Move Over Marinara! These Pesto Recipes Are the Real Stars of Dinner

If you love the bright, herby flavor of pesto, you’re in for a treat. This roundup is full of creative pesto recipes that go way beyond the classic pasta sauce. From quick weeknight dinners to refreshing salads and even festive appetizers, these dishes show just how versatile and delicious pesto can be. Whether you prefer it creamy, nutty, vegan, or with a spicy twist, there’s something here for every craving.

Two Pesto Chicken Pizza

Chicken Pizza loaded with Mozzarella on a tray. — Two Pesto Chicken Pizza. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

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Can’t decide between green or sun-dried tomato pesto? Go for both! This pizza layers tender chicken, gooey cheese, and two kinds of pesto for a flavor combo that’s next-level delicious.
Get the Recipe: Two Pesto Chicken Pizza

Vegan Pesto Sauce

Homemade basil pesto in a glass jar surrounded by fresh basil leaves and a slice of lemon. — Vegan Pesto Sauce. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

You don’t need dairy to make a great pesto. This vegan version keeps all the fresh basil flavor you love, with simple swaps that make it plant-based perfection. Serve it over pasta or drizzle on veggies.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pesto Sauce

Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad with Roasted Vegetables

A glass bowl filled with rotini pasta, sliced zucchini, yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and herbs, with a wooden spoon inside. — Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad with Roasted Vegetables. Photo credit: Parsley & Parm.

This pasta salad is anything but boring. Roasted veggies and a rich walnut pesto come together for a hearty dish that’s full of color, texture, and nutty goodness.
Get the Recipe: Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad with Roasted Vegetables

Zucchini Pesto

Light, fresh, and full of flavor, this zucchini pesto is a fun twist on the classic. Use it on pasta, grilled chicken, or fish for a healthy, flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pesto

Tuna Pesto Pasta

Make dinner easy with this tuna pesto pasta. It’s hearty, zesty, and packed with protein, making it a quick meal that still feels special.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad

This shrimp pesto pasta salad is fresh, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep. Juicy shrimp, crisp veggies, and herby pesto make it a light but satisfying lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad

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

Bright and vibrant, this pea and basil pesto brings a pop of color and freshness to any dish. It’s gluten-free, vegan, and perfect for springtime meals.
Get the Recipe: Sunny Spring Pea & Basil Vegan Pesto (Gluten-Free)

Trenette al Pesto

A classic Ligurian favorite, this Trenette al Pesto combines basil pesto with tender pasta, potatoes, and green beans for a comforting, authentic Italian meal.
Get the Recipe: Trenette al Pesto

Roasted Jalapeno Cilantro Pesto

A glass bowl filled with green pesto sauce, featuring visible herbs and nuts, with a gold spoon resting in it. — Roasted Jalapeno Cilantro Pesto. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Turn up the heat with this bold take on pesto. Roasted jalapeños and fresh cilantro blend together for a spicy, zesty sauce that livens up pasta, tacos, or grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Jalapeno Cilantro Pesto

Roasted Pesto Potatoes

Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these roasted pesto potatoes are the perfect side dish. Add a sprinkle of bacon for extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pesto Potatoes

Quick and Easy Oregano Pesto Pasta

This creamy oregano pesto pasta comes together in minutes and feels like comfort in a bowl. It’s simple enough for weeknights but tasty enough to impress guests.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Oregano Pesto Pasta

Radish Greens Pesto

Don’t toss those radish greens! Blend them into a vibrant pesto that’s great on pasta, chicken, or even spread on sandwiches for a peppery kick.
Get the Recipe: Radish Greens Pesto

Pesto Tortellini Salad

A bowl of tortellini pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion, olives, and fresh basil on a striped surface, with a fork and a glass of iced tea nearby. — Pesto Tortellini Salad . Photo credit: The Healthful Ideas.

This quick tortellini salad is a crowd-pleaser. Tossed with basil pesto and colorful veggies, it’s ideal for picnics, potlucks, or an easy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Salad

Quick & Easy Vegan Pesto

This vegan pesto is simple, versatile, and ready in minutes. Try it on pasta, pizza, or as a dip for chips and veggies.
Get the Recipe: Quick & Easy Vegan Pesto

Pesto Salmon

Dinner doesn’t get easier than this pesto salmon. With just five ingredients, it bakes to perfection in under 25 minutes for a healthy, flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

A glass bowl filled with tortellini pasta salad containing cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, mozzarella, red onions, and herbs, with pesto sauce and fresh basil nearby. — Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella .

Toss cheesy tortellini with basil pesto and fresh vegetables for a quick, refreshing dish that’s great for lunch or summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer

Make your holiday spread extra festive with this pesto puff pastry Christmas tree. It’s buttery, flaky, and perfect for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer

Pesto Rice

Take plain rice to the next level with a spoonful of pesto. It’s an easy way to add flavor and color to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Rice

Pesto Salad Dressing

This pesto salad dressing is simple, flavorful, and easy to customize. Make it creamy or keep it light as a vinaigrette for salads, pasta, or grilled veggies.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salad Dressing