10 Things to Make with Pesto

Here are 10 wonderful ideas for how to use Vegetaball’s Basil Pesto. Each one is a yummy treat!

1. Pesto Meatballs

Mix 1 pound ground turkey with 1/2 cup each breadcrumbs and pesto, and 1/4 cup each milk and grated Parmesan. Form into small balls. Cook in a nonstick skillet with olive oil, 10 to 12 minutes.

2. Meatballs in Pesto Cream

Make Pesto Meatballs (item #1 above) cook until just browned, then add 1 cup chicken broth and 1/4 cup pesto and simmer until tender. Stir in 1/2 cup cream and simmer.

3. Pesto Burgers

Make Pesto Meatballs (item #1 above) but form into patties and grill. Serve on toasted ciabatta rolls with pesto, mozzarella, tomato, and arugula.

4. French Bread Pesto Pizza

Split a loaf of French bread and brush with pesto. Top with capicola, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Broil until the cheese melts.

5. Italian Pesto BLT

Spread pesto mixed with mayonnaise on toasted bread; fill with crisp pancetta, sliced tomato, and arugula.

6. Pesto Fritters

Mix 1 cup each ricotta and chopped spinach, 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup each grated Parmesan and pesto, and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; chill 30 minutes. Deep-fry tablespoonfuls in 350 degrees F vegetable oil until golden, 4 minutes. Serve with marinara sauce.

7. Pesto Butter

Mash 3/4 cup Vegetaball’s Pesto into 4 tablespoons softened butter.

 

 

8. Pesto Corn

Grill or steam corn, then brush with Pesto Butter (item #7 above). Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese.

9. Pesto Sweet Potatoes

Bake sweet potatoes at 425 degrees F until tender, 40 minutes. Quarter lengthwise and spread with Pesto Butter (item #7 above).

10. Pesto Cream Tortellini

Simmer 1 cup heavy cream with 1/4 cup pesto in a skillet until slightly thickened. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Toss with 12 ounces cooked tortellini and 2 cups steamed broccoli.

Here are some other ideas and recipes for using pesto. When it comes to integrating pesto into your cooking a little bit of experimenting can lead to some excellent results.