19 Pesto Recipes That Never Fail

Pesto makes everything taste better! These recipes show how you can use it in all kinds of dishes – from quick dinners to fancy meals. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or having friends over, pesto adds fresh, herby flavor that everyone loves. These ideas are simple but so tasty, you’ll want to make them all the time.

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Table of Contents

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

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 Pesto Pasta comes together super fast – perfect when you’re really hungry. The sun-dried tomatoes make it extra flavorful. Add some grilled chicken or shrimp if you want more protein. The sauce is rich but not too heavy. One of those recipes you’ll memorize because you make it so often.

Get the recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato 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.

This Pesto Salmon bakes up juicy and flavorful. The butter makes the pesto extra rich. Only takes 15 minutes in the oven – faster than takeout! Looks fancy enough for company but easy enough for weeknights. Serve with rice and roasted veggies for a complete meal.

Get the recipe: Pesto Butter Salmon recipe

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 Skewers are fun for summer grilling. The creamy dip balances the pesto’s garlic flavor. Kids love eating food on sticks! You can prep them ahead so they’re ready to cook. Great for parties because everyone can grab their own.

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

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.

This pretty Pesto Bread pulls apart in fun star shapes. Looks impressive but is actually simple to make. Perfect with soup or as an appetizer. The layers of pesto bake up all golden and delicious. People will think you spent hours on it!

Get the recipe: Basil Pesto Star Bread

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.

These fancy-looking Pesto Pastries use store-bought puff pastry. The sun-dried tomatoes add sweet flavor. Great for holiday parties or book club. Only 4 ingredients but looks like you bought them at a bakery. Bake extra because they disappear fast!

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

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 Bowls are healthy but don’t taste like diet food. The quinoa soaks up all the pesto flavor. Packed with veggies and chicken for a complete meal. You can meal prep these for lunches all week. Just store the dressing separately so the greens don’t get soggy.

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.

This Pesto Mayo is the perfect dip or sandwich spread. Mix store-bought pesto with mayo for instant flavor. Great with fries, veggies, or spread on burgers. Way better than plain mayo! Keeps for weeks in the fridge so you can use it whenever. Try it on grilled cheese for something different.

Get the recipe: Pesto Aioli

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 simpler Tuna Pasta uses jarred pesto to save time. Still tastes way better than plain tuna casserole. Add some frozen peas if you want veggies. One of those pantry meals you can make without going to the store. Comfort food that’s actually good for you!

Get the recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

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.

This Tuna Pesto Pasta mixes canned tuna with homemade pesto made from arugula and spinach. It’s ready in 20 minutes and tastes way better than plain tuna pasta. The greens make the pesto extra fresh tasting. Great for nights when you want something fast but don’t want to eat the same old thing. Kids and adults both like this one!

Get the recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta with Arugula Spinach Pesto

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.

This Easy Baked Pesto Chicken gets topped with melty mozzarella for a simple but fancy-looking dinner. The pesto keeps the chicken juicy while it bakes. You only need a few ingredients and one pan to make it. Even picky eaters usually like this because the cheese makes everything better. Leftovers taste great 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 to save time. Spread pesto instead of tomato sauce, then add fresh toppings after baking. The arugula adds a nice peppery crunch. Perfect for summer when tomatoes are sweetest. You can customize it with whatever veggies you have on hand. Way better than delivery!

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

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.

This cold Orzo Salad is packed with Mediterranean flavors like feta and olives. The pesto dressing makes it special. Great for picnics or lunches because it tastes better as it sits. You can add chickpeas or grilled veggies to make it a full meal. Stays good in the fridge for several days too.

Get the recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Pesto Salad

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.

This Mushroom Pasta cooks in one pot for easy cleanup. The mushrooms get nice and golden, then you stir in pesto and cream. Feels fancy but takes less than 30 minutes. Vegetarian but so flavorful no one will miss the meat. The sauce coats every noodle perfectly. Comfort food at its easiest!

Get the recipe: Creamy Mushroom 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.

This Keto Pesto Chicken has only 5 ingredients. The cheese gets all bubbly and golden on top. Low-carb but so flavorful you won’t miss the carbs. One of those recipes that proves healthy eating can taste amazing. Even non-dieters will love this one!

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.

This colorful Orzo Salad is perfect for potlucks. The salty feta balances the sweet tomatoes. You can make it ahead so flavors blend. Bring it to BBQs instead of the usual pasta salad. People always ask for the recipe!

Get the recipe: Orzo Pesto Salad with Feta and Tomatoes

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.

This BLT Salad turns the sandwich into a bowl. The pesto ranch dressing is so good you’ll want to drink it! Add avocado if you’re feeling fancy. Comes together in 15 minutes – faster than making actual sandwiches. All the flavor without the bread mess.

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.

This Pesto Cod is so easy even seafood beginners can make it. The pesto keeps the fish moist. Only takes 10 minutes to bake! Light but satisfying. Serve with lemon wedges for extra freshness. Proof that simple ingredients can make something special.

Get the recipe: Pesto Cod Recipe (four ingredients)

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 Pesto Shells are like lasagna’s fun cousin. The ricotta filling is creamy and herby. Great for feeding a crowd or freezing extras. Kids love the big pasta shapes. Comfort food that feels a little fancy.

Get the recipe: Chicken Pesto Stuffed Shells

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

This Pesto Sandwich beats boring deli meat any day. The pesto makes it special without extra work. Toast the bread so it doesn’t get soggy. Pack it for lunch and coworkers will be jealous! Way better than anything you can buy.

Get the recipe: Turkey Pesto Sandwich