Pesto isn’t just for pasta anymore—and this roundup proves it. From classic basil versions to bold twists like arugula and cilantro, these recipes show how versatile this simple sauce can be.
Whether you’re making a sandwich, dressing up a pizza, or throwing together a fast dinner with shrimp or chicken, pesto brings fresh flavor in no time. And if you’re looking for something a little different, dishes like flank steak pinwheels and veggie burgers bring it all together in fun, new ways.
So whether you’ve got a jar of pesto in the fridge or a bunch of herbs ready to use, these ideas give you plenty of ways to put it to work. Dive in and see which one you’ll make next!
Cilantro Pesto
This quick sauce swaps basil for fresh cilantro and blends it with pepitas, garlic, lime juice, and olive oil. It’s a bright, zesty twist that works well on tacos, grilled meats, or pasta.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Pesto
Caprese Puff Pastry Bites
These mini bites use puff pastry as the base, layered with pesto, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Ideal as a quick appetizer for parties or snacks.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Puff Pastry Bites
Pesto Chicken Pasta
Sautéed chicken is tossed with pasta and basil pesto, then finished with parmesan. This one-pan meal is fast to prep and loaded with fresh, herby flavor—great for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Chicken Pasta
Baked Chicken Pesto Pasta
Leftover chicken gets new life in this easy baked pasta dish, tossed with pesto and topped with cheese. Just pop it in the oven and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing dinner with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Pesto Pasta
Creamy Pesto Pasta
This dish blends pesto with a touch of cream for a rich, smooth sauce. Toss with pasta and your choice of grilled chicken, shrimp, or veggies for a quick meal with big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pesto Pasta
Pesto Shrimp
Shrimp cooks quickly in a basil pesto sauce, making this a great weeknight option. Serve over pasta, rice, or a bed of greens for a fresh and fast dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Shrimp
Pesto Salad Dressing
A simple way to bring big flavor to your greens—just blend pesto with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice and a bit of oil. It takes just minutes and works on salads, grain bowls, or as a marinade.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salad Dressing
Chicken Cutlet Sandwich
Crispy chicken cutlets are layered with pesto, sliced tomatoes, and melted provolone on a toasted roll. It’s a satisfying sandwich that works for a quick dinner or packed lunch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cutlet Sandwich
Tuna Pesto Pasta
A fast and filling pasta salad made with canned tuna, pesto, and short pasta. Add veggies or beans to stretch it further—it’s a great lunch or potluck option that comes together in 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta
20-Minute Orzo Pesto Salad
Orzo is tossed with pesto, cherry tomatoes, olives, and mozzarella for a quick, fresh salad. It’s ready in 20 minutes and makes a great side or light main for warm days.
Get the Recipe: 20-Minute Orzo Pesto Salad
Chicken Pesto Pizza
This pizza starts with a pesto base and gets topped with chicken, mozzarella, and your favorite extras. A great alternative to red sauce for homemade pizza night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pesto Pizza
Hasselback Caprese Chicken
Chicken breasts are sliced and stuffed with mozzarella and tomatoes, then baked with basil pesto on top. It’s a simple oven meal that looks great and tastes even better.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Caprese Chicken
Lemon Pesto Vegetable Pasta with Grilled Cheese
This meal pairs lemony pesto pasta packed with fresh vegetables alongside a crispy grilled cheese sandwich. Great for when you want comfort food with a fresh twist.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pesto Vegetable Pasta with Grilled Cheese
Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash Noodles
Spaghetti squash is tossed with a creamy pesto sauce for a lighter take on pasta. It’s a cozy yet nutritious side or main dish that’s easy to pull together.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash Noodles
Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese
This variation uses tomatoes, basil, and nuts to make a vibrant pesto in minutes. Toss with your favorite pasta for a fresh, no-cook sauce that’s perfect for summer.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese
Flank Steak Pinwheels
Flank steak is rolled up with pesto, parmesan, prosciutto, and spinach, then sliced and cooked. These make a flavorful main dish that’s great for special dinners or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Flank Steak Pinwheels
Arugula Pesto
Peppery arugula replaces basil in this bold pesto, blended with walnuts, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan. It’s great with pasta, fish, grilled meats, or roasted veggies.
Get the Recipe: Arugula Pesto
Cheddar Cauliflower Burgers
These veggie burgers are made with cauliflower and stuffed with cheddar cheese, then topped with a punchy cilantro pesto and pickled cabbage. A fun, flavorful option for a meatless meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Cauliflower Burgers