47 Delicious Ways to Use Pesto

By Corey Williams
February 08, 2021
Credit: fabeveryday

Wondering what to do with pesto? If you've got leftover sauce to use before it goes bad (store-bought or homemade), you're in luck! We've rounded up almost 50 of our favorite ways to use prepared basil pesto. Whether you're in the mood for a quick and easy sheet pan dinner to feed a family, an irresistible appetizer made with frozen puff pastry, or a delicious and savory breakfast with a hint of refreshing basil flavor, you'll find something you love in this collection of ways to use pesto. 

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Pesto Stuffed Grilled Portobellos

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"Pesto-stuffed grilled portobellos make for the perfect summer outdoor meal," according to recipe creator Larry Short. "It stands alone as vegetarian fare if you serve it with fresh fruit (such as watermelon chunks and blueberries)."

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Heirloom Tomato Tart with Pesto and Mozzarella

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"In these last days of summer, I made this fresh and light summer tomato tart," says recipe creator lolalobato. "I love it al fresco with wine. It's much nicer when you use variety of tomatoes like heirloom tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, mini Marzano, and pear tomatoes."

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Fresh Pesto Pizza

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"This is a basic vegetarian pizza that you can tweak to make your own special go-to dish," according to recipe creator greg.freed. "It's quick and easy and is the meal I plan for those busy nights when I can't spend much time in the kitchen."

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Pesto Turkey Meatballs

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"Ridiculously easy turkey meatballs ready in 30 minutes and full of flavor thanks to lots of pesto," says recipe creator Diana Moutsopoulos. "My kids love these turkey meatballs and they're endlessly versatile, and I love how quick and easy they are to make."

 

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Pesto Chicken Bake

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Who doesn't love a quick and easy sheet pan meal? Made with just four ingredients (red potatoes, cherry tomatoes, pesto, and chicken thighs), this one-pan meal will become a staple in your dinner rotation. 

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Pesto Puff Pastry Pinwheel

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It couldn't be easier to make this perfect party appetizer with just three main ingredients: frozen puff pastry, prepared pesto, and ricotta cheese. 

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Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash Bake

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Here's a healthy alternative to baked ziti or lasagna that everyone at your table will love. "Enjoy all the flavors of Italian night without the guilt," says recipe creator Love Sweat Mangia!.

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Grilled Pesto Shrimp Skewers

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You'll be proud to serve these four-ingredient skewers (made with shrimp, pesto, basil, and lemon juice) at your next summertime barbecue. 

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Pesto Sausage Biscuit Bites

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"They won't be able to stop reaching for these tasty little sausage bites," says recipe creator Valerie Brunmeier. "They are perfect party food but also a great choice for a breakfast buffet."

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Pesto Turkey Burgers

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"I love these! I always use this to impress even the most pickiest eaters," says reviewer Shana. "I've put sun-dried tomatoes in them too and that was delicious!"

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Pesto Pasta Caprese Salad

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If you like traditional caprese, you'll love this pesto-flavored pasta salad with grape tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil. This recipe works well as a side dish or entree. 

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Goat Cheese Arugula Pizza

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It takes less than half an hour to make this easy,  restaurant-worthy pizza. "It'll take minutes to make and will disappear in even less time," says recipe creator collmarie.

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Scallops with Pesto Cream Sauce

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"It's a wonderful surprise when you find a recipe that's this easy and tastes like you might find it at a fine French restaurant," raves five-star reviewer DanaV.

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Basil Pesto Potato Salad

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This refreshing and easy recipe is a beautiful shade of green. It's absolutely perfect for your next St. Patrick's Day celebration, according to recipe creator thowlett1959.

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Pesto Polenta Lasagna

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Make this delicious dinner with just five ingredients: a package of polenta, a jar of marinara, pesto, pine nuts, and mozzarella. It only requires about 10 minutes of prep time. 

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Pesto Chicken

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"A simple way to prepare chicken that looks like you spent a lot of time preparing," according to recipe creator Pjaros. "It can also be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until baked."

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Pesto Zoodles

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This healthy, satisfying, diet-friendly meal is easy to make with a spiralizer — but you can buy pre-made zucchini noodles in the freezer section of the grocery store. 

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Pesto-Crusted Grouper

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"These grouper fillets are quick to make, and take minimal ingredients," according to recipe creator and Allrecipes Allstar thedailygourmet. "Enough to serve two people unless you're super hungry."

 

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Egg Pesto Breakfast Wrap

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"This is a great combination of ingredients for anyone who enjoys a good breakfast wrap," says recipe creator spinn710. "If you like a lot of pesto, spread it on the wrap before you add the eggs."

 

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Basil Pesto Bread Rounds

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A very easy, versatile recipe of a pesto topping on French bread slices," says recipe creator Sherbg. "One of my most requested recipes!"

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Pesto-Stuffed Pork Chops

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This impressive dinner comes together in under an hour with few ingredients. Recipe creator SDaisy2 says it pairs well with fresh steamed broccoli and a Caesar salad. 

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Pesto Cheesy Chicken Rolls

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"This is a very simple yet exciting dish your family will love," says recipe creator CHOMPY. "It's something different from your average chicken recipe."

 

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Chicken Pesto Paninis

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"A delicious mix of chicken, pesto, veggies, and cheese all melted together on flavorful focaccia bread," says recipe creator LEAHMCINTYRE. "Simple, fast, and very tasty — a nice change from normal sandwiches."

 

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Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich

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"I first had this sandwich at a small restaurant and immediately went home to duplicate the recipe," says recipe creator RASSA2. "I've been making my grilled cheese sandwiches this way ever since!"

 

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Pesto Chicken Penne Casserole

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"Fantastic," according to reviewer Maggie. "Made it exactly as written and my whole family was delighted. As is often the case with pasta, the flavors 'married' overnight and the leftovers rocked!"

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Mediterranean Pesto Pizza

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Topped with Kalamata olives, tomatoes, and feta, these five-ingredient pizzas are easy to make with pesto-covered naan or Greek pita flatbreads. 

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Pesto Tuna Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

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The classic tuna salad sandwich gets a major upgrade with a few tablespoons of pesto, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Choose a hearty bread that can stand up to this heavy filling. 

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Grilled Pesto Chicken Kabobs