Healthy Living

Move over pasta, these pesto-packed recipes show just how versatile the sauce can be. This bright, herb-forward condiment pairs beautifully with everything from chicken and seafood to fresh vegetables. Recipes like our Creamy Pesto Beans and Cauliflower Steaks with Poached Eggs & Pesto Hollandaise show how pesto can elevate any dish.

01 of 24

Pesto Breakfast Sandwich

This vibrant green veggie pesto sandwich is the perfect way to get your day started. This 10-minute breakfast features microgreens, which are young vegetable sprouts harvested just after the first true leaves develop. If you can’t find microgreens, alfalfa sprouts or chopped baby lettuce can be used in their place.

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02 of 24

Creamy Pesto Beans

These creamy pesto beans come together in just 30 minutes. The sauce clings to tender white beans, and whatever is left is perfect for sopping up with a warm, crusty baguette. For a heartier meal, serve the beans over whole-grain pasta, letting the sauce coat every bite.

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03 of 24

Cauliflower Steaks with Poached Eggs & Pesto Hollandaise

This weekend-worthy dish features cauliflower “steaks” flavored with Italian seasoning and topped with sautéed kale, a poached egg and pesto-flavored hollandaise. No need to fret over finicky homemade hollandaise—our blender method simplifies the process, bypassing the stovetop hassle with a creamy stable sauce that won’t break or separate. Look for medium heads of cauliflower with compact florets for the best “steaks.” The center-cut slices hold their shape best. Use any extra florets from the sides to make cauliflower rice or roast them separately for a salad.

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04 of 24

Zucchini with Pesto & Burrata

Broiled zucchini slices are the perfect vessel for delivering small bites of creamy burrata cheese for a quick and easy appetizer or side. We love the creamy center of burrata cheese, but feel free to swap it out for pieces of fresh mozzarella or mozzarella pearls. Store-bought pesto is a great shortcut. Opt for refrigerated prepared pesto for the freshest flavor.

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05 of 24

Pesto, Egg & Potato Skillet

This pesto, egg and potato skillet is a flavorful meal made with just five ingredients thanks to a generous spoonful of pesto, which adds an herby richness. The eggs can easily be cooked to your liking. If you prefer the yolks cooked through, add a few extra minutes to the cook time in Step 3. Garnish with basil, if desired.

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06 of 24

Crispy Pesto Chicken with Whipped Feta & Tomatoes

These crispy chicken cutlets, flavored with pesto and topped with juicy burst tomatoes, are served with creamy whipped feta. Seek out feta cheese in brine and crumble it by hand for the best results. While we love the vibrant yellow color and sweet flavor of Sungold cherry tomatoes, any cherry or grape tomato will work well here.

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07 of 24

Chicken & Cabbage Soup with Pesto

This one-pot chicken and cabbage soup is topped with flavor-boosting store-bought pesto. Big, fiber-rich butter beans add a creamy bite, but you can easily swap them out for cannellini beans or navy beans if you prefer. This soup works well with leftover chicken—simply shred or chop cooked chicken and add it to the soup to reheat once the cabbage is tender.

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08 of 24

Smashed Mushrooms with Pesto & Burrata

Smashing the mushrooms increases their surface area, maximizing caramelization under the broiler. Creamy burrata cheese complements the tangy pesto drizzle. Refrigerated pesto, or homemade pesto if you have it, lends the best flavors. For a twist, swap out the basil pesto for sun-dried tomato pesto.

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09 of 24

Charred Cabbage Steaks with Pesto & Burrata

These tender grilled cabbage steaks are topped with store-bought pesto and creamy burrata cheese. The slices closest to the center of each head hold together best with the core keeping them intact. Chop up the leftover outside edges of each head to roast alongside the cabbage steaks, or thinly slice them for a simple cabbage salad.

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10 of 24

15-Minute Pesto Shrimp

This versatile and quick pesto shrimp can be served alongside a hunk of crusty bread, over pasta or rice, or even used as a topping for pizza. Look for shrimp that are free from preservatives, which can alter the texture and add sodium to the dish. We like the brightness and fresh flavor of refrigerated pesto, but a homemade classic basil pesto will make the dish extra special.

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11 of 24

Copycat Sweetgreen Chicken Pesto Parm Bowl

Re-create a popular Sweetgreen menu item at home with this copycat grain bowl recipe. Quinoa provides staying power, thanks to its high fiber content, while chicken adds protein to keep you satisfied and nourished. Tossing the broccoli in hot sauce and crushed red pepper lends a spicy note to this flavorful bowl.

