If you've ever wondered what to make with pesto besides pasta, you'll love this collection of simple ideas and easy vegan recipes using pesto. Whether you use your own homemade version or purchase your favorite brand, you'll discover new and delicious ways to use this zesty basil sauce.
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While I certainly enjoy a plate of spaghetti tossed with vegan pesto sauce, there are so many other ways to enjoy this fresh herb sauce.
I'm always happy when I have some leftover in the refrigerator because of the way it adds a pop of flavor to a wide variety of dishes. Sure, I could freeze the extras in ice cube trays for later. But that rarely happens since there are so many delicious ways to use it up immediately!
In this article, first I provide some easy ideas for adding pesto to dishes you already make and enjoy. Then I share my favorite recipes starring vegan pesto sauce that I know you're going to love.
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Why you'll love these recipes
- They showcase creative ways to use vegan pesto sauce besides using it as a topping for pasta.
- They can be made with either store bought or homemade pesto.
- They are a great way to use up leftover sauce so it doesn't go to waste.
10 ideas beyond pasta
These easy and creative ideas allow you to change up the flavors of your favorite dishes. And they're a great way to use up leftover pesto that's sitting in your fridge before it goes bad.
- Use it as a sandwich spread instead of mayo or mustard. It's delicious on a loaded veggie or tofu sandwich.
- Add a drizzle to avocado toast.
- Make a variation on bruschetta by brushing pesto on toasted baguette, then adding chopped fresh tomatoes and a pinch of salt.
- Use it as a pizza sauce instead of tomato sauce. (Or stick with the tomato sauce and add a few dollops of pesto on top of the pizza after baking.)
- Add a few swirls on top of chickpea hummus or white bean hummus.
- Make a easy creamy dip by blending it with vegan cream cheese.
- Stir it into cooked rice, risotto, quinoa, or your favorite grains.
- Toss a few tablespoons with cooked vegetables like roasted carrots and Brussels sprouts.
- Use it as a topping for Instant Pot mashed potatoes in place of gravy.
- Smear it on corn on the cob instead of butter.
Recipes with vegan pesto
These easy vegan recipes using pesto star the bright and herby sauce. While they call for using dairy-free basil pesto, feel free to switch things up by using kale pesto, arugula pesto, or even sun-dried tomato pesto.
Amy's tip
If using store-bought pesto, look for one that doesn't contain cheese. Or make your own at home in a food processor with fresh basil, pine nuts, olive oil, garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon, and salt.
Pesto Chickpea Salad
Mediterranean-inspired Vegan Pesto Chickpea Salad is easy to make in 15 minutes with your favorite veggies. Pesto is used in place of a traditional dressing for incredible flavor.
Pesto Potatoes
Wonderful served hot or cold, Vegan Pesto Potatoes are made with a double dose of pesto. First baby yellow potatoes are roasted in pesto. Then they're tossed in additional sauce for even more herby flavor.
Pesto Tofu
Using a similar cooking method as the previous potato recipe, Vegan Pesto Tofu features torn nuggets of tofu baked in pesto, then served with extra sauce. Every nook and cranny becomes crispy and perfectly seasoned.
Pesto Tofu Scramble
Vegan Pesto Tofu Scramble is a tasty alternative to traditional scrambled eggs. First, cook seasoned tofu with your choice of vegetables. Then stir in the pesto for a pop of fresh flavor.
Pesto Orzo Soup
One of my favorite ways to enhance the flavors of soup is by stirring in a few tablespoons of pesto after it's done cooking. It works great in creamy tomato soup, vegan minestrone, and this Vegan Pesto Orzo Soup featuring tender white beans and orzo pasta.
Pesto Pasta Salad
While technically this recipe is for pasta, in this case it's a cold Vegan Pesto Pasta Salad loaded with tomatoes, chickpeas, and olives. The pesto provides a zippy dressing for the salad and helps prevent the noodles from drying out.
More recipes with vegan pesto
Final thoughts
I hope you enjoy these vegan recipes using pesto. For even more recipes, join the Plant Forward Vegan Recipes Facebook group for support, inspiration, and fun.
Yvonne says
Thank you very much Amy.
I was gifted two containers of kale and oregano pesto. It tastes really good, but I wasn't sure what to do with it, as I am not a pasta eater.
These recipes are lovely and will be very helpful.
Amy Katz says
I hope you find some new favorites, Yvonne!