20 Pesto Recipes That Bring Fresh Flavor to Every Meal

Pesto isn’t just for pasta, it’s a versatile, flavor-packed sauce that can elevate nearly any dish. This collection of 20 pesto recipes brings together vibrant, easy-to-make sauces and dishes, from vegan pesto and roasted veggie recipes to cheesy pizzas and hearty salmon. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a fresh sandwich twist, or a creative appetizer, these pesto recipes add a bright, herby punch to your meals every time. 🌿

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

This vibrant pesto combines sweet peas and fresh basil for a bright flavor. Olive oil and nuts create a smooth, creamy texture. It’s entirely plant-based and naturally gluten-free. Use it on pasta, toast, or roasted vegetables for a fresh spring flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sunny Spring Pea & Basil Vegan Pesto (Gluten-Free)

Radish Greens Pesto

Instead of tossing radish greens, blend them into a pesto with olive oil, nuts, and garlic. The flavor is slightly peppery and earthy. It’s perfect for spreading on bread or mixing into pasta. This recipe minimizes waste while adding bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Radish Greens Pesto

Pesto Pasta Salad

Cooked pasta is tossed with a fresh pesto, vegetables, and sometimes cheese or nuts. The salad can be served warm or chilled. Each bite has herbaceous flavor and a lightly creamy texture. It’s a versatile dish for lunch, picnics, or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad

Zucchini Pesto

Zucchini is blended with herbs, nuts, and oil for a fresh pesto twist. The mild squash adds body while keeping the sauce light. It works well on pasta, sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce. The flavor is subtly sweet with herby notes.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pesto

Vegan Pesto Sauce

A traditional pesto is reimagined without cheese for a fully vegan option. Nuts, garlic, and olive oil create a creamy, flavorful sauce. It can be tossed with pasta or vegetables. The result is vibrant, versatile, and plant-based.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pesto Sauce

Kale Pesto Sauce

Kale replaces or complements basil in this pesto for a slightly bitter, earthy flavor. Olive oil and nuts balance the greens, while garlic adds a savory punch. It’s rich in texture and pairs well with pasta or roasted dishes. Each spoonful has bold, green flavor.
Get the Recipe: Kale Pesto Sauce

Roasted Jalapeno Cilantro Pesto

Roasted jalapenos and fresh cilantro combine for a spicy, smoky pesto. Nuts and oil create a smooth, rich texture. It’s excellent for spreading on tacos, sandwiches, or mixing into pasta. The pesto adds both heat and depth of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Jalapeno Cilantro Pesto

Roasted Pesto Potatoes

Potatoes are tossed with pesto before roasting to create crisp, flavorful bites. The herbs coat each piece with aromatic, vibrant flavor. The edges caramelize slightly in the oven. They make a savory side dish or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pesto Potatoes

Authentic Italian Basil Pesto – Pesto Genovese

This classic Genoese pesto combines fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil. The flavor is fresh, nutty, and aromatic. It’s perfect for tossing with pasta or spreading on crusty bread. Each spoonful delivers traditional Italian flavor.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Italian Basil Pesto – Pesto Genovese

Two Pesto Chicken Pizza

A pizza is topped with two types of pesto along with chicken and cheese. The combination adds complexity and herbaceous richness. The crust bakes golden and crisp. Each slice is flavorful, cheesy, and savory.
Get the Recipe: Two Pesto Chicken Pizza

Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese

This Sicilian pasta dish features a pesto made with almonds and tomatoes. It has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor and vibrant red color. Tossed with pasta, it’s fresh, aromatic, and satisfying. Each bite has a balance of herbs, nuts, and acidity.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese

Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets

Salmon fillets are coated with pesto and Parmesan before air frying. The crust crisps while the fish stays tender and flaky. The pesto adds fresh, herbaceous flavor. Each portion is elegant yet simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets

Pesto Flatbread

Flatbread is brushed with pesto before baking, sometimes with cheese or vegetables. The crust becomes golden and slightly crispy. Each slice carries the bright flavor of fresh herbs. It is a simple, flavorful appetizer or snack.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Flatbread

Quick & Easy Vegan Pesto

A fast, simple pesto made without dairy, using nuts, olive oil, and herbs. It’s versatile and bright, perfect for pasta or as a spread. The flavor is fresh and herby. It’s a convenient option for plant-based cooking.
Get the Recipe: Quick & Easy Vegan Pesto

Quick and Easy Oregano Pesto Pasta

Oregano adds a punchy, slightly earthy flavor to this pesto pasta. Tossed with cooked pasta, it’s simple yet aromatic. The sauce coats the noodles evenly. It’s perfect for a fast, flavorful weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Oregano Pesto Pasta

Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto

Creamy burrata pairs with fresh tomatoes and a drizzle of pesto. The combination balances richness, sweetness, and herbaceous flavor. Each bite mixes soft cheese, juicy tomato, and aromatic herbs. It’s a light, elegant appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto

Pesto Fettuccini with Bolognese Sauce

Herbaceous pesto complements rich, meaty Bolognese over fettuccine. The flavors combine savory, nutty, and aromatic notes. Pasta is coated evenly for a cohesive dish. Each forkful offers layered flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Fettuccini with Bolognese Sauce

Cavatelli with Arugula Pesto

Cavatelli pasta is tossed in a peppery arugula pesto. The arugula adds a slightly bitter, fresh note. Olive oil and nuts create a smooth, balanced sauce. It’s a unique twist on traditional green pesto pasta.
Get the Recipe: Cavatelli with Arugula Pesto

Pesto Salmon

Salmon fillets are brushed with pesto and baked or grilled. The herbs infuse the fish with flavor while keeping it moist. Each portion is tender, flavorful, and visually appealing. It’s a simple yet elegant meal.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Chickpea Pesto Sandwich

Mashed chickpeas are mixed with pesto and served on bread or in a wrap. The chickpeas provide texture and substance. Pesto adds bright, herby flavor throughout. Each bite is flavorful, filling, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Pesto Sandwich