Pesto Possibilities for Mother’s Day: 5 Delicious Ways to Use Pesto

Mother’s Day is just days away. Going out to eat has become an American tradition, with restaurant industry stats showing it as one of the busiest days of the year. Well, on this day, I actually prefer to stay in (and yes, this is coming from a mom of three eight-year-olds). I prefer simple, delicious food prepared and eaten at home.

Since my mother and mother-in-law are local, effortless entertaining is essential. After all, it’s my day, too. So in the spirit of keeping things simple and homemade, I wanted to share five delicious ways to use Buitoni All Natural Pesto.

Buitoni Pesto is made with fragrant basil, pungent garlic, pine nuts, aged Parmesan and Romano cheeses and extra-virgin olive oil. Friends, this is as close to homemade as you are going to get! Plus, you don’t need to clean your food processor (that’s huge in my book).

Make a quick crostini appetizer

Add a touch of elegance to Mother’s Day without spending much time in the kitchen with this tasty appetizer, Crostini Aperitivo, shown above. Toasted bread slices are topped with a delicious goat cheese and pesto spread, and then topped with thinly sliced prosciutto. Roasted asparagus or peppers, chopped dates, sliced apples and shaved cantaloupe also pair well with the spread.

Watch the video below to see just how easy it is.

 

Make Pesto Kale Chips

Kale Chips have been quite the rage lately. I did a Google search and found a number of creative recipes. I decided to try a version with pesto, shown above, and landed on something truly unique and absolutely delicious! Finished with a sprinkling of fine sea salt, it’s really difficult to stop with just one handful.

Drizzle over soups

Vine-ripened tomatoes, marjoram and garlic are combined with a fragrant broth to make this beautiful vine-ripened tomato soup. And to heighten it even more, Buitoni Riserva All Natural Quattro Formaggi Agnolotti (pasta filled with a blend of creamy whipped ricotta cheese, fontina, Parmesan and authentic Italian Grana Padano) is added. It’s then topped with homemade croutons, a handful of arugula and a spoonful of Buitoni Pesto. This would make a perfect Mother’s Day lunchtime meal.

Spread on sandwiches

Looking for something a little more casual? Try this recipe for Grilled Chicken Sandwiches with Pesto Mayo. Perfect for simple entertaining, these sandwiches offer a classy, yet casual approach to mealtime.

Use as marinade for meats and fish

Grill up some wholesome fun with this flavorful recipe for Pesto Chicken & Vegetable Kebabs. Marinated in a pesto sauce, these skewers of chicken pieces and seasoned vegetables make a colorful and appetizing entrée.

Of course, you can also just toss pesto with pasta, add to pizza, dips and dressings. Pesto possibilities are really endless.

However you decide to celebrate this day, please take time out for you. I am constantly reminding myself of this. With simple recipes like these, it’s that much easier to find time.

Happy Mother’s Day everyone!

Links:

• Crostini Aperitivo
• Pesto Kale Chips
• Quattro Formaggi Agnolotti with Vine-Ripened Tomato Tuscan Soup
• Grilled Chicken Sandwiches with Pesto Mayo
• Pesto Chicken & Vegetable Kebabs

Related pesto recipes:

Insalata Caprese with Pesto Vinaigrette

Olive, Pesto and Bruschetta Cheese Torta