24+ Quick and Creative Ways to Use Leftover Pesto That Will Delight Your Taste Buds!
Leftover pesto can be a hidden gem in your fridge, waiting to add a burst of flavor to your meals. This vibrant green sauce isn’t just for pasta; it can transform a variety of dishes into something special. Let’s explore some fun and easy ways to make the most out of that delicious herby goodness!
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 25 min Total Time: 25 min.
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Imagine a crispy pizza base topped with a swirl of pesto instead of traditional tomato sauce. The rich, nutty flavor of the pesto pairs beautifully with melting cheese and your favorite toppings.
Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Leftover pesto
Mozzarella cheese
Your choice of toppings (like veggies, chicken, or olives)
This recipe is a hit because it’s so customizable! You can throw on whatever you have on hand, making it a great way to use up leftovers in your fridge. Plus, who doesn’t love pizza night?
Take your classic grilled cheese to the next level with a spread of pesto. The combination of gooey cheese and aromatic pesto creates a sandwich that’s both comforting and exciting.
Bread of your choice (sourdough, whole grain, etc.)
Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite melting cheese)
Leftover pesto
Butter for grilling
This sandwich is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for lunch or a quick snack. The pesto adds a fresh twist that’ll make you forget about plain grilled cheese forever!
Mixing leftover pesto into a pasta salad creates a refreshing dish filled with vibrant flavors. The combination of al dente pasta, fresh veggies, and creamy pesto is perfect for picnics or quick lunches.
Pasta (any shape you like)
Cherry tomatoes
Cucumbers
Feta cheese
Leftover pesto
This pasta salad is not only colorful but also packed with nutrients. It’s easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for meal prepping or serving at gatherings!
Rating: 3.6. Ingredients: Chicken broth, store bought pesto, red skinned Total Time: 20 min.
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Transform your regular mashed potatoes into something extraordinary with a dollop of pesto. The creamy texture combined with the herbal notes makes every bite a delight.
Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
Butter or cream
Salt and pepper
Leftover pesto
This twist on a classic side dish is a fantastic way to impress your family at dinner. The vibrant green color and unique flavor make these mashed potatoes stand out on any plate!
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Avocado pesto, skinless chicken breasts, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, lemon Total Time: 1 hr 5 min.
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Stuffing chicken breasts with pesto adds moisture and flavor that will leave you craving more. The juicy chicken combined with the garlicky pesto creates a dish that feels gourmet.
This recipe is perfect for a dinner party or a cozy family meal. It’s simple yet elegant, making it a favorite for impressing guests without much fuss!
Wraps are an easy and versatile meal, and adding pesto takes them to a whole new level. The combination of fresh veggies and pesto creates a satisfying and nutritious snack or lunch option.
Wrap or tortilla
Leftover pesto
Fresh veggies (like spinach, bell peppers, and carrots)
Cheese (optional)
This recipe is perfect for busy days when you need something quick and healthy. You can mix and match your favorite fillings, making it a fun way to get creative with your meals!
Roasting vegetables with pesto gives them a delicious, caramelized flavor that’s hard to resist. The warmth of the oven brings out the natural sweetness of the veggies while infusing them with the delightful taste of pesto.
Your choice of vegetables (like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots)
Leftover pesto
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
This dish is not only healthy but also incredibly easy to prepare. Just toss your veggies with pesto and roast — it’s a simple way to elevate any meal!
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 11 min Total Time: 11 min.
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Start your morning right with a fluffy omelette filled with pesto. The fresh, vibrant flavor of pesto mixed with eggs creates a breakfast that’s as delicious as it is satisfying.
Eggs
Leftover pesto
Your choice of fillings (like cheese, spinach, or tomatoes)
Salt and pepper
This omelette is a fantastic way to kick off your day with protein and flavor. It’s quick to make and a great excuse to use up that leftover pesto!
Quinoa bowls are all the rage, and adding pesto makes for a nutrient-packed meal that’s bursting with flavor. The combination of quinoa, veggies, and pesto is not just healthy but also incredibly satisfying.
Quinoa
Leftover pesto
Mixed veggies (like roasted sweet potatoes or chickpeas)
Avocado (optional)
This recipe is great for meal prep, as it holds up well in the fridge. Plus, you can change up the toppings to suit your taste, making it a versatile go-to dish!
