22 Best Pesto Recipes to Make at Home
If you love pesto then you are going to love this selection of 22 best pesto recipes that can be made in the comfort of your own home.
Pesto is so versatile and can be used in numerous dishes, from pasta to chicken, fish, vegetables and so much more.
It is also incredibly easy to make, meaning that you can whip up a batch in no time at all.
So if you are looking for some delicious pesto recipes to try out, then look no further than this collection.
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Contents
What Is Pesto?
Pesto is a traditional Italian sauce made from crushed basil leaves, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts.
It is typically used as a condiment for pasta dishes, but can also be used to enhance the flavor of chicken, fish, vegetables, and more.
Pesto recipes can be enjoyed both hot and cold and can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for later use.
Is Pesto Healthy?
Yes, pesto is a healthy sauce option as it is packed full of nutritious ingredients. It is a great sauce to use if you are on the Mediterranean diet.
Fresh Basil
Basil leaves are a good source of vitamins A and K, while garlic is known for its numerous health benefits including being a natural antibiotic.
Grow your own basil and use it to make these tasty basil pesto recipes
Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is rich in healthy fats and is a great oil to use with food.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese is an excellent source of protein. It is also a good source of calcium and phosphorus.
Pine Nuts
Pine nuts are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Try garlic pine nuts for even more flavor.
What Dishes Can I Use Pesto With?
As mentioned, pesto is typically used as a condiment for pasta dishes. But there are so many other ways that you can use pesto to enhance the flavor of your meals.
Here are some ideas:
– Use it as a spread for sandwiches and wrap.
– Mix it with mayonnaise or yogurt to create a flavorful dip or dressing.
– Toss it with roasted vegetables.
– Stir it into soups and stews.
– Use it as a pizza topping and then add cheese.
– Mix it with cream cheese to create a flavorful spread for crackers or bread.
– Top grilled chicken or fish with pesto.
How To Make Pesto
Making pesto is incredibly simple, and only requires a handful of ingredients.
Simply add all of the ingredients into a food processor or blender, and blend until you have achieved a smooth consistency.
Here are twenty different pesto sauce recipes you will love.
Miso Sesame Pesto – The Curious Plate
Cripsy skillet chicken with Miso sesame pesto is an easy Japanese-inspired weeknight meal.
The pesto is made with white miso, sesame oil, fresh basil leaves, and rice vinegar.
Get the instructions for this homemade basil pesto over at The Curious Plate. Miso Sesame Pesto
Olive Pesto – Sugar Salt Magic
With just 6 ingredients this Olive Pesto recipe is an easy pesto sauce and a great recipe to try.
Loaded with almonds for a slightly lighter flavor and grated parmesan cheese, this umami olive pesto is a must-try!
Pistachio Mint Pesto – Lexi’s Clean Kitchen
Have you tried a pistachio mint pesto before? If not you’ll want to give this homemade pesto a try.
Made with just 8 ingredients, it’s perfect for topping chicken or fish.
You’ll need some lemon juice, lemon zest, green onions, and fresh mint leaves.
You’ll also need some salt and freshly ground black pepper for this delicious pesto recipe.
Get the recipe for Pistachio Mint Pesto here. Serve on chicken with basil leaves and feta cheese.
Roasted Tomato Pesto – Tonya Staab
Roasted veggies are fantastic and this roasted tomato pesto recipe is a great pesto sauce.
This versatile sauce is made with freshly grated parmesan, toasted walnuts, olive oil, and more.
Grab a bowl of food, veggies, or crackers, and enjoy this delicious pesto recipe.
You’ll want to find the recipe for Roasted Tomato Pesto here. This is one of the best pesto recipes using tomatoes.
Walnut Cheddar Pesto – Baking Bites
Move over store-bought pesto sauces, hello walnut cheddar pesto!
This walnut pesto is a fantastic cheesy pesto that is perfect for crackers or bread. You could even use it as a sandwich spread.
This easy and delicious pesto recipe is made with cheddar cheese, walnuts, finely chopped shallots, fresh herbs, and olive oil.
You’ll also need some salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Get the instructions for this Walnut Cheddar Pesto here.
Mix and Match Pesto – The Decorated Cookie
Mix and match pesto is a fantastic pesto recipe for spreading on crackers or stuffing in chicken.
This easy and tasty pesto is made with cilantro, grated parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, olive oil, lemon juice, and more.
Serve this Mix and Match Pesto over hot pasta and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
Sundried Tomato Pesto – Yes to Yolks
Grab the sun-dried tomatoes so you can make a delicious homemade pesto to go on Caprese chicken.
This sun-dried tomato basil pesto is a flavorful and easy-to-make pesto recipe and is perfect for a quick meal.
You’ll need some sun-dried tomatoes, garlic cloves, fresh basil leaves, and olive oil.
You’ll also need some pistachios and a few more tasty ingredients.
Get the recipe here: Sundried Tomato Pesto
Cashew Pea Pesto – Jessica in the Kitchen
Try this awesome recipe for Cashew Pea Pesto by Jessica in the Kitchen. This is a tasty pesto sauce that uses vegan parmesan cheese and delicious kale.
The creamy pesto recipe is really simple and only takes a few minutes to make.
Cilantro Hemp Pesto – Cookie and Kate
Why not try a cilantro and hemp seed pesto sauce. This tasty pesto recipe is full of flavor and perfect for topping chicken or fish.
It’s also a great vegan pesto sauce as it contains no cheese.
