If you’ve ever wondered how to use pesto other than pasta, you’re not alone. While pesto is most commonly associated with pasta dishes, its rich blend of basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil makes it an incredibly versatile ingredient that can enhance a wide variety of meals. In this article, we’ll explore 15 creative ways to use pesto beyond pasta, ensuring that this flavorful sauce becomes a staple in your cooking repertoire.
Understanding Pesto: A Brief Overview
Pesto, originating from Genoa, Italy, is traditionally made with fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. This combination creates a sauce that is both rich and fresh, making it a perfect complement to many dishes. While it’s commonly paired with pasta, learning how to use pesto other than pasta opens up endless culinary possibilities.
1. Pesto as a Spread
Pesto’s garlicky flavor and smooth texture make it an excellent alternative to traditional spreads like mayonnaise or mustard. It can be easily spread on bread, crackers, or wraps, adding a burst of flavor to any sandwich or snack.
- Pesto Chicken Sandwich: Spread pesto on whole-grain bread. Add grilled chicken, arugula, and roasted red peppers for a tasty twist. The pesto adds moisture and a burst of flavor, transforming a simple sandwich into something special.
- Pesto Avocado Toast: Spread a thin layer of pesto on toast before adding avocado slices. Finish with chili flakes and lemon juice. This combination adds flavor and provides healthy fats, making it a nutritious breakfast option.
For more sandwich ideas, explore our Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Casserole recipe, where pesto can be a delicious addition.
2. Pesto as a Marinade
Pesto is an excellent marinade for meats, especially chicken and fish. The olive oil in the pesto helps keep the meat moist during cooking, while the herbs and garlic infuse it with flavor.
- Pesto-Marinated Grilled Chicken: Marinate chicken breasts in pesto for at least 2 hours before grilling. The pesto adds flavor and creates a caramelized crust on the chicken. Serve with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Pesto-Baked Salmon: Spread a layer of pesto over salmon fillets, wrap them in foil, and bake for 20 minutes. The pesto keeps the salmon moist and infuses it with herby goodness.
For more ways to prepare chicken and fish, try our Buffalo Chicken Casserole with Pasta, where pesto can be used as a marinade.
3. Pesto in Soups
Adding pesto to soups is a simple way to elevate the flavor of your dish. A spoonful of pesto stirred in just before serving can add depth and complexity.
- Pesto Minestrone: Stir a few spoonfuls of pesto into a hearty minestrone soup for an extra layer of flavor. The pesto adds a fresh, herby note that complements the hearty flavors of the soup.
- Pesto Potato Soup: Add pesto to creamy potato soup for a fresh twist. The pesto balances the richness of the potatoes, creating a comforting yet flavorful dish.
Pair these soups with our Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole for a balanced meal.
4. Pesto as a Salad Dressing
Pesto can be turned into a delicious salad dressing by thinning it with a bit of olive oil or lemon juice. This dressing works well on salads with hearty greens like kale or arugula.
- Pesto Vinaigrette: Combine pesto with white wine vinegar and olive oil for a quick vinaigrette. Drizzle it over a salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers for a light and refreshing dish.
- Creamy Pesto Dressing: Mix pesto with Greek yogurt or mayonnaise for a creamy dressing. This dressing is perfect for chicken or tuna salads, adding flavor without being too heavy.
For salads that pair well with pesto dressing, try serving them alongside our Pizza Casserole with Pasta.
5. Pesto on Pizza
Pesto makes an excellent base for pizza, offering a fresh and flavorful alternative to traditional tomato sauce. The vibrant green color also adds visual appeal.
- Pesto Margherita Pizza: Use pesto as the base, and top with fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The pesto adds a rich, garlicky flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy mozzarella and juicy tomatoes.
- Chicken Pesto Pizza: Spread pesto on pizza dough, and top with grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese. This combination of flavors is savory and satisfying. Add fresh arugula on top after baking for an extra layer of flavor.
Explore more pizza ideas with our Pizza Casserole with Pasta, where pesto can be used creatively.
6. Pesto in Sandwiches and Paninis
Adding pesto to sandwiches and paninis can elevate a simple meal to something special. The robust flavor of pesto pairs well with various meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
- Pesto Turkey Panini: Spread pesto on a ciabatta roll, add sliced turkey, provolone cheese, and roasted red peppers, and grill until the bread is crispy. The pesto ties all the ingredients together, adding a burst of flavor.
- Caprese Panini: Spread pesto on the bread in place of basil leaves in a Caprese sandwich. Layer fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and pesto between slices of bread for a fresh, vibrant flavor.
For more sandwich ideas, try incorporating pesto into our Crock-Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta Casserole.
7. Pesto in Egg Dishes
Pesto adds a fresh flavor to egg dishes like omelets, frittatas, and scrambled eggs. A spoonful of pesto can enhance the dish and make it feel more gourmet.
- Pesto Omelet: Whisk a spoonful of pesto into your eggs before cooking. Add cheese, vegetables, or cooked meats for added flavor. The pesto infuses the eggs with a rich, herby flavor.
- Pesto Scrambled Eggs: Stir pesto into scrambled eggs just before they finish cooking. The pesto adds a burst of flavor and a creamy texture, making them even more satisfying.
Pair these egg dishes with our Chicken Pasta Casserole Dishes for a hearty breakfast.
8. Pesto in Grains and Legumes
Pesto can be stirred into grains like quinoa, farro, or couscous to add flavor and moisture. It’s also excellent with legumes like chickpeas, lentils, or beans, turning a simple dish into something special.