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12 of 24

Smashed Zucchini with Pesto & Burrata

Tender zucchini rounds get topped with creamy burrata and tangy, bright pesto for an easy side dish that's sure to impress. Crushed red pepper adds a light kick of spice to round out the flavors.

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13 of 24

Pesto Scrambled Eggs

Pep up breakfast (or dinner) with a little pesto. And be careful not to overcook your eggs. Scrambled eggs are at their best when you see soft, creamy curds. Serve with a slice of whole-grain toast and sliced tomatoes.

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14 of 24

Hot Turkey Pesto Sandwich

This turkey pesto sandwich features fresh mozzarella cheese, which melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy bite. Serve for lunch or dinner alongside a bowl of soup for a filling meal.

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15 of 24

Pesto Salmon

Herby and bright pesto coats tender salmon fillets in this quick and healthy fish dish. Colorful cherry tomatoes burst and combine with shallots to complement the pesto in this fast and simple weeknight dinner.

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16 of 24

Pepper, Pesto & Spinach Stromboli

Stromboli can often be heavy with meat and cheese, but this version is packed with veggies. Nutty fontina is more flavorful than classic mozzarella, so a little goes long way. Serve with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping.

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17 of 24

Cheesy Pull-Apart Cauliflower with Pesto

A combination of pesto and mozzarella cheese is tucked into a whole head of cauliflower. The florets "pull away" revealing the ooey-gooey cheese beneath for a fun and festive appetizer or side dish.

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18 of 24

Tomato & Pesto Sheet-Pan Eggs

Chicken sausage, pesto, tomatoes and mozzarella combine to add Italian flavor to these frittata-like slices. Serve them for breakfast as is or in a sandwich (they're great for meal prepping).

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19 of 24

Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowls

This pesto chicken quinoa bowl is packed with herbs from the basil pesto and the Italian spice mix, and gets a slight kick of heat from the red pepper. If you enjoy the flavor profile, this dish can also be made with orzo in place of quinoa.

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20 of 24

20-Minute Chicken Cutlets with Creamy Pesto Sauce

Serve these creamy pesto chicken cutlets over your favorite pasta or zucchini noodles. This easy dinner recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.

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21 of 24

Charred Shrimp, Pesto & Quinoa Bowls

These shrimp, pesto and quinoa bowls are delicious, healthy and pretty—and they take less than 30 minutes to prep. In other words, they're basically the ultimate easy weeknight dinner. Feel free to add more vegetables and swap out the shrimp for chicken, steak, tofu or edamame.

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22 of 24

Grilled Cauliflower Steaks with Almond Pesto & Butter Beans

Need some new meatless dinner ideas? This vegan recipe for grilled cauliflower steaks with buttery (but butter-free!) butter beans and almond pesto comes together in just 25 minutes but is impressive enough to serve to guests. We're sorry to ask you to buy 2 heads of cauliflower to make this recipe when you only cut a couple of "steaks" from each, but it guarantees the best results. Just think of it this way: having leftovers gives you an excuse to try one of our many other healthy cauliflower recipes!

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23 of 24

Sausage, Mushroom & Pesto Grilled Pizza

Healthy homemade sausage-and-mushroom pizza in the comfort of your backyard? Yes, please. All you need for a Naples-worthy pie is a hot grill, store-bought pizza dough and easy prepared ingredients. Serve with a glass of Chianti.

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24 of 24

Roasted Carrot Tart with Carrot-Green Pesto

In this vegetarian main-dish recipe, you use the entire carrot from root to greens, so there's less waste. Roasted carrots are layered on top of a creamy ricotta base with pesto made using the green tops from carrots. Untrimmed carrots can be tough to find, but when you do, cut off the tops and store them separately or they'll draw moisture from the carrots. If you don't have carrot greens, use 1 cup of parsley instead.

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Serve one of these flavorful and satisfying casseroles for dinner tonight. Each dish offers at least 15 grams of protein per serving from ingredients like poultry, seafood and legumes to help you stay full for longer. Plus, this collection features other delicious foods like whole grains, fish, vegetables, legumes and unsaturated fats like olive oil that also align with the Mediterranean diet, one of the most sustainable and nourishing eating patterns around. Recipes like our Chicken Marsala Casserole and Chicken, Broccoli & Quinoa Casserole are nutritious and tasty meal options any night of the week. 

