![pesto flavors tout](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.allrecipes.com/thmb/ZHVyOCliVcSwtiTMExV6kUuIIYg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fm20-pesto-tout-1244-0ec62537fd5242d08ba93cc18316b195.jpg)
Pesto Base Formula
You'll need:
1 cup star ingredient (sun-dried tomatoes, kale, or roasted peppers)
+ ½ cup nuts
+ 1.5 to 2 oz. shredded or crumbled cheese
+ ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
+ 4 cloves garlic, sliced
+ 2 to 4 tablespoons water
Directions:
Put star ingredient, nuts, cheese, oil, and garlic in a food processor. Cover and process until nearly smooth. Thin to desired consistency with water. Season to taste with salt. Serve over foods such as chicken breasts, salmon, whole-wheat pasta, or roasted potatoes.
![pesto on salmon](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/5fU0H19YImWD3DVBob8y8PSmVXo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fm20-pesto-salmon-1244-a4f33488385b41a6bd7012ad6f041d94.jpg)
Red & Ready Pesto
Makes 1¼ cups
Sun-dried tomatoes
Toasted pine nuts
2 oz. shredded goat gouda cheese
![sundried tomato pesto](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/mbcdXsStK6zhGrkDFfw1m39Fc-Q=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fm20-pesto-sundriedtomato-1244-854b2b4bcadd49f6abd0734bf26fefd6.jpg)
Groovy Green Pesto
Makes 1 cup
Packed fresh kale
Roasted pistachios
1.5 oz. crumbled blue cheese
![pistachio pesto](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/35Nw7HbbHkGBncoAqujpS3IALnY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fm20-pesto-pistachio-1244-9e02f5a324594de88e1fa5d08bcb4332.jpg)
Sunny Spain Pesto
Makes 1 2/3 cups
Sliced Roasted Yellow/Orange bell peppers
Toasted almonds
2 oz. shredded manchego cheese
![yellow pepper pesto](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/-QdaOj3eKy7WtWp816Q3tMSX_wI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fm20-pesto-yellowpeppers-1244-e1d6cf340723488d99d94b9dc7d2a5c7.jpg)
Salt to Taste
We found some versions didn't need any extra salt. Add salt to your preference, but use less than ¼ teaspoon to keep sodium in line.
Related
- How to Make the Best Homemade Pesto Sauce
- 11 Fresh Takes on Traditional Homemade Pesto
- 8 Quick and Easy Dinners Loaded With Pesto
This article originally appeared in the February/March 2020 issue of Allrecipes Magazine.