and perfect for warm days.
Get the Recipe: Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto

Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad

This pasta salad mixes pesto, tomatoes, and mozzarella for a fresh twist on a classic. It is great for picnics, potlucks, or quick lunches.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad

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 pasta dish keeps things simple but flavorful. Cavatelli tossed with arugula pesto makes an easy dinner that still feels elegant.
Get the Recipe: Cavatelli with Arugula Pesto

Chickpea Pesto Sandwich

This vegetarian sandwich uses smashed chickpeas and pesto for a filling bite. It is easy to make and packed with flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Pesto Sandwich

Cranberry Pesto Stuffed Lamb

This stuffed lamb dish uses cranberry pesto for a festive flavor. It makes a great centerpiece for special dinners or holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pesto Stuffed Lamb

Creamy Eggplant Pasta with Ricotta Pesto and Olives

This eggplant pasta is rich, creamy, and full of Mediterranean flavor. Ricotta pesto and olives bring everything together in a cozy meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Eggplant Pasta with Ricotta Pesto and Olives

Easy Pesto Rosso – Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

This sun dried tomato pesto is bold, rich, and incredibly versatile. Use it as a pasta sauce, spread, or dip for quick flavor.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pesto Rosso – Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

Italian Chicken Pesto Sandwich

This chicken pesto sandwich feels like something you would order at a cafe. Juicy chicken, pesto, and toasted bread make it perfect for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Pesto Sandwich