01 of 13

Orange-Mango Chia Seed Smoothie

This sunny orange-turmeric smoothie gets its vibrant hue and earthy flavor from fresh turmeric, while frozen mango and banana add creaminess and natural sweetness. Chia seeds add fiber and omega-3s, making this a refreshing and nourishing way to start your day.

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02 of 13

Raspberry-Banana Yogurt Parfait

This quick and easy raspberry and yogurt parfait combines creamy Greek-style yogurt with fiber-rich fruit and crunchy toasted pecans for a gut-friendly start to your day. Layering the ingredients in a jar makes for a portable, pretty and protein-packed meal that’s ready in minutes.

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03 of 13

Pineapple, Mango & Peach Chia Seed Smoothie

Tropical fruits and warm spices make this smoothie the perfect way to start your day. Chia seeds add fiber and healthy fats, while dates provide natural sweetness without the need for added sugar. Coconut milk beverage and Greek-style yogurt balance the flavor and add creamy texture.

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04 of 13

Chickpea & Kale Toast

This healthy toast recipe combines chickpeas, kale and feta for a savory bite.

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05 of 13

Blueberry-Peach Chia Seed Smoothie

This fruit smoothie is a nutrient-packed drink that’s perfect for your next breakfast. It blends frozen peaches and sweet frozen blueberries with a splash of almond milk and yogurt for a creamy, fruity base. Chia seeds add fiber, omega-3s and a slight thickness to the smoothie as they soak up the liquid.

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06 of 13

Chocolate-Cherry Protein Shake

This chocolate-cherry protein shake—made with Greek-style yogurt and peanut butter—is a protein powerhouse, perfect for a post-workout refuel or a satisfying snack. Cherries provide natural sweetness, and the chocolate flavor from the cocoa complements the peanut butter without any added sugar. Everything blends together in a shake that's both nutritious and delicious!

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07 of 13

Shredded Wheat with Raisins & Walnuts

This shredded wheat with raisins and walnuts is an easy breakfast to reach for when you want something quick with plenty of fiber and healthy fats. For a no-added-sugar breakfast, be sure to use unsweetened shredded wheat cereal. Read the label and opt for brands that contain 0 grams of added sugar.

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08 of 13

High-Protein Black Bean Breakfast Bowl (No Eggs!)

While eggs offer plenty of protein, you can make a satisfying, high-protein breakfast without them. This breakfast bowl includes black beans, yogurt and Monterey Jack cheese, providing 18 grams of protein to keep you feeling full and energized throughout the morning.

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09 of 13

Raspberry-Kefir Power Smoothie

Keeping ripe peeled bananas in your freezer means you're always just one step away from a healthy smoothie. Kefir, peanut butter and flaxmeal add protein, probiotics and healthy fats.

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10 of 13

Breakfast Salad with Egg & Salsa Verde Vinaigrette

Salad for breakfast? Don't knock it until you've tried it. We love how this meal gives you 3 whole cups of vegetables to start your day.

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11 of 13

Breakfast Beans with Microwave-Poached Egg

In Costa Rica, this popular breakfast bean dish is called gallo pinto, which means spotted rooster, referring to the dark beans amid the pale rice. We call for cooked barley here, but you can use whatever leftover cooked grain you may have on hand.

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12 of 13

Spinach & Egg Scramble with Raspberries

This quick egg scramble with hearty bread is one of the best breakfasts for weight loss. It combines protein-packed eggs and superfood raspberries with filling whole-grain toast and nutrient-rich spinach. The protein and fiber help fill you up and keep you going through the morning.

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13 of 13

Mango Raspberry Smoothie

A squeeze of lemon juice adds bright flavor to this frozen fruit smoothie. Mango provides plenty of sweetness without having to add juice, but if it's too tart for you, a touch of agave will do the trick.

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Protein might not be the first nutrient that comes to mind when discussing heart health, but it plays an important role in keeping one of your body’s hardest-working muscles strong. And these lunches offer at least 15 grams per serving from some of the best, heart healthy proteins like beans, chicken, fish, legumes and whole grains to help support muscle repair and keep you full for longer. Plus, each dish is low in sodium and saturated fat to align with an overall heart-healthy eating pattern. Recipes like our Sweet Potato, Kale & Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing and Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce are super nourishing and—dare we say—knock-your-socks-off delicious!

01 of 18

Savory Oatmeal Grain Bowl

Savory oats are an underrated way to enjoy the whole grain—the toppings are endless! Here, we top the oats with a bright roasted red pepper-olive mixture and a poached egg for richness.

