19 Pesto Recipes That Are Bright and Bold

Pesto can turn regular meals into something special with just a spoonful. These pesto recipes show how to use it in pastas, meats, sandwiches and more. Everything tastes fresher and more flavorful with pesto mixed in. Whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd, these ideas make dinner exciting without being complicated. Once you try them, you’ll keep pesto stocked all the time!

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Table of Contents

1 Tuna Pesto Pasta with Arugula Spinach Pesto
2 Basil Pesto Star Bread
3 Easy Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken
4 Fresh Tomato, Arugula, and Feta Pizza
5 Sun-Dried Tomato Puff Pastry Palmiers with Pesto
6 Tuna Pesto Pasta
7 Pesto Butter Salmon recipe
8 Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl
9 Pesto Aioli
10 Pesto Chicken Kabobs on the Grill with Mascarpone Dipping Sauce
11 Creamy Mushroom Pesto Pasta
12 Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta
13 Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe (Simple Ingredients, Keto)
14 Orzo Pesto Salad with Feta and Tomatoes
15 Chicken Pesto Stuffed Shells
16 Mediterranean Orzo Pesto Salad
17 Turkey Pesto Sandwich
18 BLT Salad with Creamy Pesto Ranch Dressing
19 Pesto Cod Recipe (four ingredients)

Tuna Pesto Pasta with Arugula Spinach Pesto

A bowl of cavatappi pasta coated with vibrant green pesto sauce is seen from above, showcasing one of the best pesto recipes. A fork holding a twirled bite of the pasta is positioned to the right side of the frame. The bowl is set on a navy-blue cloth on a light-colored surface. — Tuna Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Ugly Duckling Bakery.

Using arugula and spinach in the pesto makes this Tuna Pasta extra fresh tasting. It comes together in 20 minutes but tastes way better than regular tuna casserole. Even people who think they don’t like healthy food will go back for seconds.

Get the recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta with Arugula Spinach Pesto

Basil Pesto Star Bread

A beautifully arranged star-shaped bread with multiple golden layers and a filling that appears to be pesto. Fresh basil leaves garnish the bread, with a small bowl of pesto and a knife nearby. The bread sits on parchment paper on a marble surface, perfect for those who love inventive pesto recipes. — Basil Pesto Star Bread. Photo credit: Baker’s Table.

Pull apart this fun Basil Pesto Star Bread at your next get-together. It looks like you spent hours but is actually super simple. The pesto bakes between layers of dough, making every piece flavorful. Perfect with soup or just by itself while it’s still warm.

Get the recipe: Basil Pesto Star Bread

Easy Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

A plate with a meal consisting of a piece of chicken breast topped with melted cheese, cherry tomatoes, and herb seasoning. The chicken is accompanied by a side of steamed broccoli and drizzled with pesto from our favorite recipes. A fork rests on the edge of the plate. — Easy Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

Cheesy Easy Baked Pesto Chicken is weeknight dinner magic. The pesto keeps the chicken juicy while mozzarella gets all bubbly on top. Only one pan to clean, and picky eaters usually love it. Leftovers make great sandwiches too.

Get the recipe: Easy Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

Fresh Tomato, Arugula, and Feta Pizza

A freshly baked pizza with a thick crust, topped with tomatoes, spinach, and cheese, sits on a wooden serving board. One slice is placed on a white plate next to the board. Surrounding the pizza are pieces of arugula, a drink in a glass, and a small bowl of shredded cheese—an inviting ambiance for exploring pesto recipes. — Fresh Tomato, Arugula, and Feta Pizza. Photo credit: Baker’s Table.

This Pesto Pizza uses store-bought dough but tastes way better than delivery. Spread pesto instead of sauce, then pile on fresh toppings after baking. The peppery arugula and sweet tomatoes make every bite interesting. Customize with whatever veggies you like.

Get the recipe: Fresh Tomato, Arugula, and Feta Pizza

Sun-Dried Tomato Puff Pastry Palmiers with Pesto

A tray of spiral-shaped pastry rolls, golden-brown and appetizing, filled with a mixture of ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and pesto recipes. The pastries are neatly arranged in rows, showcasing their flaky texture and delicious fillings. — un-Dried Tomato Puff Pastry Palmiers with Pesto. Photo credit: The Savory Cipolla.

Fancy-looking Sun-Dried Tomato Puff Pastry Palmiers take almost no effort but get tons of compliments. Store-bought puff pastry does all the work, and the pesto-tomato combo tastes amazing. Make a double batch because people will keep grabbing them.

