Imagine the vibrant green of fresh basil, the nutty aroma of pine nuts, and the rich taste of olive oil blending together in a delightful symphony of flavors. Pesto is not just a sauce; it’s a celebration of Italian cuisine that can transform any dish into something extraordinary. Get ready to explore these irresistible pesto recipes that will bring a refreshing taste of Italy right to your kitchen!
Classic Basil Pesto

Basil Pesto from Love and Lemons
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Pine nuts, parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic Total Time: 5 min.

Basil Pesto from The Kitchn
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Pine nuts, lemon, parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic Total Time: 20 min.

Easy Homemade Pesto Recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Pine nuts, roasted garlic, parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice Total Time: 10 min.
This is the go-to recipe for a reason! Made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil, this classic pesto is bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for tossing with pasta, drizzling over grilled veggies, or spreading on sandwiches.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
If you love the sweet and tangy flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, this one’s for you! Blending sun-dried tomatoes with basil, garlic, and walnuts creates a rich, umami-packed sauce. It’s fantastic as a dip or a pasta sauce that’s sure to impress your guests.
Kale and Walnut Pesto

Kale Walnut Pesto from Cook With Manali
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Lemon, parmesan cheese, olive oil, chopped kale Total Time: 15 min.

5 Minute Kale Walnut Pesto from Yay! For Food
Rating: 4.5. Ingredients: Kale, parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice Total Time: 5 min.

Spaghetti with Kale & Walnut Pesto from Once Upon a Chef
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Pasta, olive oil, garlic, pecorino romano cheese, sugar Total Time: 25 min.
Looking for a healthier spin? This kale and walnut pesto is a nutrient powerhouse! The earthy flavor of kale combined with the crunch of walnuts makes for a deliciously unique spread. Toss it with whole grain pasta for a wholesome meal.
Spinach and Feta Pesto

Spinach Pesto with Feta & Walnuts from The Cook Report
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Feta, lemon, fresh spinach, olive oil Total Time: 10 min.

Basil Pesto with Spinach and Feta Cheese from She Likes Food
Ingredients: Feta cheese, baby spinach, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic Total Time: 10 min.

Spinach Pesto with Almonds and Feta from LeelaLicious
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Feta cheese, baby spinach, olive oil, almonds, black pepper Total Time: 5 min.
This delightful twist on traditional pesto incorporates fresh spinach and creamy feta cheese. The result is a tangy and vibrant sauce that’s just perfect on grilled chicken or as a salad dressing. You’ll love the creamy texture and fresh, bright taste!
Arugula Pesto

Gluten Free Homemade Walnut Pesto from Small Farm Big Life
Ingredients: Parmesan cheese Total Time: 20 min.

Spaghetti with kale and walnut pesto from Eat Good 4 Life
Ingredients: Whole wheat spaghetti, kale, balsamic vinegar, red bell pepper, parmesan cheese Total Time: 20 min.

Pesto Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes and Capers from Nordic Ware
Ingredients: Pasta, pesto, cherry tomatoes, fried capers, parmesan cheese Total Time: 25 min.
If you’re a fan of peppery flavors, arugula pesto is a must-try. This pesto showcases the bold taste of arugula, blended with nuts and Parmesan cheese for a zesty kick. It pairs beautifully with seafood or as a spread on crostini.
Pea and Mint Pesto
Spring is in the air with this fresh and vibrant pea and mint pesto! The sweetness of peas combined with refreshing mint creates a light and delightful sauce. It’s perfect tossed with pasta or drizzled over grilled lamb.
Roasted Red Pepper Pesto
Roasted Red Pepper Pesto from Brunch & Batter
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 10 min Total Time: 10 min.

Roasted Red Pepper Pesto with Pasta from The Pasta Project
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 40 min Total Time: 40 min.

