Foodventures Abroad

  • About
  • Contact
  • Destinations
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Contact
  • Destinations
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Contact
    • Destinations
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Trending

    19 pesto recipes that are anything but basic

    Published: Mar 25, 2026 by Kristen Wood · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Green sauce just got a serious upgrade. Big flavor, bold mixes, and fresh twists turn simple meals into something exciting. These 19 pesto ideas prove basic is not on the menu.

    The Most Delicious Cilantro Pesto

    A small glass jar filled with green cilantro chutney sits on a wooden surface next to a fresh cilantro sprig.
    The Most Delicious Cilantro Pesto. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Think pesto is always about basil? The Most Delicious Cilantro Pesto swaps in bold herbs for a fresh sauce that wakes up tacos, bowls, and grilled meats. Bright flavor makes it hard to go back to the usual jar.
    Get the Recipe: The Most Delicious Cilantro Pesto

    Authentic Italian Basil Pesto - Pesto Genovese

    A jar of green herb and cheese spread with a spoon, placed on a patterned plate next to slices of bread topped with the same spread.
    Authentic Italian Basil Pesto - Pesto Genovese. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Some sauces earned their reputation. Authentic Italian Basil Pesto - Pesto Genovese sticks to tradition with bold herb flavor that speaks for itself. Balanced richness keeps it timeless.
    Get the Recipe: Authentic Italian Basil Pesto - Pesto Genovese

    Newsletter

    Sign up to receive our latest posts to your inbox! No spam ever.

    Thank you!

    You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

    Zucchini Pesto

    Zucchini pesto on linguine with shaved parmesan.
    Zucchini Pesto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Pesto can stretch further than expected. Zucchini Pesto blends mild vegetable flavor with herbs for a lighter, versatile sauce. Smooth texture works well on pasta or sandwiches.
    Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pesto

    Sunny Spring Pea & Basil Pesto

    A glass jar filled with green pesto sauce, garnished with a fresh basil leaf, surrounded by scattered pine nuts on a dark surface.
    Sunny Spring Pea & Basil Pesto. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Green sauces don’t have to taste the same. Sunny Spring Pea & Basil Pesto blends sweet peas with basil for a lighter twist that still packs flavor. Smooth texture makes it easy to toss with pasta or spread on toast.
    Get the Recipe: Sunny Spring Pea & Basil Pesto

    Dandelion Greens Pesto

    Close-up of homemade dandelion greens pesto in a glass jar.
    Dandelion Greens Pesto. Photo credit: Little Frugal Homestead.

    Wild greens have real potential. Dandelion Greens Pesto delivers a slightly bitter bite that pairs well with rich foods. Bold profile makes it stand out from the usual options.
    Get the Recipe: Dandelion Greens Pesto

    Radish Greens Pesto

    Radish greens pesto in a glass jar on a wooden plate with a serving spoon.
    Radish Greens Pesto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Don’t toss those tops just yet. Radish Greens Pesto turns overlooked greens into a punchy sauce that adds character to simple meals. Peppery notes keep it interesting.
    Get the Recipe: Radish Greens Pesto

    Hazelnut Sage Pesto Recipe

    A jar of green smoothie topped with two hazelnuts, with a blurred leaf in the background.
    Hazelnut Sage Pesto Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Nutty flavors can change everything. Hazelnut Sage Pesto Recipe leans into earthy herbs and toasted nuts for a deeper, richer spin on the classic. It pairs well with roasted vegetables and hearty grains.
    Get the Recipe: Hazelnut Sage Pesto Recipe

    Arugula Pesto

    A bowl of green arugula pesto on a wooden table.
    Arugula Pesto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    A little peppery bite goes a long way. Arugula Pesto adds sharp flavor that stands up to rich pasta or grilled meats. Bold taste keeps it from feeling basic.
    Get the Recipe: Arugula Pesto

    Broccoli Pesto

    A Bowl of broccoli pesto with extra broccoli and nuts in the background.
    Broccoli Pesto. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Broccoli can do more than sit on the side. Broccoli Pesto turns it into a vibrant sauce that adds depth to pasta and roasted dishes. Savory edge keeps it from feeling plain.
    Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pesto

