Basil Pesto suggestions
Breads & Starters
Pesto Swirl Bread – Roll pesto into bread dough before baking for a savoury marbled loaf.
Pesto Flatbread or Focaccia – Dot pesto over the surface before baking; pairs beautifully with soups or salads.
Cheesy Pesto Pull-Apart Bread – Layer pesto and cheese between bread slices and bake in foil.
Pesto Crostini – Spread onto toasted baguette rounds, top with roasted cherry tomatoes or mozzarella.
Pesto Arancini – Add a dollop of pesto into the centre of risotto balls before breading and frying.
Soups (as garnish or stir-in)
Minestrone with Pesto – Stir a spoonful into the bowl just before serving for extra richness.
Tomato Soup with Pesto Drizzle – Adds a herby punch and contrast.
Creamy Courgette/Zucchini Soup – Finish with a swirl of pesto for depth.
Pea and Mint Soup – Pesto adds body and complexity to this simple spring soup.
Salads
Pesto Potato Salad – Use pesto instead of mayo; great warm or cold.
Caprese Salad with Pesto Dressing – Drizzle pesto over fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
Orzo or Pasta Salad with Pesto – Add grilled vegetables, olives, and feta or chickpeas.
Pesto Chickpea Salad – Toss chickpeas, red onion, cucumber, and pesto for a fast protein-packed dish.
Grilled Vegetable Salad with Pesto – Courgettes, aubergines, and peppers tossed in pesto while warm.
Main Courses
Pasta alla Genovese – Toss hot pasta with pesto, green beans, and boiled new potatoes (classic Ligurian style).
Gnocchi with Pesto – Light and pillowy; pesto coats them beautifully.
Pesto Pizza – Use instead of tomato sauce or as a drizzle after baking.
- Pesto Risotto – Stir through at the end for colour and flavour (great with peas or asparagus).
Grain Bowls – Top quinoa or farro bowls with pesto-roasted vegetables and halloumi.
Pesto Lasagna – Layer into a white lasagna with ricotta, courgettes, and spinach.
Pesto and Goat Cheese Tart – Puff pastry topped with pesto, goat’s cheese, and veg.
- Spanakopita with a Pesto Twist, served with salad or lentils