Need to use up a jar of pesto? Here are some great meal ideas using pesto so your vibrant, punchy sauce doesn’t go to waste. We have a homemade pesto recipe, too, so you can make your own from scratch.
How to make pesto
To make classic pesto, put a large bunch of basil leaves, 60g grated parmesan, 1 tbsp pine kernels and 1/ 2 clovegarlic in a small food processor. Whizz, adding enough olive oil until you have a thick green sauce.
Classic pesto recipe
Pesto is pasta’s very best friend. Make it as good as possible with fresh basil, pine nuts, olive oil and parmesan.
Here’s a twist on the classic pesto sauce to try…
Hemp oil pesto sauce recipe
This easy pesto recipe is a classic twist on the Italian basil pesto recipe to make a really fresh dip.
To start, here’s a simple pasta salad recipe using pesto…
Plus we’ve got an inventive twist on the classic pesto using macadamia nuts…
Recipes using pesto
Six ingredients and just 20 minutes is all it takes to make a speedy, low-calorie pasta dinner for two.
On the table in 15 minutes, this nutritious salad is packed with greens and tossed in fresh pesto.
Roast squash in garlic and chilli then top with a herby homemade pesto for an vibrant autumnal side dish.
Check out our orzo salad recipe with spicy ‘nduja pesto, crumbly feta and juicy prawns. Make this simple salad for an easy low calorie meal.
Check out this quick, creamy gnocchi recipe with fresh pesto, bright peas and baby spinach – ready in just 10 minutes.
Check out our crusted salmon with fresh pesto recipe. This super quick and easy recipe takes 15 minutes in the oven and it’s low in calories, a great midweek meal. We have the best midweek salmon recipes to try here.
Check out this super simple lamb recipe. These cutlets are quickly marinated to deepen the juicy flavour, serve with a fresh pesto bean salad for an easy midweek meal ready in just 20 minutes.
This super simple and speedy hasselback chicken tray bake with mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes and pesto makes a delicious tray-bake that’s easily doubled or halved
Pesto adds a burst of flavour to these Sicilian aubergine pizzas, which use crème fraîche instead of a tomato base, charred aubergines and sultanas, with rocket and pine nuts for a bit of extra crunch
Give pesto pasta a twist with this quick and easy recipe for two. A simple homemade pesto with rocket and parmesan is the perfect sauce for tagliatelle.
This recipe for rigatoni with broccoli pesto is a great twist on a classic pesto and the perfect way to use up broccoli. What’s more, it’s vegetarian and ready in just 20 minutes – perfect for midweek. It’s a great way to get the kids eating their greens too! Check out our other family friendly recipes
Ditch the jar and make your own fresh-as-can-be pesto for this low calorie, gluten free main for one. This sizzling sirloin steak and tangy tomato dish is quick and easy and takes just 20 minutes to whip up. More steak ideas here, and how to cook the perfect steak…
Try our super easy ‘courgetti’ recipe, made with sundried tomatoes, garlic, fresh pesto, mozzarella pearls and courgette spaghetti
Combining all of our favourite flavours, these baked sweet potatoes with pine nuts, tahini and pesto are easy to make, vegetarian and gluten free, making them perfect for a midweek meal. Can’t get enough sweet potato? Find more simple sweet potato recipes here.
With only 20 minutes until melty cheesy goodness, this comforting but low calorie recipe is a great idea for a satisfyingly quick and easy mid-week meal for two, with the red pesto adding a burst of flavour
Keep a jar of pesto in the cupboard f0r this creamy veggie lasagne with crunchy pine nuts, perfect for feeding the family. It’s a great meat free alternative that’s so delicious, you won’t miss the beef! Our best lasagne recipes are all here, including vegetarian lasagne ideas.
What did we do to deserve such an epic sandwich? Garlicy mushrooms, Taleggio cheese and roasted red peppers make for a delicious filling, with fresh green pesto adding the perfect flavour finish. Find more delicious cheesy recipes here
Who needs pasta when you can have spiralled courgette? Try our healthy ‘courgetti’ recipe, made with the delicious combination of baby plum tomatoes, garlic, pesto, pine nuts and a lot of courgette noodles
Pasta alla genovese is a classic Italian pasta dish using just 4 simple ingredients. Rich in flavour thanks to the pesto and ready in only 15 minutes, it’s the perfect quick and easy meal to make midweek. Looking for more quick pasta ideas? Have a look at our best ever pasta recipes all on the table in under 30 minutes.
Perk up pasta and make your own hazelnut pesto with this surprisingly simple recipe that’s perfect for meat-free Monday
This recipe for grilled portobellos with ricotta, pesto and rocket ticks all the boxes: it’s ready in 20 minutes, vegetarian and under 300 calories. Plus, it’s packed with flavour thanks to the pesto, and the creamy ricotta makes it feel indulgent