Get the recipe: Sun-Dried Tomato Puff Pastry Palmiers with Pesto

Tuna Pesto Pasta

A plate of rigatoni pasta coated in a creamy green pesto sauce, inspired by classic pesto recipes, garnished with Parmesan cheese and a sprig of fresh parsley on the side. A fork rests nearby on the white plate. The dish sits on a light-colored table. — Tuna Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Deliciously Rushed.

This Tuna Pesto Pasta turns boring canned tuna into something you’ll actually crave. The pesto makes it taste fancy, and you can throw in whatever veggies you have. One of those pantry meals that saves you when there’s “nothing to eat.”

Get the recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

Pesto Butter Salmon recipe

A top-down view of a meal consisting of herb-crusted salmon, green beans, and roasted potatoes on a white plate. The plate is garnished with lemon wedges and fresh basil leaves. Additional plates and a bowl of sauce, perfect for exploring pesto recipes, are partially visible around the main plate. — Pesto Butter Salmon recipe. Photo credit: A Full Living.

The Pesto Butter Salmon bakes up so juicy and flavorful you won’t believe how easy it is. Butter makes the pesto extra rich, and it’s ready before you know it. Serve it with rice and some roasted veggies for a meal that looks fancy but takes no work.

Get the recipe: Pesto Butter Salmon recipe

Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl

A bowl of quinoa topped with grilled chicken strips, roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and drizzled with green pesto. A fork rests on the edge of the bowl. A few fresh tomatoes and basil leaves are scattered on the table. — Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl. Photo credit: Fresh Apron.

These Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowls are packed with good stuff but actually taste great. The quinoa soaks up all that herby pesto flavor, and you can load it up with whatever veggies you like. Meal prep a bunch for easy lunches all week.

Get the recipe: Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl

Pesto Aioli

A plate of crispy sweet potato fries served with a bowl of creamy green dipping sauce, inspired by pesto recipes, garnished with a fresh basil leaf. The plate is decorated with a white and gold-rimmed design and surrounded by garlic cloves, basil leaves, and a white cloth. — Pesto Aioli. Photo credit: A Full Living.

Mix pesto with mayo and you’ve got this killer Pesto Aioli that makes everything better. Dip fries in it, spread it on sandwiches, or drizzle it over grilled meats. It keeps forever in the fridge, so you’ll always have a flavor booster ready.

Get the recipe: Pesto Aioli

Pesto Chicken Kabobs on the Grill with Mascarpone Dipping Sauce

Grilled chicken skewers coated in a green herb marinade are served on a white plate with lemon wedges and garnished with fresh basil. Two small bowls of green dipping sauce, inspired by classic pesto recipes, accompany the dish. — Pesto Chicken Kabobs on the Grill with Mascarpone Dipping Sauce. Photo credit: Make and Takes.

These Pesto Chicken Kabobs are perfect for when you want to cook outside. The creamy dip cools down the garlicky pesto just right. Kids love eating food on sticks, and adults love how little cleanup there is. Great for parties since everyone can serve themselves.

Get the recipe: Pesto Chicken Kabobs on the Grill with Mascarpone Dipping Sauce

Creamy Mushroom Pesto Pasta

A large pot filled with creamy green pesto pasta, inspired by classic pesto recipes. The pasta is garnished with fresh basil leaves in the center. There is a side salad and a wedge of lemon on the table, along with a small bowl of grated cheese. A decorative napkin lies beneath the pot. — Creamy Mushroom Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: The Food Hussy.

Golden mushrooms and creamy pesto sauce make this Mushroom Pasta feel fancy but it’s so easy. Everything cooks in one pot, and it’s vegetarian without tasting like “health food.” The sauce coats every noodle perfectly for maximum flavor. This makes a great addition to your collection of pesto recipes.

Get the recipe: Creamy Mushroom Pesto Pasta

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

A cast iron skillet filled with creamy, cheese-covered orecchiette pasta garnished with fresh basil leaves and red pepper flakes. A green leafy salad is placed in a small black bowl next to the skillet on a light-colored surface, making it an ideal candidate for pesto recipes. — Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: The Savory Cipolla.

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta comes together faster than waiting for delivery. The tomatoes add a sweet tang that makes it way better than regular pesto pasta. Throw in some chicken or shrimp if you want, or keep it veggie. Either way, you’ll want seconds. Great for those looking for pesto recipes.

