Pesto is one of the most delicious sauces that you can easily make at home – and its taste and flavor are worth it!
The best thing is that it can be enjoyed with basically anything, and it can also be customized – just add some unusual ingredients to an original recipe.
Here are a few ideas on how to make an unusual home-made pesto.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
Blend together sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts (or walnuts), grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
This flavorful pesto pairs well with pasta, sandwiches, or as a topping on grilled chicken or fish.
Spinach and Walnut Pesto
Combine fresh spinach, toasted walnuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice, and olive oil.
This pesto has a vibrant green color and can be used as a spread, tossed with pasta, or added to salads.
Cilantro and Lime Pesto
Blend cilantro leaves, roasted peanuts (or almonds), garlic, lime zest, lime juice, a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional), and olive oil.
This zesty pesto is great on tacos, grilled shrimp, or as a dip with tortilla chips.
Arugula and Pistachio Pesto
Mix arugula, roasted pistachios, garlic, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice, and olive oil.
The peppery flavor of arugula and the nuttiness of pistachios give this pesto a unique twist.
Use it on pizzas, roasted vegetables, or stirred into couscous.
Roasted Red Pepper Pesto
Roast red bell peppers until charred, then remove the skin and seeds.
Blend the roasted peppers with fresh basil, toasted almonds, garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
This sweet and smoky pesto is delicious on bruschetta, grilled meats, or as a dip for breadsticks.
Previously, we talked about blue matcha.
