Creative Pesto Recipes That Go Way Beyond Pasta

If you love the bold, herby flavor of pesto, get ready to take it to the next level. This roundup features creative pesto recipes that go far beyond the usual pasta dish. From vibrant sauces and hearty salads to sandwiches, pizzas, and sides, these recipes show just how versatile pesto can be. Whether you stick with classic basil or try fun twists like kale, hazelnut, or sun-dried tomato, you’ll find a new favorite here to freshen up your meals.

Pesto Salad Dressing

This simple and flavorful pesto dressing is perfect for salads, pasta, or grilled veggies. Keep it light as a vinaigrette or make it creamy for a richer finish.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salad Dressing

Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad

Juicy shrimp, crisp veggies, and herby pesto come together for a fresh and satisfying pasta salad. It’s great for lunch, meal prep, or a quick summer dinner.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad

Easy Pesto Rosso – Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

This bright and savory sun-dried tomato pesto is a fun twist on the classic green version. It’s perfect for tossing with pasta or spreading on sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pesto Rosso – Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

Two Pesto Chicken Pizza

Can’t choose between basil or sun-dried tomato pesto? Use both! This pizza layers tender chicken, melted cheese, and two pestos for double the flavor.
Get the Recipe: Two Pesto Chicken Pizza

Hazelnut Sage Pesto Recipe

Nutty, earthy, and packed with fresh flavor, this hazelnut sage pesto is perfect for pasta, chicken, or roasted vegetables. A delicious twist on the classic.
Get the Recipe: Hazelnut Sage Pesto Recipe

Italian Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Crispy bread, juicy chicken, and creamy pesto make this sandwich a simple but irresistible meal. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Zucchini Pesto

A lighter take on traditional pesto, this zucchini version is fresh, healthy, and full of flavor. Try it on pasta, grilled chicken, or even as a dip.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pesto

Tuna Pesto Pasta

This quick and easy pasta combines tuna, pesto, and simple pantry ingredients for a flavorful weeknight meal. Hearty, protein-packed, and ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

Roasted Pesto Potatoes

Golden on the outside and tender inside, these pesto-coated potatoes are an easy and tasty side dish. Add a sprinkle of bacon for extra goodness.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pesto Potatoes

Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer

Flaky puff pastry and vibrant pesto come together in this festive holiday appetizer. It’s buttery, fun to pull apart, and perfect for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer

Kale Pesto Sauce

Quick, healthy, and full of greens, this kale pesto is a great way to sneak in extra nutrients. It’s ready in minutes and works on everything from pasta to veggies.
Get the Recipe: Kale Pesto Sauce

Pea Shoot Pesto

This fresh and light pea shoot pesto comes together in just 15 minutes. The pistachios add a nutty twist that pairs beautifully with pasta or fish.
Get the Recipe: Pea Shoot Pesto

Vegan Pesto Sauce

This dairy-free pesto is creamy, flavorful, and 100% plant-based. It’s a perfect choice for vegan meals without sacrificing that classic basil kick.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pesto Sauce

Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad with Roasted Vegetables

Loaded with roasted veggies and a rich walnut pesto, this pasta salad is hearty and full of color. It’s great for picnics, potlucks, or weekday lunches.
Get the Recipe: Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad with Roasted Vegetables

Pesto Rice

Turn plain rice into something special with a spoonful of pesto. It’s quick, simple, and adds instant flavor to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Rice