If you love fresh, flavorful meals that come together without a lot of effort, pesto is the perfect ingredient to keep on hand. With its vibrant basil flavor, creamy texture, and delicious blend of herbs, garlic, cheese, and olive oil, pesto can instantly transform simple everyday dishes.
From quick pasta and gnocchi to juicy chicken, fresh salads, sandwiches, vegetables, and easy appetizers, there are so many delicious ways to use pesto. These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights, summer gatherings, or whenever you want to add a burst of flavor to your meal.
In this collection of 20 Easy Recipes Using Pesto, you’ll find simple and versatile ideas that make the most of this flavorful sauce. Whether you use your favorite store-bought pesto or make it from scratch, these recipes are easy, delicious, and perfect for the whole family.
20. Easy Pesto Appetizer Recipe with Burrata and Roasted Tomatoes
This Pesto, Burrata, and Roasted Tomato Appetizer is a beautiful and delicious addition to any table. Juicy roasted cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata, and crispy baguette crostini come together with fresh basil pesto for the perfect combination of textures and flavors. Easy to prepare yet elegant enough for entertaining, this appetizer is perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or a simple appetizer night at home.
19. Mozzarella & Pesto Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
Get a delicious dinner on the table in just 30 minutes with this easy Mozzarella Pesto Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner. Juicy chicken, creamy mozzarella, and flavorful pesto bake together in one pan for a simple, satisfying meal the whole family will love. With minimal prep and cleanup, this gluten-free and lower-carb dinner is perfect for busy weeknights.
18. Creamy Pesto Pasta
Creamy Pesto Pasta is the perfect easy dinner for busy weeknights. Tender pasta is tossed in a silky, cheesy pesto sauce that comes together in under 20 minutes using simple pantry staples. Rich, creamy, and incredibly comforting, this fuss-free pasta dish is easy enough for beginners and delicious enough to become a family favorite.
17. Orzo Pesto Pasta Salad
This easy Orzo Pesto Pasta Salad is a fresh, flavorful dish that’s perfect for summer meals, picnics, and light lunches. Tender orzo is tossed with creamy mini mozzarella balls, sweet baby plum tomatoes, and vibrant pesto for a delicious combination of textures and Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Quick to prepare and easy to serve, this pasta salad is a simple crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
16. Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin and Vegetables
This Sheet Pan Pesto Pork Tenderloin is an easy, flavorful dinner that brings everything together on one pan. Juicy pork tenderloin is filled with fragrant basil pesto and Italian seasonings, then roasted alongside tender baby potatoes, savory mushrooms, and crisp green beans. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, this wholesome meal is perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner.
15. Healthy Vegan Zucchini Noodles With Pesto (Gluten Free)
These Healthy Vegan Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodles with Pesto are a fresh, flavorful alternative to traditional pasta. Made with spiralized zucchini, homemade basil pesto, and juicy cherry tomatoes, this easy dish comes together in less than 15 minutes. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, it’s packed with vibrant summer flavors and makes a light, wholesome meal for busy weeknights—without ever needing to turn on the oven.
14. Gourmet Pesto Pizza With Ham and Black Olives
This Gourmet Pesto Pizza is a delicious twist on classic pizza night, featuring savory ham, briny black olives, and a vibrant pesto base instead of traditional tomato sauce. Use homemade pizza dough or your favorite store-bought option to keep things simple. Easy to customize and full of bold Italian-inspired flavors, this unique pizza is sure to make any weeknight dinner feel a little more special.
13. Delicious Summer Gnocchi with Pesto Sauce
Lighter summer dinners packed with fresh greens and vibrant flavors are always a favorite. This Gnocchi with Pesto Sauce is a simple yet satisfying dish that brings together soft, pillowy gnocchi and fresh, aromatic pesto for an easy seasonal meal. Quick to prepare and full of bright flavors, it’s a wonderful choice for a light summer dinner when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.
12. Shrimp Pesto Pasta
This Shrimp Pesto Pasta is a fresh and flavorful dinner that comes together in just 20 minutes. Juicy grape tomatoes and tender, pan-seared shrimp are tossed with hot pasta and vibrant basil pesto for a delicious combination of fresh, savory flavors. Quick, easy, and satisfying, it’s a perfect choice for a busy weeknight meal.
