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Home » Recipe Collections

15 Pesto Upgrades That Prove Basil Isn’t The Only Star

Published: Apr 11, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Pesto doesn't have to start and end with basil—there’s a whole world of great flavors waiting to be thrown in the mix. These recipes are bold, flexible, and straight-up delicious in ways that’ll make you wonder why you stuck to the classic for so long. They're perfect when you want something that feels fresh but still hits with that rich, herby punch you expect. Whether you're cooking for one or feeding a group, these are the kinds of dishes that people actually get excited about eating.

An overview of Oregano Pesto.
Oregano Pesto. Photo Credit: MOON and spoon and yum

Kale Pesto Sauce

A close-up image of kale pesto sauce in a bowl.
Kale Pesto Sauce. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

In under 5 minutes, this healthy kale pesto is a great choice for a dairy-free sauce. It’s a quick option to add rich flavors to any dish, from pasta to roasted veggies.
Get the Recipe: Kale Pesto Sauce

Pea Shoot Pesto

Pea Shoot Pesto in a white bowl.
Pea Shoot Pesto. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

This pea shoot and pistachio pesto is bright and fresh, perfect for spring. It’s quick to make and works well as a flavorful topping for pasta or vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Pea Shoot Pesto

Vegan Cashew Pesto

Top view of Vegan Cashew Pesto next to a basil leaf and some cashews.
Vegan Cashew Pesto. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Vegan Cashew Pesto is creamy and vibrant, made with just a few healthy ingredients. It’s a great choice for topping pasta, sandwiches, or roasted veggies.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cashew Pesto

Broccoli Pesto

A Bowl of broccoli pesto with extra broccoli and nuts in the background.
Broccoli Pesto. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This simple broccoli pesto comes together in just 15 minutes. It’s a great way to enjoy a fresh, vibrant pesto while offering variations for nut-free and vegetarian options.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pesto

Oregano Pesto

An overview of Oregano Pesto.
Oregano Pesto. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Oregano pesto offers a robust and aromatic flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes, from pasta to grilled meats. It’s an easy way to elevate your meals.
Get the Recipe: Oregano Pesto

Arugula Pesto

A bowl of Arugula Pesto next to fresh arugulas on a gray cloth.
Arugula Pesto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Arugula pesto brings a peppery bite that complements garlic, walnuts, and parmesan. It’s perfect for enhancing pasta, meats, or roasted vegetables with a fresh twist.
Get the Recipe: Arugula Pesto

Hazelnut Sage Pesto

Top view of Hazelnut Sage Pesto with a spoon and two sage leaves on the background.
Hazelnut Sage Pesto. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Hazelnut sage pesto is simple to make and adds a deep flavor to any dish. It’s perfect with pasta, pizza, or roasted vegetables, and can easily be made vegan.
Get the Recipe: Hazelnut Sage Pesto

Ramp Pesto

A bowl of Ramp Pesto with a wooden spoon on a denim cloth.
Ramp Pesto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ramp pesto is packed with flavor, combining ramps, basil, parsley, and lemon. It’s a perfect topping for meats, fish, or pasta, bringing fresh spring flavors to the table.
Get the Recipe: Ramp Pesto

Cheesy Vegan Walnut Pesto

Cheesy Vegan Walnut Pesto and a basil leave with walnuts next to it.
Cheesy Vegan Walnut Pesto. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This creamy walnut pesto blends basil, spinach, and kale with nutritional yeast for a flavorful vegan option. It’s quick to make and perfect for pastas or sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Vegan Walnut Pesto

Easy Pesto Rosso

An image of Easy Pesto Rosso - Sun Dried Tomato Pesto.
Easy Pesto Rosso. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Pesto rosso, made from sun-dried tomatoes, is a versatile alternative to traditional pesto. It’s a simple and flavorful sauce that pairs well with pasta or as a spread.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pesto Rosso

Sunny Spring Pea & Basil Vegan Pesto

Overhead image of sunny spring pea basil vegan pesto.
Sunny Spring Pea & Basil Vegan Pesto. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This Spring Pea & Basil Pesto is fresh and vibrant, made with peas, basil, and sunflower seeds. It’s a healthy and flavorful option that works as a sauce or a dip.
Get the Recipe: Sunny Spring Pea & Basil Vegan Pesto

Zucchini Pesto

A close-up image of a bowl of Zucchini Pesto on a wooden board.
Zucchini Pesto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This zucchini pesto uses a whole large zucchini, making it a great way to use up extra veggies. It’s quick to make and perfect for tossing with pasta or topping meats.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pesto

Creamy Beet Pesto

An image of Cilantro Pesto next to fresh cilantro.
Creamy Beet Pesto. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Pumpkin Seed and Beet Pesto is rich and creamy, adding a savory depth to any meal. It’s perfect for pairing with pasta, veggies, or as a topping for roasted meats.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beet Pesto

Radish Greens Pesto

Radish Greens Pesto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Radish greens make a flavorful and nutritious pesto, perfect for using up the greens. It’s a great choice for adding fresh, vibrant flavors to any dish, with minimal waste.
Get the Recipe: Radish Greens Pesto

Cilantro Pesto

Cilantro Pesto. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Cilantro Pesto is fresh and green, made with no nuts. It’s a great dip or topping for pizza, pasta, or grilled vegetables, adding brightness to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Pesto

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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