For those of us who are pesto-obsessed, there is no amount of the herby green sauce that is too much. In fact, I prefer to have leftovers on hand. Pesto is a fantastic addition to pastas, sandwiches, eggs, I could go on and on.
Here’s a list of 10 easy recipes to use up leftover pesto. Check out all our easy pesto recipes for more inspiration), including my personal favorites below:
1
Cheesy Braided Pesto Bread (Savory Babka!)
This Braided Pesto Bread tastes like summer! Let the stand mixer do all the work kneading, then roll our and spread with our easy homemade pesto. Braiding this is so much easier than you'd expect! Once baked, allow to cool before slicing, then serve with butter or even more pesto spread on top!
Get the Recipe
2
Burrata Sandwich with Mortadella & Pistachio Pesto
This Burrata Sandwich with fresh pistachio pesto and thinly sliced mortadella is the sandwich of my dreams! Not only is the taste amazing, but the texture too! A perfect make-ahead meal for lunches, picnics, and cookouts alike. One large sandwich will easily feed 6-8 hungry guests!
Get the Recipe
3
25-Minute Pesto Salmon (with any type of pesto!)
Our foolproof pan seared salmon gets the ultimate upgrade with a generous spoonful of homemade pistachio pesto right on top. With crispy skin and a delicate, flaky texture this Pesto Salmon recipe will quickly become a weeknight dinner staple for its ease and fresh, light flavor. Plus, it can be on the table in less than 30 minutes! Serve with a light salad or grilled veggies. Gluten-free.
Get the Recipe
4
25-Minute Pesto Gnocchi (with any pesto!)
Light, pillowy Pesto Gnocchi with crispy pancetta is summer comfort in a bowl! Homemade or store-bought potato gnocchi are tossed in a flavorful basil pesto sauce. Serve with grated Parmesan and pancetta (or guanciale). Easy, full of flavor, but simple enough for a weeknight dinner! Gluten-free.
Get the Recipe
5
Creamy Scallop Pasta With Corn and Pesto
This Scallop Pasta with fresh corn, sun dried tomatoes, and pesto is a true taste of summer! Mascarpone adds a touch of creaminess. while pan fried capers add a crisp, briny finish. A seafood lovers dream!
Get the Recipe
6
Quick & Easy Pesto Zucchini Noodles With Salmon
These easy, flavorful Pesto Zucchini Noodles with Salmon are great when you want a healthy, gluten-free weeknight dinner, but you're craving pasta! Bake a fresh salmon fillet with tomatoes, then toss with sautéed zoodles, crispy pancetta, and homemade pesto sauce. Serve with lots of grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Light, but completely satisfying! Gluten-free.
Get the Recipe
7
Crispy Chicken Cutlet Panini with Pesto
This Chicken Pesto Panini is perfect for a filling lunch! Layer homemade chicken cutlets with pesto, roasted red peppers, fresh arugula, and provolone cheese between slices of thick focaccia bread. Press until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is warm throughout.
Get the Recipe
8
Creamy Breakfast Polenta with Pesto & Eggs
Creamy, cheesy Breakfast Polenta with pesto is savory brunch goals! Cook yellow grits until creamy, then mix in plenty of parmesan cheese. Top with jammy soft boiled eggs for a hearty, satisfying breakfast. All components can be made ahead and reheated before serving. Tastes like summer! Gluten-free.
Get the Recipe
9
Trenette al Pesto (From Disney-Pixar’s Luca!)
This creamy Trenette Al Pesto is the traditional Ligurian pasta dish featured in Disney-Pixar's Luca. Trenette pasta is cooked with tender potatoes and sliced green beans, then seasoned simply with Genovese basil pesto. It tastes like summer and is easy enough to make with kids!
Get the Recipe
10
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta (with Rotisserie Chicken!)
Chicken Pesto Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and tastes like summer! Roasted cherry or grape tomatoes get tossed with pesto sauce, mascarpone, rotisserie chicken, and bocconcini (little mozzarella balls!) for a quick weeknight pasta dish that is packed with flavor!
Get the Recipe
Other Ways To Enjoy Leftover Pesto
You could also simply eat the pesto directly off a spoon, but… if that’s not your cup of tea, here’s a few more ideas:
- Use pesto as a spread on sandwiches instead of (or alongside) mayonnaise.
- Serve it over grilled proteins! Our favorites include a variety of seafood: salmon (check out my pesto salmon above!), shrimp, scallops, and swordfish.
- Mixed into scrambled eggs with tomato confit — takes minutes to make, but is the most flavorful breakfast you can imagine.
- Spooned over roasted root vegetables!
- Mix a tablespoon or so into your next bowl of soup and watch the flavors come to life! This is essentially what happens in classic Soupe au Pistou (Provençal Vegetable Soup).
- Spread onto any and all crostini before adding other toppings.
- Pair it with tomatoes and mozzarella: use as a dressing for your favorite caprese salad, or dollop on top of our mozzarella caprese gazapacho!
Helpful Tips For Freezing Pesto
- Freeze extra pesto in ice cube trays, then add to sauces or pastas in single portions as needed!
- Alternatively, you can freeze pesto in a ¼ sheet pan, then break into smaller pieces and store in an airtight bag.
- Most pesto sauces will keep for up to 1 week in a refrigerator or up to 3 months in a freezer.
If you make any of these easy pesto recipes, be sure to let me know know by leaving a review below or on the specific blog post!
And make sure to sign up for our newsletter and follow along on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, and Facebook for more Well Seasoned recipes! Don’t forget to tag us on social channels when you make a recipe at #wellseasonedstudio and upload your photos below! We love seeing what you’re up to in the kitchen!
The post 10 Delicious Recipes For Using Leftover Pesto appeared first on Well Seasoned Studio.