Creative ways to use frozen pesto
Having a batch of frozen pesto on hand is like having a secret kitchen weapon in the fridge. It's incredibly versatile and can elevate a wide range of dishes, bringing a burst of fresh, vibrant flavor to meals long after basil season is over. Here are some creative ways to use your frozen pesto:
1. Quick pasta dishes
- One of the easiest and most popular uses for frozen pesto is tossing it with pasta. Just cook your favorite pasta, drain it and mix in a few cubes of melted pesto or a scoop from a larger batch. The heat from the pasta will melt the pesto, creating a deliciously creamy sauce in seconds. For an extra touch, add grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes or a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.
2. Spread on sandwiches and wraps
- Pesto makes a fantastic spread for sandwiches and wraps, adding a rich, herby flavor that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, grilled meats or fresh mozzarella. Melt a small amount of pesto and spread it on bread or tortillas for a quick and delicious upgrade to your lunch.
3. Throw in roasted vegetables
- Roasted vegetables are transformed when tossed with some melted pesto. Whether you're roasting carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers, a little pesto adds depth and color. You can also toss the vegetables in the pesto before baking for a more intense flavor.
4. Use as a marinade or sauce for meat
- Pesto works wonderfully as a marinade for chicken, fish or even steak. Melt the pesto and coat the meat before grilling or roasting for a flavorful and flavorful dish. Pesto can also be spooned over cooked meats as a finishing sauce, adding flavor just before serving.
5. Mix into soups and stews
- Adding a spoonful of pesto to soups or stews just before serving can brighten up the whole dish. It's especially wonderful in minestrone or vegetable soups, where the flavors of fresh basil and garlic complement the hearty ingredients. Just stir in the pesto, let it melt, and enjoy the enhanced flavor.
Frozen pesto is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in many delicious ways. Whether you're whipping up a quick pasta dish, enhancing the flavor of roasted vegetables or using it as a marinade, having pesto ready to pop in the fridge means you're always just one step away from a fresh meal and tasty.
