7 ways to use pesto sauce in your recipes

Pesto may not be as trendy as it was in the '90s, when "Seinfeld" riffed on its sudden popularity, but that doesn't mean it's lost any of the flavor punch. If you're unfamiliar with this Italian staple, the sauce , which was invented in Genoa, consists of basil, garlic, pine nuts, some sort of hard cheese — almost always Parmesan — and olive oil. If you've ever had a creamy green sauce packed with flavor, it was probably pesto.

If you've tasted it, you probably want more of it. If you haven't, you'll want to give pesto a try. And what should you do with your pesto sauce? While there are many different ways to use it, we've selected seven smart recipes to get the most out of your pesto.

Spaghetti with pesto sauce and sun-dried cherry tomatoes
Pesto sauce originates in Italy, so of course it's a splendid choice with pasta. Why not start with a classic, and use spaghetti as your noodle of choice? This is a simple dish brimming with staple Italian flavors, but it won't disappoint. Get the recipe here.Baked salmon covered with pesto sauce
A well-prepared piece of salmon doesn't need any sauce to be delicious, but that doesn't mean you can't add flavor to it. A tasty pesto caked over your salmon is a smart choice, as the flavors complement each other beautifully. Some lemon for added acidity is a nice touch too. Get the recipe here.Pesto pizza with garlic and onions
Pizza is another Italian staple, but have you ever thought about putting pesto into the mix? You can use it to replace the traditional tomato sauce for a different flavor profile. This is heavy on garlic flavor, though, so bear that in mind, depending on your opinion on that taste. Get the recipe here.Pesto pasta salad with farfalle
Who doesn't enjoy a nice, fresh pasta salad? It's practically summer in a bowl. There are different pasta styles you can use, but this recipe makes a wise choice and goes with farfalle. Get the recipe here.Fried chicken with pesto sauce
It's not all Italian dishes that get a dash of pesto. An American dish like fried chicken can also make good use of a properly made pesto sauce. It may seem like an odd pairing at first, but we bet you'll change your tune after one taste. Get the recipe here.Creamy pesto with cream cheese over angel hair pasta
Pesto has a creamy consistency as is, but it can also be oily. However, it's not as creamy as some cream sauces, so this recipe tries to amend that for people dreaming of something creamier. That's where the cream cheese comes in. One little tweak can make a ton of difference. Get the recipe here.Chicken and pesto bruschetta
Sometimes you want an appetizer that will really wow your guests. Bruschetta is an awesome way to do that. You can use chicken and pesto in a main dish if you want, but in this preparation they make for a unique appetizer loaded with flavor. Get the recipe here.