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02 of 18

Chicken & Sweet Potato Wrap

These hearty wraps are filled with roasted sweet potatoes, chicken and mashed avocado. Using a rotisserie chicken saves time, but any leftover cooked chicken will work well.

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03 of 18

High-Protein Butternut Squash & Lentil Soup

This hearty, plant-based soup is packed with protein from lentils and gets cozy flavors from warming spices like cinnamon, cumin and coriander. A swirl of tangy Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh parsley finish each bowl.

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04 of 18

Chickpea-Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps

Mashed chickpeas add creamy texture and extra protein, while Greek yogurt gives this tuna salad a light, creamy base. Wrapped in crisp butter lettuce instead of bread, it’s a satisfying, high-protein dish that’s perfect for meal prep.

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05 of 18

Marry Me White Bean Salad

This Marry Me White Bean Salad is a bright, flavor-packed dish that’s hard not to fall for. Tender white beans are tossed with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil and a creamy dressing that soaks into every bite.

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06 of 18

High-Protein Orange-Mango Smoothie

This high-protein smoothie is a bright and refreshing drink that combines the tangy sweetness of fresh orange juice with the tropical richness of mangoes. A scoop of protein powder and Greek-style yogurt make this smoothie ultra-satisfying.

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07 of 18

Lemony Orzo & Tuna Salad with Broccoli

This pasta-salad and tuna-salad mashup gets a boost of color and texture from broccoli. Plenty of Kalamata olives add a briny bite.

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08 of 18

Swamp Soup

This swamp soup gets its vibrant green color from spinach and parsley. Fiber-rich white beans, shredded chicken and brown rice add a satisfying texture. A sprinkle of fried garlic and crushed red pepper provide savory crunch and gentle heat to each spoonful.

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09 of 18

Bang Bang Chicken Salad

This bang bang chicken salad is a delicious dish that combines tender chicken with crisp chopped bell pepper, carrots and scallions. The star of the salad is the creamy, sweet-and-spicy bang bang sauce, made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce and a hint of Sriracha for heat.

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10 of 18

Ginger-Soy Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp

Thinly sliced zucchini offers a crisp and refreshing noodle swap, while the sauce (made with ginger, soy and lime juice) adds bold and bright flavors. Precooked shrimp make this meal fast and convenient—just toss everything together and serve!

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11 of 18

No-Chicken Salad Sandwich

This no-chicken salad sandwich, made with chickpeas, is a delicious plant-based alternative to the classic chicken salad. Mashing the chickpeas creates a creamy texture that blends seamlessly with Greek-style yogurt, celery, pecans and grapes for flavor and crunch.

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12 of 18

Raspberry-Peach Chia Seed Smoothie

This creamy raspberry-peach chia seed smoothie is delicious and refreshing. The natural sweetness of frozen peaches combined with dates and the tangy brightness of raspberries make every sip satisfying.

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13 of 18

High-Protein Pasta with Peas

This one-pot pasta is packed with plant-based protein and a healthy dose of fiber. Chickpea pasta is cooked with vibrant green peas and tossed with fragrant basil and a rich pesto sauce for fresh flavor in every bite. Nutty toasted pine nuts provide the perfect crunch, adding depth and texture.

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14 of 18

High-Protein White Bean Salad with Feta & Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette

White beans bring plant-based protein and fiber to this no-cook salad. Creamy feta cheese provides a tangy, salty contrast to the bright vinaigrette. Tossed with fresh herbs and toasted walnuts, this salad is perfect for a light lunch.

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15 of 18

One-Pot High-Protein Chicken, Cabbage & White Bean Soup

This one-pot soup is bright and flavorful, thanks to a splash of lemon and a dollop of basil pesto stirred in at the end. Easy enough for weeknights and even better as leftovers, it's simple yet still delicious.

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16 of 18

Watermelon-Peach Smoothie

This watermelon-peach smoothie is a refreshing drink that’s perfect for warm days. Made with ripe watermelon and frozen peaches, this smoothie bursts with fruity flavor without the need for added sugar.

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17 of 18

Cottage Cheese–Berry Bowl

This no-sugar-added berry bowl highlights the natural sweetness of thawed mixed berries, with a hint of vanilla for extra flavor. Add the cereal just before serving so it stays crunchy.

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18 of 18

Chicken Fajita Soup

This dish combines the vibrant, smoky flavors of traditional fajitas with the comforting warmth of a soup. Kick up the heat by adding a chopped jalapeño to the veggie mixture. Swap out the rotisserie chicken for another protein like leftover steak, or make it vegetarian by using no-chicken broth and subbing tofu.

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