Creative Ways to Use Pesto Beyond Pasta
Pesto, the iconic Italian sauce made primarily from basil, olive oil, garlic, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts, is one of those culinary treasures that has stood the test of time. While most people associate pesto with a simple pasta dish, this vibrant green sauce is much more versatile than it’s often given credit for. From sandwiches to pizza, salads, and even desserts, pesto can elevate nearly any meal with its rich, aromatic flavor and fresh ingredients.
In this article, we’ll explore creative ways to use pestoto beyond pasta. Whether you’re looking to add a burst of flavor to your next salad or spice up your breakfast routine, pesto is the perfect ingredient to take your cooking to the next level. Let’s dive into how you can incorporate pesto into appetizers, main dishes, and snacks to make your meals more exciting and flavorful.
1. Pesto as a Sandwich Spread
If you’re tired of the usual mayonnaise or mustard as your sandwich spread, it’s time to give pesto a try. Its fresh and vibrant flavors can quickly transform any sandwich, turning a simple lunch into something extraordinary. Here are some ideas for using pesto as a sandwich spread:
a. Classic Pesto Grilled Cheese
Take the traditional grilled cheese sandwich and elevate it with a spread of pesto. Spread a thin layer of pesto on the inside of your bread before adding your cheese. This combination will add an herbaceous kick and make the classic sandwich feel gourmet. For extra flavor, consider adding some tomato slices or bacon to complement the pesto.
b. Turkey and Pesto Wrap
For a lighter, protein-packed lunch, spread pesto on a whole-grain wrap, and add slices of turkey, avocado, and a handful of greens like spinach or arugula. The pesto will provide a rich and fresh contrast to the savory turkey, making every bite delicious.
c. Veggie and Pesto Sandwich
For a meatless option, use pesto as the spread for a veggie sandwich. Layer it with grilled zucchini, eggplant, tomato, and roasted peppers. The creamy, garlicky pesto pairs perfectly with the sweet, caramelized vegetables, creating a sandwich that’s both healthy and satisfying.
2. Pesto on Pizza
While the traditional tomato sauce is the base for most pizzas, pesto can be an equally delightful alternative. Its rich, aromatic flavor pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings and adds a unique twist to your homemade or store-bought pizza.
a. Pesto Margherita Pizza
Swap the traditional tomato sauce for pesto to create a Pesto Margherita Pizza. Spread a thin layer of pesto over the pizza dough, and then top with fresh mozzarella cheese, tomato slices, and basil. The pesto gives the pizza an extra burst of flavor that complements the creamy cheese and juicy tomatoes.
b. Pesto Chicken Pizza
For a heartier pizza option, add grilled chicken, caramelized onions, and sun-dried tomatoes to a pesto base. The pesto will complement the richness of the chicken and provide a fresh contrast to the sweetness of the onions and sun-dried tomatoes.
c. Pesto Veggie Pizza
Use pesto as a sauce base for a vegetarian pizza. Top your dough with a generous layer of pesto and load it with your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, artichokes, and red onion. The pesto’s flavor will enhance the earthy vegetables, creating a satisfying pizza that doesn’t rely on meat for its heartiness.
3. Pesto as a Salad Dressing
Pesto’s creamy, herbaceous texture and vibrant green color make it a perfect candidate for a salad dressing. It can easily replace traditional salad dressings like vinaigrette or ranch, offering a rich, nutty flavor that pairs well with both fresh greens and grilled vegetables.
a. Pesto Caprese Salad
Transform a simple Caprese salad into something extraordinary by drizzling it with pesto instead of balsamic glaze. Arrange slices of fresh tomato, mozzarella, and basil on a plate, and then spoon or drizzle the pesto over the top. The freshness of the pesto enhances the creamy cheese and sweet tomatoes, making this a perfect summer dish.
b. Pesto Cucumber and Avocado Salad
Combine sliced cucumber, avocado, and cherry tomatoes, and toss with pesto for a refreshing, nutrient-packed salad. The creaminess of the avocado and the crunch of the cucumber pair beautifully with the bold pesto dressing, making it a light yet flavorful side dish.
c. Grilled Vegetable Salad with Pesto
For a heartier salad, grill some of your favorite vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and asparagus. Once grilled, toss the veggies in a bowl with some mixed greens, and drizzle with pesto. The smoky flavor of the grilled vegetables and the rich, herbaceous pesto create a satisfying, savory salad.
4. Pesto as a Marinade or Grilling Sauce
Pesto’s rich flavor and oily base make it an excellent marinade or grilling sauce for both meat and vegetables. It helps infuse ingredients with flavor while keeping them moist and tender during cooking.
a. Pesto Marinated Chicken
For a juicy and flavorful grilled chicken, marinate the chicken breasts in pesto for at least an hour before grilling. The olive oil in the pesto will keep the chicken moist, while the garlic and basil will infuse it with a fresh, herby taste. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
b. Pesto Grilled Veggies
You can also use pesto as a marinade for vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers before grilling. The pesto will help bring out the natural sweetness of the vegetables while adding depth of flavor.
5. Pesto on Eggs
Pesto can take your breakfast to the next level by adding bold flavor to your eggs. Whether you’re cooking scrambled eggs, fried eggs, or an omelette, a spoonful of pesto can elevate the taste and make breakfast more exciting.
a. Pesto Scrambled Eggs
Make your scrambled eggs extra creamy and flavorful by stirring in a spoonful of pesto toward the end of cooking. The pesto will melt into the eggs, giving them a rich, herbaceous flavor. Add some tomato slices or cheese for extra texture.
b. Pesto Eggs Benedict
Give your eggs benedict a twist by swapping the traditional hollandaise sauce for pesto. The richness of the pesto complements the poached eggs and English muffin perfectly, offering a fresh, zesty alternative to the classic version.
c. Pesto Omelette
For a quick and easy breakfast, make a simple omelette and top it with a generous spoonful of pesto before folding. You can add ingredients like cheese, spinach, and mushrooms for a fully loaded omelette.
6. Pesto for Dipping
Pesto makes an excellent dipping sauce for various snacks and appetizers. It’s the perfect accompaniment to bread, crackers, vegetables, or cheese.
a. Pesto Bread Dip
For a simple appetizer, serve crusty bread with a small bowl of pesto for dipping. You can add a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor. This is a great starter for any meal and pairs perfectly with a glass of wine.
b. Pesto Veggie Dip
For a healthy snack, use pesto as a dip for raw vegetables like carrots, celery, and cucumbers. The fresh flavors of the pesto provide a satisfying contrast to the crunchiness of the veggies.
7. Pesto in Soups and Stews
Add a spoonful of pesto to your soup or stew for an instant burst of flavor. It can work particularly well in vegetable soups, minestrone, or chicken broth-based stews. The pesto will add creaminess, richness, and a touch of garlic that complements the other ingredients.
Conclusion: Pesto’s Endless Possibilities
While pasta will always be a classic dish to enjoy pesto, there are countless other ways to incorporate this vibrant, flavorful sauce into your meals. From sandwiches and pizzas to salads, eggs, and even grilled meats, pesto proves itself as a truly versatile ingredient. By experimenting with different uses for pesto, you can add a burst of fresh flavor to nearly any meal. The best part? With just a few ingredients, pesto is easy to make and can transform even the simplest dishes into something special.
So the next time you’re in the kitchen, think outside the pasta bowl and let pesto inspire your next culinary creation. Whether as a spread, a dip, or a marinade, pesto is sure to make your meals more exciting, nutritious, and undeniably delicious.