Did you know that you can enhance any meal or savory treat with a jar of pesto or with a batch of homemade pesto?
I'm thinking beyond pasta, fun and delicious foods that could probably also save meal time because a jar of pesto can cut down on prepping time.

I have collected 17 recipes that can be prepared with the most classic Italian Basil pesto or any other pesto variation, such as my cashew pesto or a red pesto.
5 Ingredient Tomato Pesto Panini
A quick and delicious panini made with just four simple ingredients, combining juicy tomatoes and flavorful pesto for a satisfying bite.
Pizza with Zucchini and Basil Pesto
Thin ribbons of zucchini, rich homemade pizza sauce, and fragrant basil pesto come together for a fresh and flavorful twist on pizza night. Every bite bursts with the taste of summer, making this an easy go-to when zucchini is in season.
Cheesy Braided Pesto Bread
Swirls of pesto and gooey mozzarella make this bread impossible to resist. The best part? That crispy, golden cheese on top. Serve it warm, and you might not even need a main course!
Lasagna al Pesto
Layers of pasta, three cheeses, and a creamy béchamel pesto sauce make this lasagna rich and comforting. Baked until golden and bubbling, it’s the perfect dish for chilly days. Cozy, cheesy, and packed with basil flavor, this is comfort food at its best.
Pesto Green Beans
Tender green beans coated in pesto and Parmesan take this simple side to the next level. Bold, garlicky, and packed with flavor, they are anything but boring. Quick to make and easy to love, these pesto green beans might just steal the show.
Pesto Parmesan Cheese Straws
Flaky puff pastry, rich basil pesto, and Parmesan come together in these crispy, golden cheese straws. Twisted for extra crunch, they make the perfect snack or party bite. Easy to make and impossible to stop eating.
Pesto Chicken Tortellini
Tender chicken and cheese-filled tortellini get coated in a rich, garlicky pesto sauce for the ultimate comfort meal. Made in one skillet and ready in 30 minutes, it’s as easy as it is delicious. Perfect for busy nights when you want something creamy, flavorful, and satisfying.
Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
Cheese tortellini, pesto, and a handful of fresh ingredients come together in this quick and flavorful pasta salad. It takes just minutes to make and is perfect for cookouts, picnics, or easy meals. Simple, delicious, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Baked Farrotto with Basil-Walnut Pesto
Creamy, oven-baked farrotto meets the bold flavors of basil-walnut pesto in this hearty dish. Nutty farro absorbs the rich, herby sauce for a satisfying twist on classic risotto. Cozy, flavorful, and perfect for an easy, hands-off meal.
Pesto Ricotta Crostini with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Crispy crostini topped with creamy ricotta, vibrant pesto, and sweet roasted cherry tomatoes make the perfect summer bite. Simple yet full of flavor, they bring a rustic touch to any gathering. Serve them up and watch them disappear.
Basil Pesto Butter (Two Ways)
Smooth, buttery, and packed with basil pesto, this spread adds instant flavor to anything it touches. Whether slathered on warm bread or melted over grilled veggies, it’s an easy way to upgrade any meal. Two variations mean double the delicious possibilities.
Butter Poached Shrimp and Pesto Polenta Bites
Crispy polenta, rich pesto, and buttery poached shrimp come together in a bold, flavorful bite. A drizzle of chile-infused oil adds just the right amount of heat. Perfect for BBQs, parties, or whenever you want to impress.
Whipped Ricotta with Pesto and Sun Dried Tomatoes
Creamy whipped ricotta and mascarpone blend with fresh basil pesto and tangy sun-dried tomatoes for a flavor-packed appetizer. Smooth, rich, and vibrant, it’s perfect for spreading on crusty bread or crackers. A simple yet irresistible dish for any gathering.
Pasta Portofino recipe from Liguria
Pasta Portofino brings together the best of both worlds with fresh basil pesto and juicy tomatoes. Light, flavorful, and easy to make, it’s a go-to for busy days. If you love pesto, this dish is a must-try.
Basil Pesto Salmon
Salmon coated in basil pesto and roasted to perfection makes for a simple yet flavorful meal. Tender, buttery, and ready in minutes, it’s an easy choice for busy weeknights. Serve it with your favorite sides for a dinner that never disappoints.
Cheesy Basil Pesto Garlic Bread Recipe - Cooking Up Memories
Warm, garlicky bread layered with fresh pesto, melty mozzarella, and Parmesan makes every bite irresistible. Crispy on the outside and cheesy in the middle, it’s the perfect side for any meal. Serve it hot, and watch it disappear fast.
Savory Pesto Babka
This savory babka weaves rich pesto into soft, fluffy layers for a showstopping holiday bread. Buttery, herby, and packed with flavor, it’s a delicious twist on a classic. Serve it warm and watch it disappear slice by slice.



















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