You’ll need some cilantro, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and shelled hemp seeds.
Store the pesto in an airtight container and it will last in the fridge for up to one week.
Enjoy this Cilantro Hemp Pesto recipe today!
Thai Basil Pesto – Mrs Jones Kitchen
If you love basil pesto, then you are going to love this Thai pesto sauce.
Packed with flavor this Asian-inspired recipe is a go-to basil pesto sauce. Grab some fresh lemon juice and make this fantastic basil pesto recipe today.
Sunflower Dill Pesto – Sumptuous Spoonfuls
Why not try a dill pesto sauce mixed with roasted sunflower seeds and olive oil? This delicious recipe is a go-to pesto for flavoring soups, pasta, and rice.
Grab your food processor and make Sunflower Dill Pesto using this recipe.
You can also freeze pesto using ice cube trays or a freezer bag and use small cubes as you need them in future recipes.
Carrot Top Pesto – Little Sunny Kitchen
Carrot Top Pesto is a great way to use up those carrot greens. This pesto recipe is full of flavor and perfect for spreading on crackers or using as a sandwich spread.
You’ll need some carrot tops, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and toasted walnuts. You can also add in some grated Parmesan cheese if you like. For the full list of ingredients and instructions for Carrot Top Pesto visit the Little Sunny Kitchen.
If you haven’t tried making pesto sauce as a base for pizza, you’re going to love this basic pesto recipe.
Nut-Free Wild Garlic Pesto – Elephantastic Vegan
Try this nut-free wild garlic pesto. It’s vegan-friendly and tastes incredible. You’ll need some extra virgin olive oil and some lemon juice to make this flavorful pesto recipe.
This nut-free sauce is perfect for those with allergies or dietary restrictions. grab the food processor and wild garlic and make a delicious Nut-Free Wild Garlic Pesto.
Celery Leaf Pesto – Sugar Salt Magic
If you want the perfect pesto to drizzle over broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots, then why not try this Celery Leaf Pesto.
The tangy lemon juice combined with celery, nuts, and freshly grated parmesan can be made in minutes and is a fantastic way to use up celery leaves.
Nut Free Cilantro Pesto – Life as a Strawberry
Thiss nut-free pesto is a great versatile sauce that you can use in many recipes.
Check out this simple and tasty recipe for Nut-Free Cilantro Pesto.
Add all the ingredients to a food processor and blend until smooth. Serve the pesto immediately or freeze small amounts in ice cube trays for later use.
Get the Nut-Free Cilantro Pesto recipe here!
Red Pepper Pesto – Cookie and Kate
Red pepper pesto is an awesome recipe and a great sauce for spreading over pizza or adding to salmon, chicken, or roasted cauliflower.
This Red Pepper Pesto recipe uses bell peppers, fresh basil, and great northern beans.
Combine all the ingredients in the food processor and this pepper basil pesto sauce is blended into a smooth sauce ready for use.
Spring Pea Pesto – Delicious Bites
Spring pea pesto sauce is a fantastic way to use up those fresh peas. You can also use frozen peas in this pea-basil pesto recipe.
This pesto is perfect for adding to pasta, chicken, or fish.
You’ll need some fresh basil and olive oil along with mint and chili. Add ramps and pine nuts. If you don’t like pine nuts try using pistachios instead.
Get the Spring Pea Pesto recipe from Delicious Bites.
Lemon Artichoke Pesto – Kitchen Gidet
For a different pesto sauce try making a Lemon Artichoke Pesto. Using artichoke hearts and lemon zest, this homemade pesto is perfect for salads or pasta.
Spicy Cilantro Lime Pesto with Cashews – Sumptuous Spoonfuls
Try making a Spicy Cilantro Lime Pesto with Cashews. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves spice and flavor.
You’ll need some cilantro, serrano pepper, garlic, cashews, olive oil, and lime juice.
Add this pesto sauce to your favorite tacos, salmon, chicken, or flank steak.
Mushroom Walnut Pesto – Life Currents Blog
This mushroom walnut pesto is a great recipe for serving with grilled chicken or fish.
You’ll need some mushrooms, garlic, and toasted walnuts. This pesto can be made in a food processor or blender. This is one of the best pesto recipes.
Make this Mushroom Walnut Pesto recipe and freeze pesto in small containers for later use.
Seaweed Pesto – Fasting Page
Have you ever tried seaweed pesto? If not you need to give this recipe a try.
This pesto uses dried seaweed which you can find this at your local health food store.
This Seaweed Pesto is perfect for spreading on crackers or using as a dip.
Lemony Pistachio Basil Pesto – The Lemon Bowl
Forget the pine nuts and try this lemony pistachio basil pesto sauce. This is one of my favorite basil pesto recipes. it uses grated Parmigiano Reggiano, pecorino, and a little lemon juice.
Make this Lemony Pistachio Basil Pesto today! It’s great on pasta or spread a thin layer on crackers for a tasty appetizer.
What Is The Best Pesto Recipe?
The best pesto recipe is the one that you like the most. But if you’re looking for something a little different try one of the recipes above and find out which is your favorite.
Do you have a favorite pesto recipe? Let us know in the comments below!
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Angela Milnes is a Qualified Early Years Teacher who has specialised in teaching. She has a wealth of experience teaching young children and adults. Angela has also taught cooking classes and loves to share both family recipes and easy instant pot recipes here on The Instant Pot Table. Follow her on Pinterest!
