16 Must-Try Pesto Recipes Everyone Will Love

Pesto isn’t just for pasta, it’s a versatile, flavor-packed hero that can transform any meal. From fresh vegan versions to cheesy, indulgent dishes, this roundup has ideas for every taste and occasion. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, topping pizza, or adding a herby kick to seafood and veggies, these pesto recipes make it easy to enjoy bold, fresh flavors without any fuss.

Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad

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Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil pesto come together in a pasta salad. The flavors are bright and creamy. Fresh basil adds aroma while pasta holds everything together. It’s colorful, easy to serve, and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad

Quick & Easy Vegan Pesto

A plate of spaghetti with green pesto sauce, roasted cherry tomatoes, and fresh parsley, garnished with basil leaves, on a yellow and white checkered tablecloth. — Quick & Easy Vegan Pesto. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Nuts, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs blend into a plant-based pesto. No cheese is needed, but the flavor remains rich and aromatic. It works on pasta, grains, or as a spread. Ready in minutes for a weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Quick & Easy Vegan Pesto

Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer

Puff pastry is twisted into a tree shape with pesto inside. Baking creates a flaky, golden exterior. The pesto adds herbaceous flavor throughout. It’s festive, crunchy, and fun to serve at parties.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer

Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Cheese or meat tortellini is tossed with pesto. Vegetables or cheese can enhance texture. Served chilled or at room temperature, it’s portable and flavorful. Perfect for lunch, picnics, or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto

Creamy burrata pairs with fresh tomatoes and a drizzle of pesto. Each bite combines rich, soft cheese with tangy, herbaceous notes. It’s simple yet elegant. Ideal as a starter or light dish.
Get the Recipe: Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto

Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad

Cooked shrimp are tossed with pasta and pesto. The pesto clings to noodles while complementing the seafood. It’s flavorful and easy to assemble. Perfect for a summer meal or lunch.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad

Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets

Salmon is coated with pesto and Parmesan, then air fried. The crust becomes golden and crisp. The fish inside stays moist and tender. Quick, flavorful, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets

Sunny Spring Pea & Basil Vegan Pesto (Gluten-Free)

A glass jar of green pesto sauce is shown beside a basil leaf and scattered sunflower seeds on a dark surface. — Sunny Spring Pea & Basil Vegan Pesto (Gluten-Free). Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Peas and basil blend into a fresh, green pesto. It’s dairy free and naturally gluten-free. Perfect for tossing with pasta or spreading on toast. Bright, sweet, and herbaceous.
Get the Recipe: Sunny Spring Pea & Basil Vegan Pesto (Gluten-Free)

Penne with Pesto

Two bowls of pasta with green pesto sauce, topped with grated cheese and herbs, placed on a rustic wooden table with mint leaves and seeds scattered around. — Penne with Pesto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Classic penne pasta is coated in fresh basil pesto. Parmesan or vegan cheese adds richness if desired. The pasta absorbs the sauce, flavoring every bite. Simple, fast, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Penne with Pesto

Easy Pesto Rosso – Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

Sun-dried tomatoes replace basil in this red pesto variation. Nuts and olive oil add richness. It works as a pasta sauce or spread. The flavor is sweet, tangy, and nutty.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pesto Rosso – Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

Trenette al Pesto

A bowl of spaghetti with green beans, potato pieces, and pesto sauce, placed on a white surface next to a striped cloth, a cheese grater, and a block of cheese. — Trenette al Pesto. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A traditional Ligurian pasta dish featuring trenette noodles tossed with basil pesto. Potatoes and green beans are often added. The sauce is fragrant and herb-forward. A classic, authentic Italian recipe.
Get the Recipe: Trenette al Pesto

Roasted Jalapeno Cilantro Pesto

Jalapeños and cilantro give this pesto a mild heat and fresh, earthy flavor. Nuts and olive oil round out the taste. It’s versatile on pasta, grains, or roasted vegetables. Bright, spicy, and herbaceous.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Jalapeno Cilantro Pesto

Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Sun-dried Tomatoes & Peas

Soft gnocchi is coated in creamy pesto sauce. Sun-dried tomatoes add tang, peas add sweetness. The texture is tender with herbaceous flavor. A comforting yet flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Sun-dried Tomatoes & Peas

Two Pesto Chicken Pizza

Pizza is topped with chicken, cheese, and two types of pesto. The combination creates layers of flavor. The crust stays crisp while the topping is rich. It’s a unique twist on traditional pizza.
Get the Recipe: Two Pesto Chicken Pizza

Pesto Tortellini with Peas and Asparagus

Tortellini is tossed with pesto, peas, and asparagus. The vegetables stay bright and tender. The pesto ties the dish together. It works as a light main or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini with Peas and Asparagus

Hazelnut Sage Pesto Recipe

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

Hazelnuts replace pine nuts for a richer, nuttier pesto. Fresh sage adds earthy, aromatic flavor. Olive oil brings everything together smoothly. Perfect on pasta, roasted vegetables, or bread.
Get the Recipe: Hazelnut Sage Pesto Recipe