Don’t let spring herbs go to waste—whip up these 18 homemade pestos

Spring herbs have a short window before they wilt in the back of the fridge — and tossing them always feels like wasted potential. Instead of watching that parsley, basil, or cilantro fade, turn it into something bold, versatile, and weeknight-ready. These homemade pesto recipes go far beyond the classic version, transforming fresh herbs (and even leafy greens) into sauces that instantly upgrade pasta, sandwiches, roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and more. One quick blitz in the blender, and dinner practically makes itself.

Pea Shoot Pesto Delight

An overhead image of pea shoot pesto pasta in a serving plate. — Pea Shoot Pesto. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Bright pea shoot pesto with pistachios comes together in just 15 minutes. Whip up this fresh sauce before spring herbs fade.
Get the Recipe: Pea Shoot Pesto

Quick Broccoli Pesto

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

Make this vegan broccoli pesto in just 15 minutes with optional nut-free tweaks. A smart way to save spring herbs from going to waste.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pesto

5-Minute Kale Pesto

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

This dairy-free kale pesto comes together in under 5 minutes. Transform fresh spring greens into a vibrant sauce quickly.
Get the Recipe: Kale Pesto

Classic Basil Pesto

A close up image of basil pesto in a bowl. — Basil Pesto. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Traditional basil pesto is perfect as a dip, spread, or sauce. Make the most of your fresh spring herbs with this classic recipe.
Get the Recipe: Basil Pesto

Peppery Arugula Pesto

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

Peppery arugula pesto pairs perfectly with garlic and walnuts. Highlight your spring herbs with this fresh, easy sauce.
Get the Recipe: Arugula Pesto

Zucchini Herb 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 for a flavorful twist. Quickly turn extra veggies into a fresh spring sauce.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pesto

Aromatic Oregano Pesto

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

Oregano pesto adds bold flavor to pasta or grilled dishes. Turn your spring herbs into a simple, aromatic sauce.
Get the Recipe: Oregano Pesto

Seasonal 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 blends ramps, basil, parsley, and lemon for spring flavor. Make the most of seasonal herbs in a bold, fresh topping.
Get the Recipe: Ramp Pesto

Cheesy Vegan Walnut Pesto

Creamy walnut pesto with kale and spinach makes a quick vegan sauce. Use up spring greens in pastas, sandwiches, or dips.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Vegan Walnut Pesto

Creamy Beet & Pumpkin Pesto

A close-up view of Creamy Beet Pesto next to some pumpkin seeds. — Creamy Beet Pesto. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Beet and pumpkin seed pesto adds creamy, earthy flavor to meals. It’s perfect for pasta or roasted veggies using spring herbs.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beet Pesto

Hazelnut Sage Pesto

Hazelnut sage pesto adds deep, nutty flavor to any dish. Perfect for pasta, veggies, or pizza while using spring herbs wisely.
Get the Recipe: Hazelnut Sage Pesto

Vegan Cashew Pesto

Rich and creamy cashew pesto comes together with a few fresh ingredients. A spring herb-forward sauce for pasta or roasted veggies.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cashew Pesto

Bright Cilantro Pesto

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

Nut-free cilantro pesto is fresh, vibrant, and easy to use. Brighten meals while using spring herbs effectively.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Pesto

Split Pea Pesto Pasta

Overhead image of radish greens pesto in a glass. — Split Pea Pesto Gemelli with Crispy Pancetta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Split pea pesto with gemelli pasta, pancetta, and a poached egg is fresh yet hearty. A flavorful way to showcase spring peas and herbs.
Get the Recipe: Split Pea Pesto Gemelli with Crispy Pancetta

Sunny Pea & Basil Vegan Pesto

Sunny Spring Pea & Basil Vegan Pesto. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Spring pea and basil vegan pesto is smooth and nutty with sunflower seeds. Easily turn fresh herbs into a bright, flavorful sauce.
Get the Recipe: Sunny Spring Pea & Basil Vegan Pesto

Spring Pea Citrus Pesto

Citrus Pea Pesto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bright citrus and sweet peas make this pesto irresistible. Use it as a sauce or spread to freshen up spring meals.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Pea Pesto

Minted Pea & Avocado Pesto

Minty Pea and Avocado Spread. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This creamy spread blends peas, avocado, and fresh mint for spring flavor. Perfect as a dip, topping, or homemade pesto.
Get the Recipe: Minty Pea and Avocado Spread

Peppery Radish Greens Pesto

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

Turn leftover radish tops into a vibrant, dairy-free pesto. It’s quick, flavorful, and a smart way to use spring herbs.
Get the Recipe: Radish Greens Pesto

Everyone’s ready for lighter dinners—here are 30 spring favorites

The days get a little longer, the produce section starts looking brighter, and suddenly we’re craving meals that feel lighter, fresher, and just a little easier. If you’re ready to refresh your dinner routine, these spring meals are the ones people keep coming back to.
Grab the Full List of Recipes Here: Everyone’s ready for lighter dinners—here are 30 spring favorites