What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Store-bought pesto is useful for more than pasta: spread it on sandwiches, spoon it onto pizza, season vegetables or proteins, or stir a little into soup and dips. You can also loosen it with olive oil and red wine vinegar for a quick dressing. Because jars vary in flavor, texture, ingredients, and storage directions, start with a small amount and follow the label on your product.
How to use pesto with pasta
Toss prepared pesto with cooked pasta for a quick sauce, adding it gradually and tasting as you go. There is no universal amount that suits every jar or preference. Barilla features pesto in pasta dishes as well as other meals in its official pesto-use guide.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How to use pesto in sandwiches and wraps
Spread pesto directly on bread or use it as a condiment in a wrap. For an easy combination, pair it with tomato and cheese, or add it to a vegetable sandwich. These are flexible serving ideas; adjust the amount to suit the pesto’s strength and texture. Classico also identifies sandwiches as a use for its Traditional Basil Pesto Sauce & Spread.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteHow to use pesto on pizza, vegetables, chicken, and fish
Use pesto as a pizza topping or as a seasoning for vegetables, chicken, or fish. Barilla’s Chef’s Corner says: “Stir it into soups, dips and pasta, spread on sandwiches and pizza or season baked fish, chicken and veggies for a flavorful twist.” Treat pesto as an ingredient or finishing spread, and follow your recipe and product label for cooking directions.
#1 Best Overall
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
How to add pesto to soup, dips, and dressing
Stir a spoonful of pesto into soup or a dip to add flavor. For a simple dressing, shake leftover pesto with olive oil and red wine vinegar until it reaches a consistency you like. Jamie Oliver includes these ideas in its published advice for using up pesto.
How to store an opened jar
Use the storage directions printed on your specific jar; opened-product guidance is not identical across all pesto. For example, Barilla says its Creamy Genovese Basil Pesto Sauce needs no heating, that unused portions should be refrigerated, and that it is best used within five days of opening. Those instructions apply to that product, not automatically to other brands or varieties. A North Carolina Cooperative Extension guide discusses food-safety considerations for homemade pesto, including garlic and oil; its homemade-pesto guidance is not a substitute for the commercial product’s label: Pesto Possibilities.
Rank #2
- QUALITY IS PRIORITY: Enjoy the aroma of pure basil for cooking in our basil leaf powder that comes with a slightly anise-mint-like flavor to add depth and character to a variety of dishes. Its lump-free texture is easy to sprinkle and mix in the dishes for maximum flavor
- PACKED W/ NUTRIENTS: Our powdered basil is a popular Italian culinary ingredient that comes packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients. So, adding this basil spice to your food will not only enhance taste but also contribute to better health
- MAKE YOUR OWN MIX: Herbs are an important part of many global dishes like spaghetti, pizza, pasta, and more. If you are looking to make your own mix of herbs for preparing delicious gourmet food at home or simply love experimenting, this dried basil leaves powder in your pantry is a bonus. Basil leaves dry also complement dishes like bruschetta for added flavor and depth
- VALUE FOR MONEY: A little of our authentic dried basil leaves grind goes a long way with our medium jar. It is easy to store in your pantry and comes with a dual sifter mechanism adding convenience while using. Now enjoy the fresh smell of homemade spices with our range of blends and seasonings to enhance home-cooked meals
- AUTHENTICITY: We assure top-quality products and take extra care to ensure the purity and authenticity of our spices remain intact throughout the process, from farm to table, using advanced technology and strict hygiene standards
Choosing a jar for the way you plan to use it
Consider the pesto’s style and flavor, whether you want a texture that works as a spread or one you can toss or stir into a dish, and the label’s storage directions after opening. Products differ, so the jar’s own instructions are the best guide to storing that particular pesto.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

