Pesto Sauce

Ocimum basilicum Sauce/Condiment

Pesto Sauce Sauce/Condiment

At a Glance

  • Category Sauce/Condiment

The Forktionary Angle

"The word "pesto" comes from the Genoese word "pestâ," meaning to pound or crush, referring to the traditional method of preparation with a mortar and pestle."

Definition

A vibrant green Italian sauce traditionally made from crushed basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, known for its aromatic, savory flavor.

Average Shelf Life (Opened) 1-2 weeks (refrigerated)
Key Herb Basil
Traditional Preparation Method Mortar and Pestle

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Pesto Sauce are:

Aromatic Herbaceous Garlicky Nutty Salty Umami

Chef’s Secret

To prevent homemade pesto from oxidizing and turning brown, cover the surface directly with a thin layer of olive oil before refrigerating or freezing.

Best Substitutes

Chimichurri

tangier
Ratio 1:1

Romesco Sauce

nuttier, roasted flavor
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for fresh pesto in the refrigerated section. Check for olive oil as the primary fat, not vegetable oil.

Recipes Using Pesto Sauce

Cuisine Course Squash Occasion

Blond Minestrone

Say goodbye to tomato-based woes with this vibrant and nourishing Blond Minestrone! Perfect for those with tomato allergies or simply seeking a lighter, brighter twist on a classic. This flexible recipe boasts a medley of fresh vegetables and hearty beans, creating a comforting and flavorful soup that's sure to become a new favorite. Easily adaptable for tomato lovers too!

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Course Appetizers Time To Make Course

5 Layer Italian Dip

This 5-Layer Italian Dip recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties or a special weeknight dinner! A creamy, cheesy, and flavorful masterpiece, this dip features layers of pesto, pimientos, and mozzarella, all baked to perfection. It's surprisingly easy to make and always a hit – get ready for rave reviews!

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Pork Easy Pork Pasta

Andouille Sausage Tomato Pasta

Spice up your weeknight with this creamy, spicy Andouille Sausage Tomato Pasta! Made with leftover BBQ sausage (genius!), this quick and easy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. The perfect blend of smoky sausage, burstingly fresh tomatoes, and creamy pesto creates a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. Get ready for a taste of the south, elevated!

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Preparation Pasta Main Ingredient Preparation

Angel Hair Pasta With Shrimp And Snow Peas

Indulge in this elegant and surprisingly quick Angel Hair Pasta dish! Creamy pesto sauce, succulent shrimp, and crisp snow peas create a symphony of flavors in just 20 minutes. This recipe utilizes a handy freezer pesto shortcut for ultimate convenience. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a sophisticated gathering.

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Number Of Servings Number Of Servings Appetizers Course

Appetizer Cheese Trees Or Snowmen

Delight your guests with these adorable Christmas tree and snowman cheese balls! Perfect for holiday parties or festive gatherings. This recipe provides clear instructions and measurements for creating both charming cheese trees and jolly snowmen, guaranteed to be a hit.

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Summer Pasta Easy Presentation

Asparagus Orzo Soup

Chase away the winter blues with this vibrant and flavorful Asparagus Orzo Soup! This light yet satisfying springtime recipe is bursting with fresh asparagus, tender orzo pasta, and bright spinach. Easy to make in under 40 minutes, it's the perfect weeknight meal or a delightful light lunch. Get ready for a taste of spring!

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Main Ingredient Main Dish North American Vegetables

Bacon Wrapped Chicken And Asparagus

Juicy chicken breasts wrapped in crispy bacon and tender asparagus spears – a flavor fusion that's irresistible! This easy recipe combines the best of comfort food and elegant dining in under an hour. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Pasta Rice And Grains European Main Ingredient Easy

Baked Artichoke And Pesto Risotto

This comforting Baked Artichoke and Pesto Risotto is a fantastic make-ahead meal perfect for busy weeknights! The creamy risotto, bursting with artichoke hearts and vibrant pesto, bakes to perfection in the oven, creating a delicious and satisfying dish your family will adore. A simple yet elegant recipe that's surprisingly easy to prepare.

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Healthy High In Something High Calcium Main Ingredient

Baked Creamy Pasta

Indulge in this creamy, cheesy pasta bake! The melted cheese topping is irresistible, but this recipe is equally delicious without baking (saving you 15 minutes!). Experience perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a rich, flavorful sauce. Try it both ways and discover your favorite!

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Breakfast South West Pacific Eggs Vegetables

Baked Egg In Tomato

This recipe elevates a simple breakfast to a gourmet experience! Juicy tomatoes are baked until tender, creating the perfect vessel for a perfectly cooked egg. Impress your family or brunch guests with this easy-to-make, visually stunning dish. Get ready for a burst of fresh flavors!

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European Course Italian One Dish Meal

Baked Pasta With Sausage And Tomato Pesto

This hearty Baked Pasta with Sausage and Tomato Pesto is a flavor explosion! Smoked Gouda (optional, but highly recommended!) adds a creamy, smoky depth, while spicy Italian sausage provides a delicious kick. This comforting casserole, adapted from "The Best American Recipes 2003-2004," is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Get ready for a taste of pure deliciousness!

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Occasion 60 Minutes Or Less Main Dish 3 Steps Or Less

Baked Pesto Chicken

Juicy, flavorful baked pesto chicken, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a make-ahead picnic! This recipe delivers a burst of fresh pesto flavor with tender, oven-baked chicken breasts. Prepare it ahead of time and enjoy it hot or cold – it's equally delicious either way! This is your new go-to recipe for satisfying and impressive meals.

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Saltwater Fish Fish 5 Ingredients Or Less 60 Minutes Or Less

Baked Pesto Salmon

Flaky, flavorful, and healthy! This easy baked pesto salmon recipe is ready in under an hour. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it's low-fat and packed with delicious pesto flavor. Impress your family with this restaurant-quality meal!

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European Cuisine Main Dish Course

Baked Tomatoes With Basil Orzo

This vibrant Mediterranean recipe features juicy baked tomatoes filled with a creamy basil orzo. A light yet satisfying supper, perfect for a warm evening. Easily customizable – substitute yellow or green bell peppers for the tomatoes (simply cut off tops and seed; omit the salting step). Prepare for a burst of fresh flavors!

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Pasta Preparation Main Dish Easy

Shells Baked With Pesto Meat Sauce

This recipe elevates classic baked pasta to new heights! Tender pasta shells are tossed in a rich and savory pesto meat sauce, then baked to bubbly perfection with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. A quick and easy weeknight meal the whole family will love.

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Easy 30 Minutes Or Less Preparation Course

The Neely's Caprese Tart

A delectable twist on the classic Caprese salad! This recipe, inspired by The Neelys' Down Home cooking, features juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella baked atop a flaky puff pastry crust with a vibrant pesto base. Easy to make and perfect for a light lunch, appetizer, or elegant dinner party.

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