Pesto adds a delicious depth of flavor to any recipe and can be made with our without nuts, using fresh basil and even other vegetables and herbs.
Summer gardens are in full swing and if you're like me, you have a plethora of fresh basil.
You can freeze it to use in sauces later in the year or mix up a batch of fresh pesto to use in recipes throughout the year.
What is Pesto?
The word 'pesto' means pounded in Italian and traditionally is made with fresh basil, garlic, hard cheese, pine nuts and olive oil.
However, pesto can be made with other herbs and vegetables too. Here are 13 different recipes you can make with a variety of pesto.
Basil Pesto
Pesto Chicken Thighs with Tomatoes and Olives
Chicken thighs topped with fresh basil pesto, fire roasted diced tomatoes and Kalamata olives; then baked until tender and juicy.
Stuffed baked potatoes made with fresh basil pesto and spices; then baked until super creamy and delicious makes a super flavorful side dish.
Chicken Pesto Spaghetti Squash
This short cut Chicken Pesto Spaghetti Squash can be ready in 30 minutes. It's made by microwaving the squash and using precooked chicken for a quick, delicious weeknight meal!
Grilled Chicken Panini with Classic Pesto
This Grilled Chicken Panini with Classic Pesto made with Panella Italian bread on my indoor griddle is one of my family’s favorite weeknight meals.
Basil Pecan Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms
Basil Pecan Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms make a nice addition to your holiday table or game day snacking. They’re also gluten-free!
Penne pasta combined with boneless chicken in a homemade pesto sauce; then cooked on top of the stove in a skillet.
Chicken Cutlet Sandwich with Bacon, Avocado and Pesto
Chicken Cutlet Sandwich with crispy bacon, ripe avocados and pesto on Ciabatta bread is so hearty, it’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Pesto Mac n’ Cheese made with garden fresh herb pesto mixed and a lightened up creamy Alfredo sauce and pasta; then topped with buttery Italian breadcrumbs and baked until hot and bubbly.
Pesto and Goat Cheese Crostini
Pesto and Goat Cheese Crostini made with fresh basil pesto and crumbled Goat cheese is a deliciously flavorful appetizer.
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Other Types of Pesto
Gluten Free Pasta with Mixed Herb Pesto
Gluten Free Pasta with Mixed Herb Pesto is a quick and easy light meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Cheese ravioli topped with pesto made from fresh baby spinach, garlic, pine nuts and Asiago cheese.
Grilled Provolone Sandwich with Sun Dried Tomato Pesto on Pumpernickel
This Grilled Provolone Sandwich with Sun Dried Tomato Pesto on Pumpernickel is deliciously flavorful and makes the perfect lunch or dinner.
Penne with Avocado Pesto made with creamy, ripe avocado, fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese and extra virgin olive oil.
Shweta says
You are amazing! Thank you for sharing your delicious beautiful recipes!