What Can You Do With Basil Pesto

You can do a lot with basil pesto, from simple pasta tosses to creative spreads and marinades.
 
If you’ve got a jar of basil pesto sitting in your fridge, you might be wondering what can you do with basil pesto beyond the classic spaghetti.
 
The truth is, basil pesto is one of the most versatile condiments you can keep on hand.
 
It’s packed with flavor, so a little goes a long way in transforming everyday meals.
 
In this post, we’ll explore all the delicious things you can do with basil pesto, from breakfast to dinner and everything in between.
 
Let’s dive into the wonderful world of what you can do with basil pesto.
 

What Can You Do With Basil Pesto in Everyday Cooking?

The first thing you can do with basil pesto is use it as a quick flavor booster in your daily rotation.
 
It’s not just for pasta, though that’s a great start.
 
You can do with basil pesto many things that save you time while adding fresh, herby depth.
 
Think of pesto as a ready-made sauce, dressing, and seasoning all in one.
 
Here are some of the best ways you can use basil pesto in your kitchen.
 

1. Toss It With Pasta and Grains

The most classic thing you can do with basil pesto is toss it with warm pasta.
 
But don’t stop at spaghetti; pesto works beautifully with penne, fusilli, or even gnocchi.
 
You can even stir pesto into cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous for an instant side dish.
 
Thin it with a little pasta water or olive oil to create a silky sauce.
 
This is one of the easiest things you can do with basil pesto for a weeknight dinner.
 

2. Spread It on Sandwiches and Wraps

Instead of mayo or mustard, try spreading basil pesto on your bread.
 
You can do with basil pesto a fantastic upgrade for turkey, chicken, or veggie sandwiches.
 
It also works great as a spread for grilled cheese, paninis, or wraps.
 
The garlic and basil flavors pair perfectly with mozzarella, tomato, and roasted vegetables.
 
This simple swap is one of the most rewarding things you can do with basil pesto.
 

3. Swirl It Into Soups and Stews

A spoonful of pesto can brighten up a bowl of soup in seconds.
 
You can do with basil pesto by stirring it into minestrone, tomato soup, or vegetable stew.
 
It adds a burst of freshness that cuts through rich, savory broths.
 
Just add it at the end so the flavor stays vibrant.
 
This is a clever thing you can do with basil pesto to elevate simple meals.
 

Creative Ways to Use Basil Pesto Beyond Pasta

Once you master the basics, you’ll find there are even more creative things you can do with basil pesto.
 
It’s a fantastic ingredient for appetizers, proteins, and even baked goods.
 
You can do with basil pesto so much more than just dinner.
 
Let’s look at some fun and unexpected uses.
 

1. Use It as a Marinade for Meats and Fish

Basil pesto makes an excellent marinade for chicken, shrimp, or salmon.
 
You can do with basil pesto by coating your protein in it before grilling or baking.
 
The oil helps keep things moist while the herbs and garlic infuse the meat with flavor.
 
Just let it sit for at least 30 minutes for the best results.
 
This is a delicious thing you can do with basil pesto for your next barbecue.
 

2. Mix It Into Eggs and Breakfast Dishes

Who says pesto is only for lunch and dinner?
 
You can do with basil pesto by whisking a spoonful into scrambled eggs or an omelet.
 
It also tastes amazing swirled into a frittata or shakshuka.
 
Even a simple avocado toast gets a kick when you spread a little pesto underneath.
 
This is one of the most surprising things you can do with basil pesto.
 

3. Bake It Into Breads and Flatbreads

For a savory treat, you can do with basil pesto by spreading it on pizza dough.
 
Use it as a base sauce instead of tomato, or dollop it on top of a white pizza.
 
You can also swirl pesto into bread dough for a marbled, herby loaf.
 
Or just brush it onto warm flatbreads and focaccia right out of the oven.
 
This is a crowd-pleasing thing you can do with basil pesto for parties.
 

How to Make the Most of Store-Bought or Homemade Pesto

Whether you have a jar from the store or a batch you made yourself, you can do with basil pesto.
 
The key is learning how to balance its intense flavor with other ingredients.
 
You can do with basil pesto by diluting it with olive oil, lemon juice, or yogurt.
 
This turns it into a dressing for salads, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls.
 
Here are a few more practical tips to get the most out of your pesto.
 

1. Turn It Into a Dressing or Dip

Whisk pesto with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt for a quick vinaigrette.
 
You can do with basil pesto by mixing it with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamy dip.
 
Serve it with raw veggies, pita chips, or crusty bread.
 
This is a simple thing you can do with basil pesto for a snack or appetizer.
 

2. Add It to Roasted Vegetables and Salads

Roast potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers, then toss them with a spoonful of pesto.
 
You can do with basil pesto by drizzling it over a fresh green salad.
 
It also works wonders when mixed into potato salad or pasta salad.
 
The herbaceous flavor pairs perfectly with charred and fresh veggies alike.
 
This is a healthy thing you can do with basil pesto any day of the week.
 

3. Freeze It for Later Use

If you have extra pesto, you can do with basil pesto by freezing it in ice cube trays.
 
Once frozen, pop the cubes into a bag and keep them for up to three months.
 
You can do with basil pesto cubes by dropping one into soups, sauces, or pan sauces.
 
It’s a fantastic way to preserve that fresh basil flavor all year round.
 

So, What Can You Do With Basil Pesto? Endless Possibilities

So, what can you do with basil pesto?
 
You can do with basil pesto just about anything you can imagine in the kitchen.
 
From pasta and sandwiches to marinades and baked goods, it’s a versatile superstar.
 
You can do with basil pesto for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a snack.
 
It’s a simple way to add big flavor without a lot of effort or extra ingredients.
 
So don’t let that jar sit in the back of your fridge any longer.
 
Next time you’re wondering what can you do with basil pesto, just try any of the ideas above.
 
You’ll be amazed at how many meals you can do with basil pesto that feel fresh and exciting.
 
With so many options, the real question is which delicious thing will you try first.