Red pepper pesto pasta from The Burnt Butter Table
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 1 h 10 min Total Time: 1 h 10 min.
Sweet, smoky roasted red peppers bring a whole new dimension to pesto. Mixed with nuts and spices, this vibrant sauce is loaded with flavor and works wonders as a dip or pasta sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!
Avocado Pesto
Avocado lovers, rejoice! This creamy avocado pesto is not only delicious but also packed with healthy fats. Blend avocados with basil, lemon juice, and garlic for a creamy sauce that’s perfect on pasta or as a toast topping.
Carrot Top Pesto

Carrot Top Pesto from Simply Recipes
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Carrot top, baby spinach, olive oil, garlic, sea salt Total Time: 10 min.

Carrot Top Pesto Recipe from The Endless Meal
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Carrot top, carrots, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic Total Time: 20 min.

Carrot Top Pesto from Food & Wine
Ingredients: Carrot tops, red pepper flakes, olive oil, garlic, black pepper Total Time: 10 min.
Don’t toss those carrot greens! This carrot top pesto is a creative way to use what you might usually throw away. Featuring a mix of carrot tops, nuts, and Parmesan, it’s a unique way to add flavor to sandwiches or grilled meats.
Walnut and Sage Pesto
Earthy walnuts and fragrant sage come together in this cozy pesto recipe. The slightly nutty flavor of walnuts pairs beautifully with the aromatic sage, making it an excellent choice for hearty dishes like gnocchi or roasted squash.
Chocolate Pesto
Yes, you read that right! Chocolate pesto is a sweet treat that combines cocoa powder, nuts, and a touch of honey. Drizzle it over ice cream or pancakes for a decadent dessert that will surprise and delight!
Cashew and Basil Pesto
For a creamy texture that’s simply irresistible, try cashew and basil pesto. The richness of cashews blends beautifully with fresh basil and garlic, making it a perfect dip for veggies or a sauce for pasta. It’s sure to become a favorite!
Thai Basil Pesto

Thai Basil Pesto from Katy's Food Finds
Ingredients: Thai basil, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, cashew nuts, lime juice Total Time: 15 min.

Thai Basil Pesto from Flying on Jess Fuel
Rating: 4. Ingredients: Thai basil, fish sauce, olive oil, lime juice, garlic

Homemade Thai Basil Pesto Recipe from Go Healthy Ever After
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Thai green, thai basil, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest Total Time: 15 min.
Take your taste buds on an adventure with Thai basil pesto! The unique flavor of Thai basil combined with peanuts and lime juice creates a zesty sauce that’s perfect for Asian-inspired dishes. Use it in stir-fries or as a marinade for grilled meats!
Herbed Pesto
Why stick to just one herb when you can use a mix? This herbed pesto combines basil, parsley, and cilantro for a bright and refreshing flavor. It’s perfect for spreading on sandwiches or drizzling over grilled fish!
Pistachio Pesto

Pistachio Pesto from Gimme Some Oven
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Olive oil, garlic, sea salt, fresh basil, black pepper Total Time: 5 min.

Pistachio Pesto from Forks & Vines
Ingredients: Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parmigiano reggiano, basil leaves

Pistachio Pesto from Healthyish Appetite
Rating: 4.5. Ingredients: Lemon, parmesan cheese, baby spinach, olive oil, garlic Total Time: 5 min.
Pistachios bring a delightful crunch and unique flavor to this pesto recipe. Blended with fresh herbs and cheese, it’s a luxurious sauce that’s perfect for dressing up pasta or serving with crusty bread. You won’t be able to resist its nutty goodness!
Beet Greens Pesto

Beet Greens Pesto Recipe from Fork in the Road
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Beet greens, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, olive oil, lemon juice Total Time: 10 min.

Beet Greens Pesto from Food with Feeling
Ingredients: Beet greens, pine nuts, olive oil, basil, garlic Total Time: 5 min.
Utilizing the often-overlooked beet greens, this pesto is packed with nutrients and flavor. The earthy taste of beet greens combined with nuts and garlic creates a unique sauce that’s great on pasta or as a spread. It’s a great way to reduce waste in the kitchen!
Garlic Scape Pesto
If you’re lucky enough to find garlic scapes, don’t miss the chance to make this pesto! The mild garlic flavor is perfect blended with nuts and olive oil for a vibrant green sauce. It’s amazing on pasta or as a dip for bread!
Mustard Green Pesto

Spicy Mustard Green Pesto Recipe from Nourished Kitchen
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Mustard greens, pumpkin seeds, lemon, olive oil, garlic Total Time: 10 min.

