7 Simple Pesto Recipes That Make the Most of Your Summer Herbs

Garlic Scape Pesto

Nutty, cheesy, herbaceous and delicious—what's not to love about fresh pesto? These pesto recipes are super flavorful and can be used as pasta sauces, sandwich spreads and dips for your favorite veggies. Basil, tarragon, parsley and thyme all get a chance to shine in these versatile sauces. Recipes like our Classic Basil Pesto and Avocado Pesto are bright and fresh.

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Classic Basil Pesto

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Turn the bounty of summer basil into a delicious sauce with this easy pesto recipe. Try it stirred into a tomato or potato salad, or spread onto a sandwich in place of your favorite condiment.

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Avocado Pesto

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Avocados add a silky consistency and cheese-like richness to this dairy-free pesto recipe. Toss it with pasta, spread it on baguette slices to make bruschetta, or use it for a healthy mayo substitute on your sandwich.

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Tarragon Pesto

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The French flavor of tarragon inspires this pesto, which is wonderful stirred into a simple fish or chicken soup and brings a je ne sais quoi to chicken salad.

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Pepita & Cilantro Pesto

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Cilantro and pepitas make an interesting alternative to basil and pine nuts in a simple pesto. Stir this cilantro pesto into a grain bowl or serve with chicken or fish.

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Lovage Pesto

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Lovage tastes like cardamom and celery had a baby. If you can't find lovage, increase basil to 1 3/4 cups and add 1 1/2 cups celery leaves. Recipe by Chef/Farmer Stacey Givens of The Side Yard Farm & Kitchen, Portland, OR.

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Basic Basil Pesto

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Simplicity reigns in this traditional sauce--just basil, garlic, cheese and olive oil. Our one modification? We like omega-3-laden walnuts in the mix for their crunch and delicate flavor, but pine nuts, almonds, pecans or even pistachios may be substituted for the walnuts.

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Roasted Tomato Pesto

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The concentrated sweetness of slow-roasted tomatoes balanced with savory thyme and a touch of red-wine vinegar makes this healthy pesto recipe a must-try for any tomato lover. Try it in place of tomato sauce on your next pizza or as a "secret" ingredient in your next lasagna.

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