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When summer arrives in full swing, nothing captures its fresh, vibrant spirit quite like pesto.
Bursting with bright herbs, zesty citrus, creamy nuts, and garden vegetables, pesto is the ultimate warm-weather sauce that can transform any meal in seconds.
Whether you’re spreading it over grilled meats, tossing it into cold pasta, or spooning it onto flatbreads, pesto adds a pop of flavor that’s both bold and refreshing.
In this roundup of 22+ summer pesto recipes, you’ll find creative twists on the classic—featuring everything from avocado to arugula, mint to sun-dried tomato.
These recipes are light, versatile, and bursting with seasonal ingredients you’ll want to use all summer long.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or prepping easy weeknight dinners, these ideas will keep your table vibrant, fresh, and full of flavor.
22+ Easy and Fresh Pesto Recipes for Hot Summer Days
With so many vibrant, herb-packed options, these summer pesto recipes are sure to become your warm-weather go-tos.
Whether you’re experimenting with fresh garden greens, exploring new nut combinations, or adding zesty citrus to the mix, there’s no wrong way to enjoy pesto during the summer months.
So fire up the grill, grab a bunch of basil, and let these recipes inspire your next flavorful adventure.
Classic Basil Pesto
Fresh, fragrant, and vibrantly green, Classic Basil Pesto is the essence of summer in sauce form.
Made with sweet Genovese basil, toasted pine nuts, sharp Parmesan, and a swirl of olive oil, its aroma is rich and herbaceous.
The texture is silky yet slightly coarse, clinging beautifully to pasta, grilled vegetables, or crusty bread.
It’s a versatile staple that adds a burst of bold, garlicky flavor to everything from sandwiches to salad dressings.
Spinach Walnut Pesto
Spinach Walnut Pesto offers a hearty, earthy twist on the traditional version, with a mellow richness that pairs beautifully with lighter summer fare.
Baby spinach leaves bring a soft, vegetal sweetness, while toasted walnuts add a nutty depth and satisfying bite.
A hint of lemon juice brightens each spoonful, making it taste as fresh as it looks.
Toss it with pasta, spread it on grilled chicken, or swirl it into soup for a nutritious flavor boost.
Arugula Pesto
Peppery and bold, Arugula Pesto is a zesty alternative perfect for those who love a little heat in their greens.
The arugula leaves lend a sharp bite and grassy intensity that’s mellowed by creamy Parmesan and buttery almonds.
Its aroma is clean and slightly spicy, waking up the senses with every spoonful.
Use it as a punchy sauce for grilled shrimp, a vibrant dip for crudités, or a gourmet spread for flatbreads.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto, also known as pesto rosso, is a rich, savory delight bursting with Mediterranean flavor.
The tomatoes bring a sweet-tart intensity that blends seamlessly with garlic, basil, and a touch of olive oil.
It’s thick, slightly chunky, and glows with a deep reddish hue that looks stunning on any dish.
Spread it on sandwiches, mix it into pasta salads, or spoon it over grilled fish for a rustic, sun-kissed finish.
Kale Pesto
Hearty and deeply green, Kale Pesto is a nutrient-packed sauce that transforms any dish into a powerhouse of flavor.
Lacinato kale offers an earthy, slightly bitter edge, balanced by toasted sunflower seeds and a squeeze of lemon.
The texture is dense and slightly chewy, perfect for spreading on flatbreads or folding into warm grain bowls.
Its deep aroma and robust flavor make it a satisfying companion for roasted veggies or even as a topping on eggs.
Mint Pesto
Cool, aromatic, and slightly sweet, Mint Pesto is a refreshing twist that captures the essence of summer gardens.
Fresh mint leaves blend with toasted pistachios, zesty lemon, and a touch of honey to create a uniquely bright flavor profile.
Its light, creamy texture glides easily onto grilled meats, seasonal fruits, or even dollops of yogurt.
Serve it with lamb skewers, toss it into couscous, or use it as a surprising glaze for summer squash.
Lemon Basil Pesto
Bright and citrusy, Lemon Basil Pesto takes the classic to a new level with a burst of zesty freshness.
The lemon zest adds a sparkling aroma and tangy twist that enhances the basil’s natural sweetness.
Its velvety texture and bold, sunny flavor make it perfect for tossing with chilled pasta, drizzling over grilled veggies, or spreading on crostini.
It’s the ultimate warm-weather pesto that brings life to even the simplest summer meals.
Cilantro Pesto
Cilantro Pesto delivers a bold and slightly spicy kick that’s both unexpected and addictive.
With fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and pumpkin seeds, it’s a vibrant blend that leans into Latin-inspired flavors.
The aroma is fresh and citrusy, while the taste is bright and herbaceous with just a hint of heat.
Pair it with grilled corn, spoon it over tacos, or mix it into quinoa for a refreshing side dish.
Parsley Pesto
Clean and grassy with a hint of pepper, Parsley Pesto offers a refreshing break from basil-heavy sauces.
Flat-leaf parsley combines with walnuts and Parmesan for a smooth, savory blend that’s as versatile as it is flavorful.
Its green, garden-fresh aroma invites creativity in the kitchen.
Use it to top roasted potatoes, swirl into hummus, or stir through warm couscous for a bright herbaceous punch.
Carrot Top Pesto
Carrot Top Pesto is a sustainable and surprising favorite, turning leftover greens into a garden-fresh gem.
The tops have a slightly bitter, earthy flavor that’s balanced with lemon, garlic, and almonds.
