17 ways to use up a jar of pesto

A lonely jar of pesto deserves better. These must-see ideas turn pesto into something unreal and too good to skip. Seventeen smart ways make every scoop count!

Quick and Easy Oregano Pesto Pasta

Close-up of a plate of spaghetti with creamy sauce, garnished with fresh basil and ground pepper. — Quick and Easy Oregano Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Need a fast way to clear out pesto tonight? Quick and Easy Oregano Pesto Pasta uses a generous scoop to coat everything evenly. It works well when a jar is open and time is short.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Oregano Pesto Pasta

Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto

A platter of sliced heirloom tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil leaves, olives, pesto, and grilled bread on a wooden table. — Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Fresh ideas matter when pesto is piling up. Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto puts pesto to work as a finishing layer rather than a sauce. It is an easy way to use more without cooking.
Get the Recipe: Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto

10-Minute Oregano Pesto Recipe

A bowl of creamy pesto sauce garnished with a sprig of fresh basil, placed on a light surface with a gold spoon nearby. — 10-Minute Oregano Pesto Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Running low does not mean starting over later. 10-Minute Oregano Pesto Recipe helps refill the jar fast so nothing goes unused. It keeps pesto in rotation instead of forgotten.
Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Oregano Pesto Recipe

Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Stretching pesto across dinner makes a big difference. Broccoli Pesto Pasta spreads flavor evenly so the jar empties faster. It fits well into busy week plans.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Avocado Pesto Pasta

Creamy results help pesto last longer. Avocado Pesto Pasta uses pesto as a base instead of the main sauce. That makes it easier to finish what is left.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Pesto Pasta

Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

A glass bowl filled with tortellini pasta salad containing cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, mozzarella balls, red onion, spinach, and pesto. A small bowl of pesto and tomatoes are nearby. — Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Cold dishes help pesto move faster. Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad uses pesto as the main coating instead of a light drizzle. One jar can cover multiple servings.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Pesto Rice

Simple swaps help pesto disappear quickly. Pesto Rice turns a basic side into something more flavorful. It works well when only a small amount remains.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Rice

Easy Garlic Scape Pesto Pizza

Overhead of garlic scape pesto pizza. — Easy Garlic Scape Pesto Pizza. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Switching up the base helps avoid waste. Easy Garlic Scape Pesto Pizza spreads pesto across the surface instead of saving it for later. It is a smart way to finish an open jar.
Get the Recipe: Easy Garlic Scape Pesto Pizza

Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer

Six puff pastry twists on wooden skewers are arranged on a wooden board. The pastries are seasoned with green and red herbs or sauces. — Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Party food can solve leftover problems fast. Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer uses pesto as a filling that gets used generously. It clears space in the fridge quickly.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer

Trenette al Pesto

Classic pairings help use pesto without overthinking. Trenette al Pesto keeps the sauce front and center. It is one of the easiest ways to empty a jar.
Get the Recipe: Trenette al Pesto

Pesto Fettuccini with Bolognese Sauce

A plate of pasta with a mix of fettuccine and linguine topped with a savory tomato and meat sauce, garnished with fresh herbs. — Pesto Fettuccini with Bolognese Sauce. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Layered dishes help stretch small amounts. Pesto Fettuccini with Bolognese Sauce uses pesto alongside another sauce. It works well when the jar is nearly empty.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Fettuccini with Bolognese Sauce

Pesto Salad Dressing

Turning pesto into dressing speeds things up. Pesto Salad Dressing spreads pesto across several meals instead of one. It helps finish a jar before it spoils.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salad Dressing

Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets

Three baked salmon fillets topped with melted cheese and herbs on a white plate, garnished with lemon wedges and chopped greens. — Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Coatings use pesto in smaller but steady amounts. Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets make good use of what is left. It is helpful when the jar is half full.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets

Pesto Tortellini Salad

A close up view of cooked tortellini pasta salad in a white bowl. — Pesto Tortellini Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Quick meals help pesto get used sooner. Pesto Tortellini Salad relies on pesto as the main binder. It keeps leftovers simple and efficient.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Salad

Cavatelli with Arugula Pesto

A bowl of pasta with pesto, arugula, ricotta, pine nuts, and shaved cheese, surrounded by olive oil, extra pine nuts, cheese, and pesto on a green napkin. — Cavatelli with Arugula Pesto. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Sauce-forward meals clear jars fast. Cavatelli with Arugula Pesto coats everything evenly without needing extras. It is a straightforward way to use pesto fully.
Get the Recipe: Cavatelli with Arugula Pesto

Pesto Flatbread

An image of slices of flatbread on a serving plate. — Pesto Flatbread. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Spreadable ideas make pesto easy to portion. Pesto Flatbread uses pesto across the surface instead of sparingly. It works well for small remaining amounts.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Flatbread

Instant Pot Duo Crisp Pesto Smashed Potatoes

Baked potato topped with green pesto and shredded cheese, served on a white speckled plate with a fork beside it. — Instant Pot Duo Crisp Pesto Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Finishing touches still count toward cleanup. Instant Pot Duo Crisp Pesto Smashed Potatoes use pesto at the end for extra flavor. It is a smart way to use the last spoonfuls.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Duo Crisp Pesto Smashed Potatoes