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You can do so much with basil pesto that it easily becomes the hardest-working sauce in your kitchen.
Whether you’re stirring it into pasta, spreading it on sandwiches, or dolloping it over grilled veggies, basil pesto is a flavor bomb that transforms simple meals into something special.
The best part about cooking with basil pesto is how versatile it is, and in this post, we’ll explore all the creative things you can make, from classic Italian dishes to unexpected snacks.
Let’s dive into the delicious world of what you can do with basil pesto and unlock its full potential.
What You Can Do With Basil Pesto: The Ultimate Kitchen Staple
When you’re wondering what you can do with basil pesto, the short answer is: just about anything.
Basil pesto works as a sauce, a marinade, a spread, a dressing, and even a seasoning boost, which means it can carry an entire meal on its own.
You can use basil pesto straight from the jar for weeknight dinners, but you can also doctor it up with extra ingredients like lemon zest, red pepper flakes, or a splash of cream.
Below, we’ll break down the most delicious and practical ways to use basil pesto so you never let a jar go to waste again.
1. Toss It With Pasta for a 10-Minute Dinner
The most classic way to enjoy basil pesto is by tossing it with hot pasta.
You can use basil pesto with spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or even gnocchi, and it coats every bite with herby, garlicky goodness.
For a creamier take, mix a couple tablespoons of basil pesto into a little warm pasta water and a splash of heavy cream.
You can also add grilled chicken, shrimp, or cherry tomatoes to make it a complete meal that feels restaurant-quality.
This is one of the easiest things you can do with basil pesto on a busy night.
2. Spread It on Sandwiches and Wraps
Instead of mayo or mustard, try spreading basil pesto on your next sandwich.
You can use basil pesto on turkey clubs, grilled cheese, paninis, or veggie wraps for an instant flavor upgrade.
The bright, aromatic profile of basil pesto pairs beautifully with mozzarella, roasted red peppers, and fresh arugula.
You can also swirl a little basil pesto into tuna salad or chicken salad for a herby twist.
This is one of the simplest ways to use basil pesto if you’re packing lunches for the week.
3. Use It as a Marinade for Meat and Seafood
Basil pesto makes an incredible marinade because it’s packed with oil, garlic, and herbs.
You can marinate chicken breasts, salmon fillets, shrimp, or even steak in basil pesto for 30 minutes before grilling.
The oil in basil pesto helps keep the meat moist while the garlic and basil infuse deep flavor into every bite.
You can also brush basil pesto onto skewers of vegetables and tofu for a plant-based barbecue option.
This is definitely one of the most impressive things you can do with basil pesto for a weekend cookout.
4. Stir It Into Soups and Stews
A spoonful of basil pesto can brighten up a whole pot of soup.
You can use basil pesto to finish minestrone, tomato soup, vegetable stew, or even chicken noodle soup.
Just stir a tablespoon or two into the pot right before serving so the flavors stay fresh and vibrant.
This is a great way to use basil pesto when you have leftover sauce that needs a home.
It’s also an easy hack for adding instant depth to canned soups on a lazy day.
Creative Ways to Use Basil Pesto Beyond the Basics
Once you’ve mastered the classics, you can start experimenting with more creative things to do with basil pesto.
You can use basil pesto in baking, breakfast dishes, and even homemade snacks that will surprise your family.
Here are some outside-the-box ideas that show just how flexible basil pesto really is.
1. Swirl It Into Eggs or a Frittata
Start your morning with a swirl of basil pesto in your scrambled eggs or omelet.
You can whisk basil pesto into beaten eggs before cooking, or spoon it over the finished dish as a garnish.
It also works beautifully in a frittata with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach.
You can even bake basil pesto into a savory breakfast muffin or a cheesy egg casserole.
This is a fun way to use basil pesto that you probably haven’t tried yet.
2. Make Pesto Pizza or Flatbread
Skip the red sauce and use basil pesto as your pizza base instead.
Spread a thin layer of basil pesto over rolled-out dough, then top it with mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and fresh arugula.
You can also use basil pesto as a finishing drizzle on top of a pepperoni or veggie pizza after it comes out of the oven.
This is one of the most delicious things you can do with basil pesto for a fun dinner night.
You can even make pesto flatbreads with naan or pita for a quick appetizer.
3. Whisk It Into Salad Dressings and Dips
Basil pesto can instantly upgrade your salads and party dips.
You can whisk basil pesto with olive oil, lemon juice, and a little honey for a vibrant vinaigrette.
Or mix it into sour cream, Greek yogurt, or cream cheese for a quick dip for crudités and bread.
You can use basil pesto as a base for a creamy ranch-style dressing or blend it into hummus for extra flavor.
This is one of those things you can do with basil pesto that takes only two minutes.
More Delicious Things to do with Basil Pesto
If you still have leftover basil pesto, you can always get even more creative in the kitchen.
Basil pesto is so flavorful that a little goes a long way, so you can stretch it across multiple meals.
1. Bake It Into Bread or Savory Pastries
You can swirl basil pesto into bread dough, pizza dough, or puff pastry for golden, savory treats.
Make pesto swirl bread, pesto knots, or even a cheesy pesto palmier for an impressive appetizer.
You can also fold basil pesto into biscuit dough before baking for drop biscuits with a green marbled look.
This is a lovely way to use basil pesto for brunches or holiday gatherings.
2. Top Roasted Vegetables With It
Roasted vegetables and basil pesto are a match made in heaven.
You can toss roasted potatoes, zucchini, eggplant, or broccoli with a couple spoonfuls of basil pesto right after cooking.
The heat melts the pesto slightly and coats the veggies in a glossy, fragrant layer.
You can also drizzle basil pesto over roasted butternut squash or carrots for a sweet-savory balance.
This is one of the healthiest things you can do with basil pesto for a side dish.
3. Mix It Into Grains, Rice, or Quinoa
Stirring basil pesto into cooked grains is a fantastic way to add flavor without extra salt or butter.
You can use basil pesto with quinoa, couscous, farro, or even plain white rice for an instant pilaf.
Add some toasted pine nuts, feta, and olives to turn this into a hearty grain salad.
You can also spread a little basil pesto on the bottom of a bowl before piling in grains and roasted veggies.
This is a great meal-prep hack because you can use basil pesto in multiple lunches throughout the week.
So, What Can You Do With Basil Pesto?
You can do so much with basil pesto that it deserves a permanent spot in your fridge.
From pasta and pizza to marinades and breakfasts, you can use basil pesto in endless creative ways.
It’s versatile, quick, and packed with fresh flavor, so you’ll never get bored.
We hope this post gave you plenty of ideas to answer the question of what you can do with basil pesto.
Grab a jar, get creative, and enjoy every herby bite.