    Zesty Pesto Salad Dressing

    A bowl of green pesto sauce garnished with fresh basil leaves, with a wooden spoon resting in the sauce.
    Zesty Pesto Salad Dressing. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Salad night deserves more than bottled dressing. Zesty Pesto Salad Dressing brings herby punch and bright flavor that instantly upgrades simple greens. One drizzle makes a basic bowl feel planned.
    Get the Recipe: Zesty Pesto Salad Dressing

    Pesto Couscous

    A bowl of pesto couscous with tomatoes and basil.
    Pesto Couscous. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Grains deserve more flavor. Pesto Couscous mixes fluffy couscous with herb-packed sauce for a quick, flavorful side. Fresh bite makes it easy to pair with anything.
    Get the Recipe: Pesto Couscous

    Pea Shoot Pesto

    An overhead image of pea shoot pesto pasta in a serving plate.
    Pea Shoot Pesto. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Tender greens deserve attention too. Pea Shoot Pesto offers a delicate but bright flavor that feels fresh on pasta or toast. Light taste makes it great for spring meals.
    Get the Recipe: Pea Shoot Pesto

    Easy Pesto Rosso - Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

    A jar of red tomato pesto on a white surface, surrounded by pieces of cheese, a wooden spoon, and a bottle of olive oil in the background.
    Easy Pesto Rosso - Sun Dried Tomato Pesto. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Red pesto brings a whole new vibe. Easy Pesto Rosso - Sun Dried Tomato Pesto blends tomatoes and herbs into a bold spread that feels anything but basic. Rich flavor makes it perfect for pasta or flatbread.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Pesto Rosso - Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

    Basil Pesto

    A close up image of basil pesto in a bowl.
    Basil Pesto. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Classic doesn’t mean boring. Basil Pesto delivers fresh herb flavor that works across pasta, chicken, and vegetables. Simple ingredients keep it reliable and bold.
    Get the Recipe: Basil Pesto

    The Most Delicious Cilantro Pesto

    A small glass jar filled with green cilantro chutney sits on a wooden surface next to a fresh cilantro sprig.
    The Most Delicious Cilantro Pesto. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Switching herbs can open new doors. The Most Delicious Cilantro Pesto brings a sharper, fresher edge that works beyond pasta night. Lively flavor keeps dishes from feeling routine.
    Get the Recipe: The Most Delicious Cilantro Pesto

    Ramp Pesto

    A white bowl filled with bright green pesto sauce, with a small wooden spoon resting in the sauce, sits on a grey cloth next to uncooked spaghetti.
    Ramp Pesto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Seasonal ingredients can steal the show. Ramp Pesto brings garlicky depth that feels fresh and different from standard basil versions. Short season makes it worth trying while it lasts.
    Get the Recipe: Ramp Pesto

    Pesto Salad Dressing

    Two small glass jars filled with pesto salad dressings, one vinaigrette and one creamy, on a white marble surface.
    Pesto Salad Dressing. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Sometimes small tweaks make a big impact. Pesto Salad Dressing adds creamy herb flavor that works on salads, sandwiches, and grain bowls alike. Versatile sauce keeps meals interesting.
    Get the Recipe: Pesto Salad Dressing

    Quick & Easy Vegan Pesto

    A plate of spaghetti with pesto sauce, roasted cherry tomatoes, and parsley. Fresh basil leaves and cherry tomatoes are placed on a checkered cloth beside the plate.
    Quick & Easy Vegan Pesto. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Dairy-free doesn’t mean dull. Quick & Easy Vegan Pesto keeps that classic green punch without relying on cheese. Clean flavor makes it a solid go-to for plant-based meals.
    Get the Recipe: Quick & Easy Vegan Pesto

    Kale Pesto Sauce

    A close-up image of kale pesto sauce in a bowl.
    Kale Pesto Sauce. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Greens can bring serious flavor. Kale Pesto Sauce adds a sturdy texture and earthy taste that holds up in hearty dishes. Strong base makes it more than just a topping.
    Get the Recipe: Kale Pesto Sauce

    About Kristen Wood

    Kristen Wood is a writer, photographer, world traveler and cookbook author. Her work has been featured in various publications both online and in print, including Elle, Forbes, NBC, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, Food Drink Life, Arizona Highways Magazine, New York Daily News, and more. She is also a syndicated writer for The Associated Press.

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




     

    Follow Us!

    • Pinterest

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2026 Foodventures Abroad