Get the recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe (Simple Ingredients, Keto)

Two white plates of spaghetti topped with creamy chicken, diced tomatoes, and a hint of pesto recipes, next to a glass baking dish containing similar creamy chicken and tomato topping. All are on a wooden surface with a red and white checkered cloth visible. — Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe (Simple Ingredients, Keto). Photo credit: Remake my Plate.

With just 5 ingredients, this Keto Pesto Chicken proves healthy eating can taste amazing. The cheese gets all golden and crispy on top while keeping the chicken moist. Even if you’re not dieting, you’ll want this in your regular rotation.

Get the recipe: Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe (Simple Ingredients, Keto)

Orzo Pesto Salad with Feta and Tomatoes

A wooden bowl filled with orzo pasta salad mixed with sundried tomatoes, fresh herbs, feta cheese, and greens. Two wooden serving spoons rest in the salad, showcasing the colorful and appetizing ingredients—ideal for any pesto recipe lover seeking a vibrant dish. — Orzo Pesto Salad with Feta and Tomatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Bring this colorful Orzo Salad to your next potluck and watch it disappear. The salty feta and sweet cherry tomatoes balance the pesto perfectly. It travels well and tastes great at room temperature, so no stress about keeping it cold.

Get the recipe: Orzo Pesto Salad with Feta and Tomatoes

Chicken Pesto Stuffed Shells

A rectangular baking dish holds large pasta shells stuffed with a creamy, pesto-based filling and topped with melted cheese. The dish is set on a wooden table with a white cloth visible in the background, perfect for those seeking new pesto recipes to try. — Chicken Pesto Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: The Cookin’ Chicks.

These Chicken Pesto Stuffed Shells are like lasagna but more fun to eat. The creamy ricotta filling has just enough pesto to make it interesting. Freeze extras for future easy meals, or feed a crowd with minimal effort. Be sure to add this one to your collection of pesto recipes.

Get the recipe: Chicken Pesto Stuffed Shells

Mediterranean Orzo Pesto Salad

A colorful salad in a white bowl containing a mix of rice, cherry tomatoes, arugula, red onions, bell peppers, and parsley. Lemon wedges garnish the side, and a fork is placed in the bowl. This vibrant dish fits perfectly among your favorite pesto recipes. The background is a soft, blurred surface. — Mediterranean Orzo Pesto Salad. Photo credit: Sinful Kitchen.

The Mediterranean Orzo Pesto Salad gets better the longer it sits, making it perfect for picnics. Feta, olives and pesto give it big flavor, and you can add protein to make it a full meal. Stays good in the fridge for days. Perfect for those looking for pesto recipes.

Get the recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Pesto Salad

Turkey Pesto Sandwich

A close-up of a grilled cheese sandwich with gooey cheese, pesto, and fresh greens layered between slices of crispy, golden-brown bread. The sandwich is cut in half, displaying the melted interior. — Easy Turkey Pesto Sandwich. Photo credit: The Oregon Dietitian

Upgrade your lunch with this Turkey Pesto Sandwich that beats deli meat any day. The pesto adds so much flavor without extra work. Toast the bread so it stays crispy, and pack some extra napkins because it’s messy in the best way.

Get the recipe: Turkey Pesto Sandwich

BLT Salad with Creamy Pesto Ranch Dressing

A vibrant salad on a blue and white patterned plate featuring crispy bacon strips, avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, torn pieces of bread, and fresh greens. Inspired by pesto recipes, a small bunch of fresh basil sits in the center of the salad. — BLT Salad . Photo credit: The Virtual Caterer.

All the flavors of a BLT but in salad form with this BLT Salad. The pesto ranch dressing is so good you’ll want to put it on everything. Add avocado if you’re feeling fancy, or keep it simple. Either way, it’s ready crazy fast.

Get the recipe: BLT Salad with Creamy Pesto Ranch Dressing

Pesto Cod Recipe (four ingredients)

A white rectangular plate with three pieces of baked fish fillets garnished with a rich red sauce and sprinkled with grated cheese. Fresh parsley leaves are placed on top and around the fish fillets, reminiscent of delightful pesto recipes. The plate sits on a wooden surface with scattered parsley. — Pesto Cod Recipe (four ingredients). Photo credit: She Wants To Be Good.

Even if you’re scared of cooking fish, this Pesto Cod turns out perfect every time. The pesto keeps it moist and adds tons of flavor with zero work. Only takes 10 minutes to bake, making it great for busy nights.

Get the recipe: Pesto Cod Recipe (four ingredients)