10+ Pesto Recipes to Elevate Your Cooking Delightfully

Pesto is a versatile and flavorful sauce that can elevate many dishes.

Whether you want to toss it with pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or use it as a dip, there’s a pesto recipe for you.

This sauce, often made from fresh basil, garlic, nuts, and cheese, is easy to prepare at home and can be customized to fit your taste.

In this article, you’ll discover various pesto recipes that cater to different preferences and dietary needs.

You’ll find classic options as well as creative twists that can add a unique touch to your meals.

Get ready to bring the bright flavors of pesto into your kitchen!

1) Classic Basil Pesto

Classic basil pesto is a wonderful blend of flavors. It features fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, nuts, and cheese. This sauce is perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or even as a dip.

To make pesto, start by gathering fresh basil leaves. Use pine nuts for a traditional touch. Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty flavor.

You can make this tasty sauce in just a few minutes using a food processor. It’s fresh, bright, and packed with flavor!

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup pine nuts
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic, and pine nuts.
2. Gradually add olive oil while blending until smooth.
3. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Add salt to taste and blend again until mixed.

2) Pesto alla Genovese

Pesto alla Genovese is a classic Italian sauce that is fresh and flavorful. It’s made mainly with basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, and cheese. This vibrant green paste is perfect for mixing with pasta or spreading on bread.

To make authentic pesto, you can use a mortar and pestle for a traditional touch. This method creates a smooth blend that brings out the flavors of each ingredient. If you’re short on time, a food processor works well too.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a mortar and pestle, combine garlic and a pinch of salt.
2. Add pine nuts and grind until a paste forms.
3. Slowly mix in the basil leaves.
4. Stir in the olive oil gradually.
5. Blend in the Parmesan cheese until smooth.

3) Walnut and Basil Pesto

Walnut and basil pesto is a tasty twist on the classic recipe. It’s quick to make and adds a rich flavor to your dishes. You can use it on pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.

To make your pesto, start by gathering fresh basil leaves and raw walnuts. You’ll also need garlic, salt, Parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil.

This recipe is simple. Just blend all the ingredients until smooth. Adjust the flavors to your liking by adding more garlic or cheese if you prefer.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• ⅓ cup raw walnuts
• 2 garlic cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Place the basil, walnuts, garlic, and salt in a food processor.
2. Pulse until finely chopped.
3. Add the Parmesan cheese and olive oil.
4. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

4) Arugula and Almond Pesto

Arugula and almond pesto is a fresh twist on traditional pesto. The peppery flavor of arugula adds a unique taste, while toasted almonds give it creaminess.

To make this pesto, you’ll need a blender or food processor.

Combine arugula, garlic, toasted almonds, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

This pesto is versatile. You can use it with pasta, as a spread on sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce for veggies.

Ingredients

• 1 cup packed baby arugula
• 1/4 cup toasted almonds
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a food processor, add arugula, garlic, and toasted almonds.
2. Pulse until combined.
3. Add Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and lemon juice.
4. Blend until smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve immediately or store in the fridge.

5) Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

Sun-dried tomato pesto is a delicious twist on traditional pesto. This vibrant sauce combines sun-dried tomatoes with nuts and cheese for a rich flavor. It’s perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.

To make sun-dried tomato pesto, you will blend together sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, and your choice of nuts, like pine nuts or walnuts. Adding Parmesan cheese gives it a creamy texture.

You can drizzle olive oil in the mix to achieve a smooth consistency. Adjust with salt and pepper to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sun-dried tomatoes, drained (packed in oil)
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup nuts (pine nuts or walnuts)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a food processor, add the sun-dried tomatoes.
2. Add garlic, nuts, and basil.
3. Blend the mixture until finely chopped.
4. Slowly pour in olive oil while blending to reach your desired consistency.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve immediately or store in the fridge.

6) Pistachio and Mint Pesto

Pistachio and mint pesto offers a refreshing twist on traditional pesto. This recipe combines the rich flavor of pistachios with the bright taste of fresh mint.

To make it, you’ll blend together pistachios, mint leaves, garlic, and olive oil. You can add some parmesan cheese for an extra creamy texture. This pesto is perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.

You’ll love how easy it is to prepare. It takes only about 10 minutes from start to finish!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mint leaves
• 3/4 cup raw pistachios
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a food processor, combine the pistachios, mint, and garlic.
2. Pulse until finely chopped.
3. With the processor running, slowly add the olive oil.
4. Blend until smooth and creamy.
5. Mix in the parmesan cheese, if using, and season with salt and pepper.

7) Kale and Walnut Pesto

Kale and walnut pesto is a tasty twist on traditional pesto. It’s packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a healthy choice for many dishes. You can use it on pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip with veggies.

To prepare this pesto, gather fresh kale, walnuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. These ingredients work together to create a rich and savory sauce.

This recipe is quick and easy. It only takes a few minutes in a food processor or blender to mix everything together until smooth. You will love how versatile it is!

Ingredients

• 2 cups packed kale leaves (stems removed)
• 1 cup walnuts
• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine kale, walnuts, garlic, and Parmesan in a food processor.
2. Pulse a few times to chop ingredients.
3. With the machine running, slowly add olive oil and lemon juice.
4. Blend until smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8) Spinach and Cashew Pesto

Making Spinach and Cashew Pesto is simple and tasty. This recipe uses fresh spinach and cashews for a rich flavor. You can enjoy it on pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need fresh spinach leaves, cashews, olive oil, and garlic. Optional ingredients include Parmesan cheese and lemon juice for added zest.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup cashews
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a blender, combine spinach, cashews, and garlic.
2. Add olive oil slowly while blending until smooth.
3. Mix in Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, if using.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

9) Cilantro and Lime Pesto

Cilantro and lime pesto is a bright and fresh twist on traditional pesto. It combines the vibrant taste of cilantro with zesty lime for a deliciously unique flavor. This pesto works well with grilled meats, tacos, or even pasta.

To make cilantro and lime pesto, you only need a few simple ingredients. Fresh cilantro, garlic, nuts like walnuts or almonds, olive oil, and lime juice come together to create a smooth and flavorful sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh cilantro leaves
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/3 cup nuts (walnuts or almonds)
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a food processor, combine cilantro, garlic, and nuts.
2. Pulse until everything is finely chopped.
3. Slowly add olive oil while pulsing until smooth.
4. Mix in lime juice and salt.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later use.

10) Vegan Avocado Pesto

Vegan avocado pesto is a creamy and tasty twist on traditional pesto. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a plant-based meal. You can enjoy it on pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.

To make this delicious dish, all you need are a few simple ingredients. Avocados provide a rich texture, while fresh basil adds great flavor. Lemon juice gives it a nice zing.

This recipe comes together in less than 15 minutes. Just blend the ingredients until smooth, and it’s ready to serve!

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pits.
2. Scoop the avocado flesh into a blender.
3. Add basil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Blend until smooth, adding olive oil as desired.
5. Serve immediately or store in the fridge.