What Vegetables go With Pesto (17 Tasty Ideas You’ll Love)
As a recipe writer, I’ve been asked what vegetables to serve with pesto more times than I can count. People are always curious about what will pair well with this popular sauce.
I understand the confusion. After all, pesto is made with ingredients that are pretty intense on their own: garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and basil.
So what’s a cook to do?
The answer really depends on what type of dish you’re making. If you’re serving pesto as a dipping sauce or spread, then you’ll want to pair it with something that can stand up to its bold flavors. Think roasted vegetables or grilled meats.
But if you’re using pesto as a pasta sauce, then you’ll want to go lighter on the sides. A simple green salad or a plate of steamed veggies will do the trick.
Here are a few of my favorite vegetables to pair with pesto:
Vegetables That Go With Pesto
- Cucumbers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cabbage (green or red)
- Asparagus
- Spinach
- Celery
- Brussels sprouts
- Eggplant
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Broccoli and Bell peppers
- Carrots
- Onions
- Green Beans
- Beets
- Mushrooms
- Artichokes
Cucumbers
Cucumbers have been one of my favorite vegetables to pair with pesto since I was a kid. The cool, crisp crunch of cucumber is the perfect contrast to the rich, creamy sauce.
When you pair them together, you get a dish that is refreshing and satisfying. And since cucumbers are so low in calories, they make the perfect healthy side to any meal.
Cherry tomatoes
Another vegetable that goes great with pesto is cherry tomatoes. Everyone knows that tomatoes can be either sweet or savory. And when it comes to pesto, I think they work best on the sweeter side.
The acidity of the tomatoes helps to balance out the flavors of the pesto and makes for a truly delicious dish.
Cabbage (green or red)
