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The 7-Ingredient Pesto Recipes Readers Call 'Worth Every Minute'

Pesto isn’t just for pasta—these quick and effortless recipes bring fresh, vibrant flavors to every meal. With pesto as the star, there’s something here you’ll crave again and again. Get ready to make dinner prep delightfully easy and seriously delicious.

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Updated on Thu, 07 May 2026
Tossed vegan pumpkin seed pesto zucchini noodles with garlic and lemon notes, served warm or raw for a quick, gluten-free Italian-inspired dinner. Save
Tossed vegan pumpkin seed pesto zucchini noodles with garlic and lemon notes, served warm or raw for a quick, gluten-free Italian-inspired dinner. | apexdish.com
01 of 7

Vegan Pumpkin Seed Pesto Zucchini Noodles

Tossed vegan pumpkin seed pesto zucchini noodles with garlic and lemon notes, served warm or raw for a quick, gluten-free Italian-inspired dinner.
Tossed vegan pumpkin seed pesto zucchini noodles with garlic and lemon notes, served warm or raw for a quick, gluten-free Italian-inspired dinner. | apexdish.com

Zucchini noodles get coated in a vibrant, dairy-free pesto made with pumpkin seeds for a plant-based twist that’s satisfying and light.

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02 of 7

Linguine with Creamy Arugula Pesto

A vibrant bowl of Linguine with Arugula Pesto topped with extra arugula and grated Parmesan cheese.
A vibrant bowl of Linguine with Arugula Pesto topped with extra arugula and grated Parmesan cheese. | apexdish.com

"Seriously the creamiest pesto pasta I’ve had! Love the nut-free twist and bright lemon flavor." —Maddie

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03 of 7

Pesto Cottage Cheese Scrambled Eggs

Creamy Pesto Cottage Cheese Eggs, served with toasted bread, boasting the flavors of basil pesto and fluffy eggs.
Creamy Pesto Cottage Cheese Eggs, served with toasted bread, boasting the flavors of basil pesto and fluffy eggs. | apexdish.com

This protein-packed breakfast mixes fluffy eggs with herby pesto and creamy cottage cheese for a fresh morning upgrade.

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04 of 7

Seared Scallops with Escarole Pesto Vinaigrette

Plump scallops with a caramelized crust top fresh greens and shaved Parmesan cheese.
Plump scallops with a caramelized crust top fresh greens and shaved Parmesan cheese. | apexdish.com

"I made this for date night and we both loved the elegant flavors! The pesto vinaigrette is restaurant-level." —Janice

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05 of 7

Ultimate Pesto Chicken Garlic Bread Boats

Golden toasted Pesto Chicken Garlic Bread Boats fresh from the oven, featuring melted mozzarella and fresh parsley.
Golden toasted Pesto Chicken Garlic Bread Boats fresh from the oven, featuring melted mozzarella and fresh parsley. | apexdish.com

Crispy garlic bread boats stuffed with pesto chicken and gooey mozzarella—perfect for sharing, or not sharing at all.

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06 of 7

Baked Pesto Chicken Pasta

A close-up of a hearty Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake, featuring penne, tender chicken, and vibrant green pesto swirls.
A close-up of a hearty Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake, featuring penne, tender chicken, and vibrant green pesto swirls. | apexdish.com

"We devoured this pasta bake! Cheesy, comforting, and the pesto brings it all together—my kids had seconds." —jesscooks

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07 of 7

Pesto Chickpea Spinach Salad

This Mediterranean Pesto Chickpea and Spinach Salad shows off juicy tomatoes atop a bed of greens.
This Mediterranean Pesto Chickpea and Spinach Salad shows off juicy tomatoes atop a bed of greens. | apexdish.com

Packed with protein-rich chickpeas, tender spinach, pine nuts, and a pesto drizzle, this salad is a Mediterranean lunch that feels special any day.

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