Mustard Green Pesto from The Herbeevore
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Mustard greens, olive oil, garlic, sea salt, fresh basil Total Time: 5 min.

Garlic Mustard Pesto from – Forager | Chef
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Lemon balm, sunflower seeds, garlic mustard leaves, red pepper flakes, parmesan cheese Total Time: 10 min.
For a spicy kick, try mustard green pesto! The peppery flavor of mustard greens, combined with nuts and cheese, creates a sauce that’s bold and delicious. Perfect for tossing with pasta or drizzling over roasted vegetables!
Chickpea Pesto

Creamy vegan pesto chickpeas from Modern Food Stories
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Low fodmap, chickpeas Total Time: 15 min.

5-Minute Nut-Free Chickpea Basil Pesto Recipe from Fork in the Road
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Chickpeas, red pepper flakes, parmesan cheese, olive oil, basil Total Time: 5 min.

Chickpea Pesto Salad from Mother Thyme
Rating: 4. Ingredients: Pine nuts, basil pesto, red onion Total Time: 10 min.
This protein-packed chickpea pesto is a fantastic twist on the classic! Blending chickpeas with basil, lemon, and garlic creates a creamy and hearty sauce that’s perfect for spreading on toast or adding to pasta dishes. It’s satisfying and full of flavor!
Ginger and Cilantro Pesto

Grilled Mahi Mahi with Cilantro-Ginger Pesto from From A Chef's Kitchen
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 30 мин
Bright and fresh, this ginger and cilantro pesto is an exciting fusion of flavors! The zesty ginger and aromatic cilantro create a unique sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over grilled chicken or seafood. It’ll give your dishes a fresh twist!
Radish Leaf Pesto
Don’t let radish tops go to waste! This radish leaf pesto is a clever way to use them up and pack in flavor. The slightly peppery leaves mixed with nuts and cheese make a vibrant sauce that’s great on pasta or drizzled over roasted veggies.
Cheesy Pesto Pasta Bake

Pesto Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes and Capers from Nordic Ware
Ingredients: 25 min Total Time: 25 min.
This isn’t just any pasta dish; it’s a cheesy pesto pasta bake! Combining pasta with your favorite pesto, loads of cheese, and a crunchy topping makes for a comforting and delicious meal. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or for cozy family dinners!
Pesto Pizza
Switch up your pizza night with a pesto pizza! Spread pesto on your favorite crust and top with mozzarella and veggies for a fresh and flavorful twist. It’s a fun and delicious way to enjoy pizza with a hint of Italian flair!
Pesto Stuffed Chicken

Pesto Tomato and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breasts from Laughing Spatula
Rating: 4.6. Ingredients: 30 min
Take your chicken dinner to the next level with pesto stuffed chicken! Filling chicken breasts with a mixture of pesto and cheese creates a juicy and flavorful meal. Serve it with a side of veggies for a wholesome dinner that’s sure to impress.
Pesto Grilled Cheese

The Ultimate Pesto Grilled Cheese from Something About Sandwiches
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 20 min Total Time: 20 min.

The Best Pesto Grilled Cheese from Gimme Delicious
Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: 15 min Total Time: 15 min.
Elevate your grilled cheese game with a pesto twist! Spread pesto on your bread before adding cheese for an extra layer of flavor. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner!
Pesto Potato Salad
Gluten Free Homemade Walnut Pesto from Small Farm Big Life
Ingredients: Parmesan cheese Total Time: 20 min.
Spaghetti with kale and walnut pesto from Eat Good 4 Life
Ingredients: Whole wheat spaghetti, kale, balsamic vinegar, red bell pepper, parmesan cheese Total Time: 20 min.
Pesto Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes and Capers from Nordic Ware
Ingredients: Pasta, pesto, cherry tomatoes, fried capers, parmesan cheese Total Time: 25 min.
Say goodbye to boring potato salad! This pesto potato salad combines tender potatoes with fresh pesto for a vibrant and flavorful side dish. It’s great for picnics and barbecues, and sure to be a hit with everyone!