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Pesto Recipes and Dinner Ideas
Transform your meals with the vibrant flavors of pesto, whether drizzled over pasta, stirred into salads, or spread onto sandwiches for a burst of freshness.
All Pesto Recipes
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Easy Pesto-Inspired Recipes for Herbal Goodness
Pesto was created in Genoa, Italy, using mortar and pestle (the word pesto comes from the Italian verb “pestare,” which means to crush or pound). It’s a condiment that’s simple to make, but it adds a powerful punch of flavor to countless dishes. Here at HelloFresh, we believe in the power of pesto and feature it in several dishes. From our Basil Pesto & Mozzarella Pizza to our Pesto Pasta Salad, we’re confident that we have some of the best pesto dishes.
HelloFresh Pesto Tip
Homemade pesto always beats store-bought, and you can make your own at home with a few simple ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions: Pesto
How do you use pesto in recipes?
Stir pesto into pasta dishes for an instant flavor boost, spread it on bread for a gourmet sandwich, or mix it into a vinaigrette for a vibrant salad dressing.
What do you eat pesto with?
Pesto pairs wonderfully with pasta, bread, grilled meats, vegetables, and even soups. It's also a great dip for raw veggies and a flavorful sandwich spread.
Is pesto healthy?
Pesto can be a healthy addition to your meals as it’s packed with vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and iron while being low in carbohydrates. However, it's important to consume in moderation due to its high saturated fat, cholesterol, and calorie content.
What is pesto made of?
The classic basil pesto recipe uses fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, fresh garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. However, you can make a few substitutes if you’d like, such as arugula, spinach, parsley, or cilantro for basil. You can swap cashews, pecans, pistachios, or sunflower seeds for pine nuts. Use Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, or asiago instead of Parmesan.
How do I make pesto at home?
To create pesto, start by pulsing fresh herbs and garlic in a food processor, then add nuts and cheese before blending further, gradually incorporating extra virgin olive oil and seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice; freeze the pesto in ice cube trays and store it in an airtight container for convenient access to fresh basil pesto sauce on hectic evenings.
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