It has a rustic texture and a deeply green, almost grassy aroma that elevates grilled vegetables and grains.
Serve it as a dip, mix into pasta, or spread on sandwiches for a zero-waste twist on tradition.
Broccoli Pesto
Broccoli Pesto brings a creamy, mild richness that feels both nourishing and indulgent.
Steamed broccoli blended with garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan creates a smooth, mellow pesto with a gentle green flavor.
Its soft texture and subtle taste make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Spoon it onto flatbreads, stir into risotto, or use it as a dip for roasted cauliflower bites.
Zucchini Pesto
Zucchini Pesto is light, subtly sweet, and perfect for using up summer’s most abundant vegetable.
Grated zucchini gives this sauce a moist, silky body, while basil and almonds keep the flavor bright and nutty.
Its aroma is fresh and slightly floral, ideal for warm-weather dishes.
Toss it with pasta, layer it into lasagna, or serve as a spread with grilled sourdough.
Almond Pesto
Almond Pesto is a smooth, nutty twist on the traditional version that brings a rich and toasty flavor to every dish.
Blanched almonds add subtle sweetness and a creamy texture that blends beautifully with fresh basil and Parmesan.
Its aroma is slightly buttery and herbaceous, making it ideal for both light lunches and hearty dinners.
Spread it on sandwiches, swirl into soups, or toss with roasted vegetables for a deeply satisfying finish.
Mint Pea Pesto
Mint Pea Pesto is a refreshing, slightly sweet sauce that captures the brightness of early summer.
Sweet green peas are blended with mint leaves, lemon juice, and a touch of garlic to create a vibrant green paste.
The texture is velvety and light, with a cool aroma and a naturally sweet flavor.
It’s perfect for crostini, pasta salads, or as a dip with crisp raw veggies.
Pistachio Pesto
Pistachio Pesto brings a creamy, nut-forward flavor that’s both indulgent and refined.
The roasted pistachios offer a rich, slightly sweet nuttiness that pairs beautifully with basil and a splash of lemon.
Its texture is thick and luscious, clinging perfectly to pasta or grilled proteins.
Drizzle it over lamb, spoon it onto grilled peaches, or mix into couscous for a luxurious bite.
Avocado Pesto
Avocado Pesto is smooth, buttery, and packed with healthy fats for a creamy alternative to traditional pesto.
Ripe avocados blend effortlessly with basil, garlic, and lemon, creating a pale green sauce with a delicate aroma.
The flavor is mild and fresh, with just the right amount of tang.
Use it as a sandwich spread, mix into chilled noodles, or serve as a dip with pita chips for a modern summer snack.
Kale Walnut Pesto
Kale Walnut Pesto is a bold, earthy blend that’s packed with flavor and nutrition in every spoonful.
Tuscan kale provides a robust green base, while toasted walnuts give it a toasty, slightly bitter edge.
Its aroma is deep and savory, perfect for layering over roasted root vegetables or mixing into whole grain bowls.
Add it to flatbreads, blend into mashed potatoes, or serve alongside grilled sausages.
Tomato Basil Pesto
Tomato Basil Pesto is a sun-kissed, summery blend of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil with a naturally sweet finish.
Sun-dried or fresh tomatoes add depth and richness, while the basil keeps the flavor light and aromatic.
The texture is rustic and chunky, perfect for spreading or spooning.
Try it on bruschetta, toss with penne, or layer into grilled paninis for a bold Mediterranean flair.
Cashew Pesto
Cashew Pesto is ultra-creamy and subtly sweet, offering a velvety texture that instantly elevates simple summer dishes.
Raw cashews blend beautifully with fresh basil and garlic, creating a buttery richness with a mild, nutty aroma.
Its flavor is soft and mellow, making it perfect for those who prefer a less intense pesto.
Stir it into pasta, spread it on wraps, or use it as a dip for roasted zucchini rounds.
Pumpkin Seed Pesto
Pumpkin Seed Pesto is a hearty, earthy sauce with a distinctively nutty crunch and a rich green hue.
Toasted pepitas bring a deep, roasted flavor that’s perfectly complemented by garlic, basil, and olive oil.
Its aroma is warm and rustic, offering a robust flavor ideal for smoky grilled dishes.
Drizzle it over grilled corn, toss it into pasta, or spoon it over baked potatoes for a satisfying twist.
Thai Basil Pesto
Thai Basil Pesto delivers an exotic, anise-like twist on the classic with bold aromas and unexpected flavor.
Thai basil adds a spicy, licorice note that blends beautifully with peanuts, lime, and garlic.
The result is a vibrant, punchy sauce with layers of heat, tang, and sweetness.
Use it in rice noodle bowls, spread it on wraps, or serve with grilled shrimp for a Southeast Asian flair.
Dill Pesto
Dill Pesto is bright, briny, and wonderfully aromatic—perfect for seafood-inspired summer spreads.
Fresh dill leaves bring a feathery texture and a delicate herbal note that pairs well with lemon and almonds.
The flavor is tangy, grassy, and slightly sweet, evoking the fresh essence of coastal herbs.
Serve it with grilled salmon, dollop onto boiled potatoes, or swirl into yogurt for a cooling dip.
Conclusion
From weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings, these 22+ summer pesto recipes are a smart way to add quick flavor to your meals.
Pesto stores well, travels beautifully, and pairs with everything from pasta and proteins to veggies and snacks.
Keep a jar ready in your fridge, and you’ll always have the perfect finishing touch for any dish this season.
