38 Creative and Tasty Ways to Use Pesto

Pesto is a versatile, vibrant and flavourful sauce that turns everyday meals into sensational meals.  

Pesto’s rich, herbaceous flavour makes it a powerful taste sensation.  While it’s most commonly enjoyed on pasta dishes, its use extends far beyond, from sandwiches and salads, to dressings and marinades.  

Pesto originated in Italy, traditionally made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. The name “pesto” comes from the Italian word “pestare,” meaning to crush or pound, which refers to the original preparation method using a mortar and pestle. Modern pesto also incorporates an array of new flavours, such as  grilled peppers or chilli, to turn up the flavour and expand its use.

The key to savouring the flavour of pesto, is first to have a jar on hand and second, not to be afraid to use it! Here is a list of ideas to ignite your passion for pesto. 

Salads, Dressings & Marinades

• Use it as a dressing or add a spoonful to your vinegarette. Try pesto dressing on potato salad, green bean salad, Greek salad, couscous salad, chicken salad, egg salad or any salad.
• Jazz up your roasted or grilled vegetables by stirring pesto through it before serving.
• Cut a variety of fresh tomatoes into large chunks. Stir 2-3 spoonfuls of Basil Pesto through them for a simple, yet sensational summer salad. 
• Use it as a marinade to enhance the taste of proteins, such as steak, lamb, chicken, tofu or tempeh. 

Scrumptiously Spreadable

• Simply spread on hot, freshly baked bread, focaccia, sourdough, garlic bread, naan, pita, flatbread, you get the picture!
• Mix pesto with slightly softened butter, to create a doubly delicious spread. Start with two parts butter to one part pesto. 
• Spread on sandwiches or wraps. Pesto can improve any sandwich!
• Use on hot sandwiches too, such as cheese toasties, filo parcels, spanakopita or samosas. 

Jùjú up Soups, Stews, Casseroles & Bakes

• Just before serving, add a spoonful of pesto to soups, such as minestrone or tomato soup. We love the kick Chilli & Garlic Pesto adds.
• Swirl through creamy soups, for a burst of freshness and complexity.
• Add pesto to lasagne sauce or Bolognese sauce for a boost of flavour. 
• Add pesto to a chicken casserole or Chicken Cacciatore.
• Stir through mash potatoes. 
• Add Chilli & Garlic Pesto to Mexican dishes such as chilli beans, enchiladas, tacos or burritos.
• Mix a tablespoon of Grilled Pepper Pesto into homemade burger patties. 
• Red pesto can be used as a substitute for tomato paste in Shephard’s pie, stews or meatballs. 

Pesto & Eggs

• Pesto provides a dynamic flavour boost to egg dishes, but it can also be overpowering, so just a little bit is needed. 
• Whisk pesto into scrambled eggs or frittata before cooking. Or drizzle on top, after cooking.
• Mid-way through cooking, put a dollop of pesto on top of a fried egg.

The Barbecue & Grill

• Immediately after barbecuing, dollop a spoonful of pesto on top of steak, chicken, pork, seafood, kebabs, halloumi or tofu.
• When barbecuing a portabella mushroom, finish it with the frill side up and add a spoonful of pesto for the last minute of cooking.
• Serve pesto with crispy pork belly.
• Drizzle Chilli & Garlic Pesto over grilled fish or shrimp for a zesty finish.

Jazz Up Your Dips & Platters

• Add your favourite pesto to soft cheese or yoghurt for a creamy dip. Enjoy with crackers, bread sticks or crudités.
• Mix pesto into hummus for a creamy, flavourful dip. 
• Grilled Pepper Pesto pairs particularly well with Camembert. 

Perfectly Paired Pizza & Pesto

• Drizzle pesto over hot pizza.    
• Spread pesto on the pizza base, using it as a replacement for traditional pizza sauce.  
• Mix Basil Pesto into marinara or Alfredo sauce for a tasty pizza sauce.
• For a quick garlic bread, spread pesto on a pre made pizza base and bake for a few minutes

Bake with Pesto

• Mix pesto into bread dough for a savoury twist. 
• Use pesto as a filling for stuffed pastries. 
• Add pesto to cheese scones. Doubly delicious! 
• We love Basil Pesto in garlic bread pinwheels.

Pesto is a easy-to-use, versatile and a flavourful ingredient that helps you to revitalise your meals.  Will pesto become your new pantry staple?