Classic pesto is always a favorite, but you don’t have to stay inside that box! I have 21 Unique Pesto Recipes to mix up your dinner game and keep those taste buds interested. It’s a great way to sneak in a lot of veggies, too!

Pesto is a classic sauce, usually served on pasta, that is traditionally made from basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil and parmesan cheese. Loved all around the world, this green sauce originated in Genoa, Italy.

Did you know that any pesto sauce made without pine nuts is technically called a pistou? But that doesn’t interest us. We won’t be picky!

Mix it up with these 21 Unique Pesto Recipes

 

#1 Spinach Machinga Pesto

This spinach pesto recipe from A Girl Worth Saving adds matcha powder for a healthful boost! And an extra boost of green. Get the recipe HERE.

 

#2 Carrot Top Pesto

This pesto recipe from Sidewalk Shoes promotes a zero waste lifestyle by using up the gorgeous leafy greens that come on carrots! Get the recipe HERE.

 

#3 Beet Pesto

This Beet Pesto from The Baking Fairy is a great one to have on hand for Valentine’s Day! Or Halloween… Get the recipe HERE.

 

#4 Broccoli Rabe Pesto

This pesto recipe from Hearth and Vine uses more affordable broccoli in place of pasta. Get the recipe HERE.

 

#5 Spinach Pesto

This pesto recipe from The Cheerful Kitchen is packed with a ton of spinach for the healthiest sauce you’ll ever have. Get the recipe HERE.

 

#6 Lemon Balm Herb Pesto

This pesto from Vintage Kitty is made with the lemon balm herb which is from the mint family. Get the recipe HERE.

 

#7 Radish Greens Pesto

Here’s another pesto recipe, this time from A Clean Bake, that lets you repurpose something that would otherwise end up in the trash into a delicious meal that’s good for you! Get the recipe HERE.

 

#8 Raw Kale Pesto

Whether or not you like kale in your salad, you’re sure to love it in this non-traditional pesto recipe from The Cheerful Kitchen! Get the recipe HERE.

 

#9 Lemon Pepper Arugula Cashew Pesto

This pesto recipe is a great one if you have some arugula to use up! That stuff goes bad quickly, so you’ll be happy to have this one on hand from The Search for Imperfection. Get the recipe HERE.

 

#10 Vegan Basil and Parsley Pesto

The addition of fresh parsley to this pesto recipe from Strength and Sunshine is a lovely fresh flavor that elevates a classic pasta dish. Get the recipe HERE.

 

#11 Spring Pea Pesto with Basil and Mint

This delicious pea pest from The Cheerful Kitchen is like spring on a plate! Just a little mint goes a long way and works perfectly with the sweet basil. Get the recipe HERE.

 

#12 Arugula Pesto

This gluten-free and dairy-free pesto from A Clean Bake is super flavorful with spicy, fresh arugula. Get the recipe HERE.

 

#13 Sun Dried Tomato Pistachio Pesto

Sweet sun dried tomatoes are a natural with basil in this pesto recipe from What a Girl Eats. Use it on pasta or as a sandwich spread! Get the recipe HERE.

 

#14 Dairy Free Basil Pesto

Leave the dairy out with this pesto recipe from 24 Carro Kitchen. Get the recipe HERE.

 

#15 Broccoli Almond Pesto

This unique pesto recipe from Pinch and Swirl adds almond to the already unusual broccoli pesto. Get the delicious recipe HERE.

 

#16 Toasted Almond Arugula Pesto

This recipe from Earth Food and Fire pairs peppery arugula with warm, toasted almonds for the perfect taste combo. Get the recipe HERE.

 

#17 Sicilian Pesto with Ricotta and Walnuts

Definitely the most unique pesto recipe on this list, Happy Kitchen brings us this sauce from Sicily that whips up ricotta and walnuts with basil for a creamy taste explosion. Get the recipe HERE.

 

#18 Dairy Free Spinach Kale Pesto

It doesn’t get more nutrient dense than this pesto recipe from Super Kid Eats. Spinach and kale in one sauce! Get the recipe HERE.

 

#19 Edamame Pasta

This award winning pesto from Rhian’s Recipes brings the plant based goodness in a delicious pesto made from Edamame! Get the recipe HERE.

 

#20 Vegan Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

This simple and delicious pasta recipe from Paleoish Krista is Paleo, Vegan and really easy. Get the recipe HERE.

 

#21 Pea Pesto with Hemp Hearts

Nutty hemp hearts and sweet peas are natural basil friends in this recipe from Bites of Wellness. Get the recipe HERE.

 

There you have it, friends!! No excuse not to add all of these heart healthy ingredients to your diet. Which unique pesto recipe are you going to try? That Sicilian pesto is calling my name!

 

Don’t know what to do with the pesto now that you’ve made it? Here are some great ideas!
- Swap out the artichoke pesto for whatever pesto you have in these Keto Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms.
- Toss your pesto with pasta and sprinkle with scrumptious toppings like this Spring Pesto Pasta does!
- One Pan Chicken and Veggies works with any of these unique pesto recipes. Try them all!
- Use a big spoonful of pesto instead of the gremolata on this Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Bacon.