What Can You Do With Basil Pesto

What can you do with basil pesto?
 
You can do so much more with basil pesto than just tossing it with pasta, though that’s certainly a delicious starting point.
 
If you’ve got a jar or a fresh batch sitting in your fridge, you’re holding a versatile flavor bomb that can elevate everything from breakfast to dinner.
 
You can use basil pesto as a spread, a marinade, a dressing, a dip, and even a baking ingredient.
 
In this post, we’ll explore all the creative and practical things you can do with basil pesto, so you never let a single spoonful go to waste.
 
Let’s dive into the many ways to make basil pesto work hard in your kitchen.
 

Why Basil Pesto Is So Versatile

Basil pesto is a powerhouse of flavor because it’s built on just a few bold ingredients.
 
Fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil combine into a sauce that’s savory, herbal, and slightly nutty all at once.
 
That balance means you can do things with basil pesto that you wouldn’t dream of doing with other sauces.
 
Its texture also helps because it’s thick enough to spread, smooth enough to whisk into dressings, and robust enough to hold up to heat.
 
So whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just feeding yourself, there’s almost always a way to incorporate basil pesto into the meal.
 

1. Spread It On Sandwiches and Wraps

One of the easiest things you can do with basil pesto is swap it in for mayonnaise or mustard on sandwiches.
 
Spread a thin layer on crusty bread before adding turkey, chicken, or roasted vegetables.
 
You can also use basil pesto inside wraps or quesadillas for an instant flavor upgrade.
 
The pesto adds moisture and herbaceousness, which means you might not even need any other condiment.
 
Try it on a grilled cheese with mozzarella and tomato for a caprese-style twist.
 

2. Stir It Into Pasta and Grains

Of course, the classic move is to stir basil pesto into hot pasta, and that never gets old.
 
But you can do more than spaghetti by using pesto with gnocchi, ravioli, or even cold pasta salads.
 
You can also fold basil pesto into cooked quinoa, farro, or couscous for a quick side dish.
 
Add a spoonful of pesto to risotto near the end of cooking for a creamy, herby finish.
 
The possibilities are nearly endless when you treat pesto as a quick sauce for any carb.
 

3. Use It As a Marinade or Sauce for Proteins

You can use basil pesto as a marinade for chicken, fish, or shrimp before grilling or baking.
 
The oil in the pesto helps keep proteins moist while the garlic and basil infuse deep flavor.
 
You can also brush basil pesto onto salmon or white fish during the last few minutes of cooking.
 
For a simple weeknight dinner, spread pesto over chicken breasts and bake until golden.
 
And don’t forget to swirl a spoonful of pesto into scrambled eggs or an omelet for a breakfast boost.
 

4. Whisk It Into Dressings and Dips

When you want a quick salad dressing, you can do wonders with basil pesto mixed with vinegar and extra olive oil.
 
Just combine two parts pesto with one part lemon juice or red wine vinegar and whisk.
 
You can also thin out basil pesto with a little yogurt or sour cream to make a creamy dip for veggies or bread.
 
Mix pesto into mayonnaise for a quick aioli to serve with fries or roasted potatoes.
 
Use basil pesto as the base for a dip with cream cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for an easy appetizer.
 

Creative Ways to Bake and Roast With Basil Pesto

Most people don’t think of baking with basil pesto, but it’s one of the smartest things you can do with it.
 
Heat actually mellows the garlic and brings out the sweetness of the basil, so the flavor becomes even friendlier.
 
Plus, the oil in the pesto acts as a natural fat, which helps things crisp up beautifully.
 
Here are some standout ideas for using basil pesto in the oven.
 

1. Swirl It Into Bread or Pizza Dough

You can brush basil pesto onto pizza dough before adding toppings for a fragrant base.
 
You can also swirl pesto into focaccia dough before baking for pockets of green goodness.
 
Even simple store-bought bread dough becomes special when you spread it with pesto and roll it into a loaf.
 
For a quick appetizer, cut crescent roll dough into strips, spread with pesto, and bake until puffed.
 

2. Roast Vegetables With a Pesto Coating

Toss chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or potatoes with a few spoonfuls of basil pesto before roasting.
 
The pesto clings to the vegetables and creates a savory, golden crust as they cook.
 
You can also use basil pesto as a topping for roasted tomatoes or eggplant slices.
 
Roasted cherry tomatoes with a dollop of pesto make an incredible side dish or bruschetta topping.
 

3. Bake It Into Savory Muffins or Scones

If you love baking, you can add basil pesto to savory muffin or scone batters.
 
Stir a few tablespoons into a cheddar muffin batter for a herby, cheesy treat.
 
You can also swirl pesto into a quick bread with cheese like parmesan for a breakfast or brunch item.
 
These baked goods freeze well, so you can enjoy them long after you’ve made them.
 

Everyday Meals You Can Upgrade With Basil Pesto

You can use basil pesto to make everyday meals feel gourmet without any extra effort.
 
It’s the kind of ingredient that saves dinner when you’re short on time but still want big flavor.
 
From breakfast to dinner, there’s a way to add basil pesto to almost any plate.
 

1. Top Your Morning Eggs or Avocado Toast

A dollop of basil pesto on scrambled eggs or a fried egg takes your morning meal to another level.
 
You can also spread a thin layer of pesto on toast before mashing avocado on top.
 
Try mixing pesto into a frittata or quiche filling for an herby, savory note.
 
Breakfast sandwiches get a major upgrade when you add a swipe of pesto to the bun.
 

2. Boost Soups, Stews, and Braises

Stir a spoonful of basil pesto into minestrone, tomato soup, or vegetable stew just before serving.
 
The pesto brightens the broth and adds a fresh, herby finish that dried herbs can’t match.
 
You can also swirl pesto into white bean or lentil soups for depth.
 
For a quick dinner, add pesto to canned soup along with some cooked chicken or beans.
 

3. Make a Simple Pesto Pizza or Flatbread

Instead of tomato sauce, use basil pesto as the base for your next homemade pizza.
 
Top it with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and grilled chicken for a white-style pizza.
 
You can also spread pesto on naan or flatbread and bake it for a five-minute appetizer.
 
Pesto flatbreads are great for dipping into hummus or serving alongside a salad.
 

So, What Can You Do With Basil Pesto?

You can do so much with basil pesto, and we’ve only scratched the surface in this post.
 
Basil pesto works as a spread, marinade, dressing, dip, and baking ingredient, so it truly earns its place in your fridge.
 
You can use basil pesto to elevate sandwiches, pasta, proteins, roasted vegetables, and even your breakfast.
 
The key is to think of pesto as a seasoning, not just a pasta sauce, and you’ll find dozens of uses.
 
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining friends, you can always find something delicious to do with basil pesto.
 
So grab that jar, and start experimenting with all the wonderful things you can make.
 
Your taste buds will absolutely thank you for it.