Basil Pesto Recipes Worth Repeating for Lazy Weekend Cooking

If basil pesto is your go-to for adding a punch of flavor, these recipes are about to become your new cravings. From easy weeknight dinners to fun snacks, each dish shows off just how vibrant and versatile pesto can be. Don’t be surprised if you want to make them every weekend.

Pin it Share it Send it Save it for later

By Scarlett Jenkins

In Simple Sheet-Pan Family Meals

Updated on Sat, 09 May 2026

A chilled pasta salad served in a bowl, perfect for a sunny picnic or light lunch. — A chilled pasta salad served in a bowl, perfect for a sunny picnic or light lunch. | laurelcrust.com

01 of 3

Spring Green Pesto Pasta Salad

A chilled pasta salad served in a bowl, perfect for a sunny picnic or light lunch. — A chilled pasta salad served in a bowl, perfect for a sunny picnic or light lunch. | laurelcrust.com

A bright, fresh pasta salad loaded with arugula, peas, and a generous swirl of basil pesto—perfect for a light lunch or picnics.

View Recipe Save

02 of 3

Zucchini Noodles with Basil Pesto

Zucchini Noodles with Basil Pesto — laurelcrust.com

"This recipe totally stunned my family—so fresh and satisfying! I added cherry tomatoes for extra pop." —Megan

View Recipe Save

03 of 3

Star-Shaped Pesto Pinwheels

View of delicate Savory Bites: Star-Shaped Pesto Pinwheels, freshly baked, smelling of basil and Parmesan, perfect for sharing. — View of delicate Savory Bites: Star-Shaped Pesto Pinwheels, freshly baked, smelling of basil and Parmesan, perfect for sharing. | laurelcrust.com

These adorable pinwheels combine flaky puff pastry, savory Parmesan, and basil pesto—a fun appetizer that disappears fast at parties.

View Recipe Save