11. Zucchini with Pesto
This Sautéed Zucchini with Pesto is a simple, flavorful dish that comes together in no time. Tender zucchini is cooked until perfectly golden and tossed with fragrant pesto for a fresh burst of flavor. Serve it as an easy side dish alongside your favorite main course or enjoy it on its own as a light, wholesome meal.
10. Roasted Green Tomato Soup With Pesto
Have plenty of green tomatoes left at the end of the growing season? Turn them into this delicious Roasted Green Tomato Soup! Roasting brings out a rich, savory flavor that makes this soup wonderfully comforting and satisfying. Serve it in a warm sourdough bread bowl and finish with a drizzle of homemade pesto for an extra burst of fresh flavor.
9. Puff Pastry Canapes
These easy Puff Pastry Canapés with Tomato and Pesto are the perfect bite-sized appetizer for parties, gatherings, or casual entertaining. Made with just four simple ingredients, they feature flaky puff pastry topped with juicy tomato slices and flavorful pesto. Quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser, these savory little bites are sure to disappear in minutes.
8. Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken
These Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Tenders are incredibly easy to make yet packed with delicious flavor. Coated in vibrant pesto and wrapped in savory prosciutto, the chicken turns out juicy and tender on the inside with a perfectly crisp exterior. Bake them in the oven or cook them in the air fryer for a quick and versatile meal. Serve them for dinner or arrange them on a platter with your favorite dipping sauces for an easy crowd-pleasing appetizer.
7. Pesto Panini with Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato
This Pesto Mozzarella Panini is a simple yet irresistible sandwich made with buttery toasted bread, fragrant basil pesto, creamy melted fresh mozzarella, and juicy tomatoes. Warm, crispy, and packed with fresh Italian-inspired flavors, it’s perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or satisfying snack.
6. Pesto Caprese Salad
This Easy Caprese Salad is a fresh and flavorful summer favorite made with juicy cherry or grape tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fragrant fresh basil. A drizzle of vibrant pesto, extra-virgin olive oil, and sweet balsamic glaze brings everything together with a delicious balance of flavors. Quick to prepare and bursting with fresh ingredients, this simple salad is perfect for summer lunches, picnics, or as a refreshing side dish.
5. Pasta al Pesto
This authentic Pasta al Pesto is a simple Italian classic bursting with fresh, vibrant flavor. Tender pasta is tossed with homemade basil pesto and a handful of simple ingredients for a comforting dish that tastes like it came straight from an Italian kitchen. Easy to prepare and ready in less than 30 minutes, it’s the perfect choice for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
4. Pesto Gnocchi
This easy Pesto Gnocchi is a creamy, comforting dinner that comes together in less than 30 minutes with just eight simple ingredients. Soft, pillowy gnocchi are coated in flavorful pesto for a delicious one-pan meal that requires minimal effort and cleanup. Use your favorite store-bought pesto or homemade pesto to make this quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
3. Easy Pesto Mayonnaise Recipe (3 Ingredients, 5 minutes)
This easy Pesto Mayonnaise is a creamy, flavorful sauce that transforms everyday meals in just minutes. Made with only three ingredients and ready in under 5 minutes, it combines rich mayonnaise with vibrant pesto for a delicious herby spread. Use it on sandwiches and wraps, drizzle it over grilled chicken or salmon, or toss it with roasted vegetables and pasta salads. Quick, versatile, and easy to keep on hand, it’s the perfect condiment for busy weeknight meals.
2. Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
This Baked Pesto Chicken is a quick and flavorful dinner that comes together in just 25 minutes. Juicy chicken is topped with fragrant basil pesto, sweet tomatoes, and melted mozzarella for a delicious combination of fresh and savory flavors. Easy to prepare and wonderfully satisfying, this simple baked chicken is perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
1.Mortadella Sandwich with Stracciatella and Pistachio Pesto
This dreamy Italian sandwich is a delicious twist on the classic lunch, featuring tender mortadella, creamy Stracciatella cheese, and flavorful homemade pistachio pesto. Everything is tucked into soft flatbread for a quick and satisfying meal with plenty of rich, savory flavor. Easy to assemble and a little different from the usual sandwich, it’s perfect for a delicious lunch when you want something special.
20 Easy Recipes Using Pesto
