11 Recipes Using Pesto You'll LOVE (2024)

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By: Sarah BondUpdated: Jul 02, 2023 Leave a Comment

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Here are 11 recipes using pesto that will totally transform your meals. Goodbye hummus and tomato sauce, hellooo basil goodness!

I love a good salad, but I equally love a big bowl of pasta or a sandwich on thick, freshly baked ciabatta bread every once in a while. But regular dressings and pasta sauces can kind of get old. I know for me, I often find myself sick of the standard meal sauces like hummus, tomato sauce, and Italian dressing.

So I got really into making homemade pesto, and before I knew it I had a number of recipes on my blog that included it. I am basically now the Homemade Pesto Headquarters.

The great thing about pesto is that it doesn’t require many ingredients, and there are a TON of tasty variations that can be made to it, like using avocado or even carrot tops!

So in case you’re in need of inspiration for that pot of pesto in your fridge, here are some simple recipes using pesto that will get you into the groove. Let’s cook!

Easy Homemade Pesto

To start us off on the right foot, I'm kicking off this round up with exactly what you'd expect: a recipe for pesto! This Easy Homemade Pesto includes just 7 ingredients and is so delicious, you'll never want to eat store-bought again!

Leafy Greens Pesto (3 Ways)

And because just one pesto recipe isn't enough, here are three ways to turn your leftover greens into Leafy Green Pesto. You can use spinach, watercress, or even carrot tops for a delicious sandwich or pasta topper! Each recipe takes less than 5 minutes, what what!

Asparagus Noodles with Pesto

Because noodles are better with pesto, here's a fun recipe for Asparagus Noodles with... Pesto! These tasty bright green noodles look like green fettuccine, and the pesto is the perfect low carb sauce! Eat up!

Roasted Beet and Radish Salad

Salads made without greens are the best. Who's with me? This Roasted Beet and Radish Salad is the perfect way to sneak beets into your diet. It's loaded with feta cheese, a hint of lemon, and of course, fresh pesto! It's the best way to offset that familiar beet taste while still soaking up all of the nutrients the root has to offer.

Zucchini Pasta with Creamy Avocado Pesto

If we're gonna have asparagus noodles (see above), we have to have zucchini noodles too! This Zucchini Pasta with Creamy Avocado Pesto is the best way to load up on something filling and nutritious for dinner. The pesto is made with avocado and basil and is the perfect way to give this dish low carb flavor!

Smashed Potatoes with Avocado Pesto

Have a few potatoes in your pantry calling for a tasty but new recipe? Try Smashed Potatoes with Avocado Pesto. It's a delicious and totally convenient meal that the entire family will devour. You'll boil the potatoes, smash 'em a bit, and then drizzle avocado pesto on top. YUM.

Avocado Pesto Pinwheels

For quick and easy little sandwich-style bites, try Avocado Pesto Pinwheels! They're filled with cream cheese, spinach, and onion and are a quick and healthy appetizer for your next get together. I'll take 5, please!

Beet Pesto Pizza with Goat Cheese and Kale

Homemade pizza has never been so ~fancy.~ This Beet Pesto Pizza with Goat Cheese Kale totally ups the game. It's a decadent yet healthy option that's packed with way more flavor than you could imagine!

Pesto Spaghetti Squash Bowls

Whip up this quick and tasty pesto spaghetti squash bowl to pack in the vegetables without compromising on delicious flavor. It's a great way to enjoy a veggie-filled meal while also diving into something that's totally gourmet. I can tell you one thing: With squash bowls, guests will be impressed!

Spiralized Zucchini Caprese Salad in a Jar

Spiralized Zucchini Caprese Saald in a Jar is the perfect meal for on-the-go! It's a healthy twist on the Mediterranean favorite that works so well for work lunches or taking on the run while you're out and about. It's complete with fresh pesto and mozzarella, so it's automatically a winner.

Pressed Eggplant Sandwiches

Last but not least, Pressed Eggplant Sandwiches certainly pack a punch. Made with pesto, mozzarella, grilled eggplant, and roasted bell pepper, it's the perfect nice and refreshing meal. Put it on some fresh baked ciabatta bread, and you've won!