- Pesto Quinoa Salad: Toss cooked quinoa with pesto, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese for a flavorful salad. This salad is perfect for a quick lunch or as a side dish.
- Pesto Chickpeas: Stir pesto into warm chickpeas, and top with roasted vegetables for a nutritious meal. The pesto adds richness to the chickpeas, making them satisfying as a main course or side dish.
For more ways to use grains and legumes, explore our Taco Pasta Casserole.
9. Pesto in Baking
Pesto can be used in baking to create savory breads and pastries. The rich, herbaceous flavor of pesto pairs wonderfully with doughs and batters.
- Pesto Swirl Bread: Incorporate pesto into bread dough before baking. Roll out the dough, spread a layer of pesto on top, and then roll it up to create a swirl pattern. The pesto adds both flavor and visual appeal to the loaf.
- Pesto Cheese Scones: Add pesto to your scone dough along with shredded cheese for a savory twist. These scones are perfect for breakfast or as a snack, and they pair beautifully with a bowl of soup or a salad.
For more savory baking ideas, consider how pesto can be paired with dishes in our Meatball Pasta Casserole.
10. Pesto in Stuffed Vegetables
Pesto makes a flavorful stuffing for vegetables like peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini. Whether you’re stuffing peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini, pesto can add a rich, herby flavor to the dish.
- Pesto-Stuffed Peppers: Mix pesto with cooked quinoa or rice, and use it to stuff bell peppers before baking. The pesto adds flavor to the filling, while the peppers provide a sweet, tender vessel for the stuffing.
- Pesto-Stuffed Mushrooms: Combine pesto with breadcrumbs and Parmesan, and stuff large mushrooms before roasting them in the oven. The pesto adds a burst of flavor to the mushrooms, making them a delicious appetizer or side dish.
These stuffed vegetable dishes pair well with our Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole, offering a complete meal.
11. Pesto in Appetizers
Pesto can be used in appetizers, adding flavor and color to your dishes. From crostini to bruschetta, pesto can be a star ingredient in your appetizer spread.
- Pesto Crostini: Spread pesto on toasted baguette slices, and top with ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of pine nuts. The pesto adds flavor, while the ricotta and pine nuts provide creaminess and crunch.
- Pesto Bruschetta: Use pesto in place of traditional tomato topping on bruschetta. Spread a layer of pesto on toasted bread, and top with fresh mozzarella and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
For more appetizer ideas, explore our Pasta Sausage Casserole.
12. Pesto as a Topping
Pesto makes a delicious topping for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and soups. Its vibrant flavor can enhance the taste of many dishes.
- Pesto-Topped Grilled Steak: Spoon pesto over grilled steak just before serving. The pesto adds richness and moisture to the steak, balancing the charred, smoky flavors from the grill.
- Pesto-Roasted Vegetables: Toss roasted vegetables with a spoonful of pesto just before serving. The pesto complements the natural sweetness of the vegetables and adds complexity to the dish.
For more topping ideas, check out our Chicken Broccoli Sauce recipe, where you can substitute the sauce with pesto.
13. Pesto in Burgers
Pesto can add a burst of flavor to homemade burgers. Whether you’re making beef, turkey, or veggie burgers, pesto can be mixed into the patty or used as a topping.
- Pesto Beef Burgers: Mix pesto into ground beef before forming patties. The pesto infuses the meat with a rich, herby flavor. Alternatively, spread pesto on the bun as a condiment for extra flavor.
- Pesto Veggie Burgers: Use pesto as a topping for veggie burgers, adding fresh tomatoes and arugula for extra flavor. The pesto complements the earthy flavors of the veggie patty.
Pair these pesto-infused burgers with our Reheat Chicken Broccoli Bake, offering a satisfying meal.
14. Pesto in Seafood Dishes
Pesto pairs beautifully with seafood, adding a fresh, herby flavor that complements the delicate taste of fish and shellfish. Whether grilled, baked, or broiled, seafood dishes can be enhanced with a spoonful of pesto.
- Pesto-Grilled Shrimp: Toss shrimp in pesto before grilling, and serve with a squeeze of lemon juice. The pesto adds richness, while the lemon juice provides a bright contrast.
- Pesto Baked Cod: Spread pesto over cod fillets before baking for a simple yet delicious seafood meal. The pesto keeps the cod moist and adds a layer of flavor.
For more seafood ideas, explore our Prep Pasta Bake Day Before guide.
15. Pesto in Desserts
Though it might sound unconventional, pesto can be used in desserts, especially when made with sweet basil and honey. Its herbaceous flavor can add an unexpected twist to sweet dishes.
- Pesto Shortbread Cookies: Incorporate sweet basil pesto into shortbread dough for a unique cookie. The pesto adds a subtle herbaceous note that pairs well with the buttery texture.
- Pesto Honey Ice Cream: Swirl sweet basil pesto into vanilla ice cream along with a drizzle of honey. The pesto adds a bright, fresh flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy ice cream.
For more dessert ideas, check out our Is Chicken and Broccoli Enough? article.
Conclusion: Pesto Beyond Pasta
Pesto is far more versatile than just a pasta sauce. Whether you’re spreading it on sandwiches, marinating meats, or using it in baked goods, pesto adds fresh flavor to many dishes. By exploring these creative uses, you can ensure that pesto becomes a staple ingredient in your kitchen.
For more creative recipes, explore our How to Brown Chicken Before Using a Crock Pot guide.