What Can You Make With Basil Pesto

What can you make with basil pesto is a question that opens the door to a world of quick, flavorful meals that go far beyond simple pasta.

You can make everything from creamy dips and savory proteins to zesty salad dressings and even baked goods that will surprise your dinner guests.

If you have a jar of pesto sitting in your fridge, you’re already halfway to transforming ordinary ingredients into something that tastes like a gourmet chef was in your kitchen.

In this post, we’ll explore a wide range of dishes you can make with basil pesto, from classic pairings to creative ideas you might not have considered.

Let’s dive right in and discover all the delicious possibilities that start with a spoonful of that vibrant green goodness.

 

Classic Dishes You Can Make With Basil Pesto

When people ask what can you make with basil pesto, the classics usually come to mind first, and for good reason because they are simple, satisfying, and incredibly delicious.

Here are the foundational recipes that showcase basil pesto as the star of the show.

 

1. Pesto Pasta That Goes Beyond Basics

The most obvious answer to what can you make with basil pesto is a bowl of perfectly coated pasta.

You can make this dish by tossing hot spaghetti, fusilli, or penne with a generous amount of pesto for an instant sauce.

The heat from the pasta releases the aromatic oils in the basil pesto, making the entire dish smell heavenly.

You can make it even better by adding a splash of pasta water, which helps the pesto cling to every noodle.

For a heartier meal, toss in some chicken or shrimp that you’ve already cooked.

 

2. Pesto Pizza With a Fresh Twist

You can make a spectacular pizza by swapping out the traditional tomato sauce for a layer of basil pesto.

Spread the pesto thinly over your pizza dough, then top with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and grilled vegetables.

The basil pesto adds a herby, garlicky kick that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese.

You can make this your go-to Friday night dinner when you want something different from the usual takeout.

 

3. Pesto Grilled Cheese for Ultimate Comfort

You can make the best grilled cheese of your life by spreading a thin layer of basil pesto on the inside of your bread.

The pesto melts into the cheese, creating a gooey, savory sandwich that’s far from ordinary.

You can make it with mozzarella, provolone, or even a sharp cheddar to balance the basil flavor.

This is one of those things you can make with basil pesto in under ten minutes for a quick lunch.

 

What Can You Make With Basil Pesto for Appetizers and Snacks?

If you’re planning a party or looking for easy snacks, you can make so many crowd-pleasing bites using basil pesto.

These appetizers are perfect for sharing and will have everyone asking for the recipe.

 

1. Creamy Pesto Dip

You can make a delicious dip by mixing basil pesto with sour cream, cream cheese, or Greek yogurt.

This creamy pesto dip is perfect for vegetables, crackers, or toasted bread slices.

You can make it even tangier by adding a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of salt.

It’s a no-cook recipe that you can make in minutes and serve chilled.

 

2. Stuffed Mushrooms With Pesto

You can make elegant stuffed mushrooms by filling them with a mixture of basil pesto, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese.

Bake them until the tops are golden brown and the mushrooms are tender.

The pesto keeps the filling moist and adds a ton of flavor without much effort.

You can make these ahead of time and pop them in the oven when your guests arrive.

 

3. Pesto Crostini with Tomato

You can make a beautiful appetizer by toasting slices of baguette and topping them with basil pesto.

Add a slice of fresh tomato and a sprinkle of salt, and you have a bruschetta-style bite.

You can make these as simple or as fancy as you like by adding burrata or prosciutto.

This is a fantastic answer to what can you make with basil pesto when you need something fast.

 

Creative Ideas for What You Can Make With Basil Pesto

Beyond the classics, you can make some truly inventive dishes that showcase how versatile basil pesto really is.

These creative ideas are perfect when you want to impress or simply use up the rest of that jar.

 

1. Pesto Chicken Marinade and Sauce

You can make a fantastic chicken dinner by using basil pesto as both a marinade and a sauce.

Simply coat chicken breasts or thighs with pesto and let them sit for at least 30 minutes.

You can make the chicken in a skillet, oven, or on the grill, and the pesto will create a flavorful crust.

The leftovers are perfect for salads, sandwiches, or topping with a bit more pesto.

 

2. Pesto Salad Dressing

You can make a vibrant salad dressing by whisking basil pesto with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a touch of honey.

This dressing works beautifully on a simple green salad, a pasta salad, or even a grain bowl.

You can make a creamy version by blending in a spoonful of mayonnaise or buttermilk.

It’s a simple yet stylish way to answer what can you make with basil pesto for healthier meals.

 

3. Pesto Swirl Bread or Rolls

You can make beautiful homemade bread by rolling basil pesto into your dough before baking.

The result is a gorgeous swirl of green and white that tastes as good as it looks.

You can make dinner rolls, a loaf of bread, or even a savory version of cinnamon rolls.

This is a slightly more involved project, but the payoff is huge for a weekend bake.

 

4. Pesto Mashed Potatoes

You can make the most flavorful mashed potatoes by stirring in a few spoonfuls of basil pesto at the end.

The herb and garlic notes from the pesto elevate the plain potato flavor to something special.

You can make this dish for a holiday dinner or just a regular weeknight side.

It’s probably one of the most surprising things you can make with basil pesto.

 

Smart Ways to Use What You Can Make With Basil Pesto

If you’re still looking for answers to what can you make with basil pesto, you can also get creative with how you use it in everyday cooking.

These tips will help you integrate pesto into your meals all week long.

 

1. Pesto Swirled Into Soups

You can make any soup richer by swirling a spoonful of basil pesto right before serving.

This works especially well with vegetable soups, minestrone, or tomato bisque.

The pesto adds brightness and a burst of herby flavor to the soup.

You can make a quick dinner by simply adding pesto to canned soup for an instant upgrade.

 

2. Pesto Mixed Into Eggs

You can make incredible scrambled eggs or an omelet by whisking a teaspoon of basil pesto into the eggs.

The pesto melts into the eggs and gives them a lovely green speckle and rich taste.

You can make a fancy breakfast or brunch with this simple addition.

It’s another clever way to use what you can make with basil pesto in the morning.

 

3. Pesto as a Sandwich Spread

You can make any sandwich or wrap better by using basil pesto as your condiment.

Spread it on bread for turkey clubs, veggie wraps, or even a simple ham and cheese.

You can make a cold pasta salad and use pesto as the binder for a satisfying lunch.

This is one of the easiest ways to use up pesto without any extra cooking.

 

So, What Can You Make With Basil Pesto?

You can make an endless variety of meals with basil pesto, from pasta and pizza to dips, marinades, and even bread.

The key is to view basil pesto as a versatile seasoning that can enhance almost any savory dish.

So, what can you make with basil pesto?

The answer is anything you want, as long as you’re willing to experiment and have some fun in the kitchen.

From a simple weeknight pasta to an elaborate appetizer spread, basil pesto is a gift that keeps on giving.