Pesto sauce, with its vibrant green hue and intensely herby, garlicky, and nutty flavor, is a culinary powerhouse. This Italian staple, traditionally made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, can elevate a vast array of dishes. But if you’re wondering “What To Serve With Pesto Sauce” beyond the usual pasta, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s explore some incredibly tasty and versatile pairings that will make pesto your new go-to flavor booster.
Pesto Beyond Pasta: Versatile Dishes to Try
While pesto and pasta are a match made in heaven, limiting pesto to just noodles is missing out on a world of delicious possibilities. Its bold flavor profile complements a wide range of ingredients and cuisines. Here are some fantastic ideas to expand your pesto horizons:
1. Vegetables: Roasted, Grilled, and Fresh
Pesto and vegetables are a surprisingly harmonious pairing. The herbaceousness of pesto enhances the natural sweetness of vegetables, whether they’re roasted, grilled, or enjoyed fresh.
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Roasted Vegetables: Toss vegetables like potatoes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or bell peppers with pesto before roasting. The heat intensifies the pesto’s flavors and creates a delightful caramelized crust. Roasted pesto potatoes, like the recipe below, are a perfect example of this delicious combination.
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Grilled Vegetables: Brush zucchini, eggplant, asparagus, or corn on the cob with pesto before or after grilling for a smoky, flavorful char.
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Fresh Vegetables: Use pesto as a dip for crudités like carrots, celery, cucumbers, and bell peppers. It’s a healthier and more flavorful alternative to traditional creamy dips.
2. Meats and Seafood: Flavorful Protein Enhancements
Pesto isn’t just for vegetarian dishes; it’s also an excellent marinade or topping for various meats and seafood.
- Chicken: Spread pesto under the skin of chicken before roasting or grilling for incredibly moist and flavorful chicken. Pesto chicken is a simple yet impressive main course.
- Fish: Salmon, cod, or halibut fillets are delicious baked or pan-seared with a pesto crust. The pesto adds moisture and prevents the fish from drying out.
- Shrimp: Toss grilled or sautéed shrimp with pesto for a quick and flavorful appetizer or main course.
3. Bread and Sandwiches: Elevate Your Carbs
Pesto can transform ordinary bread and sandwiches into gourmet delights.
- Pesto Bread: Spread pesto on slices of baguette or Italian bread and bake for a flavorful appetizer or side dish. Pesto bread is perfect for serving alongside soups or salads.
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Use pesto as a spread in sandwiches and wraps instead of mayonnaise or mustard. It pairs exceptionally well with mozzarella, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and grilled vegetables.
4. Potatoes: A Comforting Side Dish
Potatoes and pesto are a match made in comfort food heaven. Whether mashed, roasted, or used in potato salad, pesto adds a burst of flavor that elevates this humble vegetable.
- Pesto Roasted Potatoes: This recipe showcases how well pesto complements potatoes. Roasting baby potatoes with pesto and parmesan cheese creates a crispy, flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any meal.
Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes Recipe
This simple recipe highlights the delicious combination of pesto and potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound baby potatoes, washed and halved if large
- 1 tablespoon pesto, plus extra for serving
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ lemon, juiced
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
- In a bowl, toss potatoes with pesto, salt, and pepper. Spread on the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bake for another 5-10 minutes, until potatoes are tender and crispy.
- Squeeze lemon juice over potatoes. Serve drizzled with extra pesto and Parmesan, if desired.
Conclusion: Embrace Pesto’s Versatility
Pesto sauce is far more than just a pasta sauce. Its vibrant and complex flavor makes it an incredibly versatile ingredient that can enhance countless dishes. From vegetables and meats to bread and potatoes, experimenting with pesto pairings will open up a world of culinary possibilities. So, next time you have a jar of pesto, don’t just reach for the pasta – explore these exciting pairings and discover your own favorite ways to enjoy this Italian gem.
