Salsa Pesto

Looking for a tasty alternative to your favorite tomato salsa? This Salsa Pesto is a winning combination of salsa with pesto that you're going to love. All you need are a handful of simple ingredients and ten minutes to make.

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There's nothing quite like the flavor of pesto! It's such a simple combination made with fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese. You can say we're huge fans of pesto here at Fresh Coast Eats!

It all started with this Nut-Free Pesto which was a hit right from the start. You can also enjoy it adding flavor to this Pesto Salad Dressing and this hearty Pesto Tuna Pasta, it adds a simple splash of flavor that truly zings!

You're going to love this mashup of pico de gallo with pesto as a dip or over a simple piece of grilled meat and fish. Let's see how it's made!

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Substitutions and Variations
• How to Make Salsa Pesto
• Serving Ideas
• Expert Tips
• Recipe FAQs
• More Easy Dip Recipes
• Salsa Pesto

Ingredients

Here's a look at the easy ingredients you need to make this recipe. Choose fresh ingredients close to prepping it for the freshest flavors!

• Tomatoes: Choose ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Red Onion: This crisp onion works the best when making salsas but you can also use white or yellow if preferred. For a milder onion flavor, you can use green onion.
• Pesto: Choose your favorite brand of store-bought to keep this recipe easy to make or you can make fresh basil pesto to have more control over the ingredients.
• Cilantro: Adds that classic essence you expect in traditional salsa.
• Jalapeno pepper: For a bit of heat. Remove the seeds and membrane for a less spicy option or leave it out completely.
• Fresh Lime: We're using both the zest and lime juice to add flavor. The zest adds plenty of citrus flavors without additional acidity while the lime juice gives the perfect amount of bright tang. You will want to use fresh for the best outcome!
• Fresh Garlic: You can leave it out if you use a pesto with a strong garlic profile.

See the recipe card for the full ingredient list and exact quantities of each one.

Substitutions and Variations

• Nut-Free Version: Use this nut-free pesto in place of the prepared pesto to make a pesto salsa that's allergy-friendly.
• Use Homemade Pesto: You can use virtually any green pesto to make this recipe. This cashew pesto and my almond pesto make budget-friendly options for making a homemade pesto.
• No Salt: How much salt you need to add will depend on the saltiness of your pesto and you may even be able to leave it out completely!
• Spicy: For a spicier pesto salsa you can leave the seeds and membranes in your jalapeno or replace it with a hotter chili such as habanero or serrano chilies.
• No Cilantro: If you are not a fan of the flavor of cilantro swap it for parsley instead.

How to Make Salsa Pesto

This easy recipe requires absolutely no cooking and about ten minutes to make. Here's a look at the main steps.

Step 1: Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl.

Step 2: Stir everything together until mixed.

Serving Ideas

This salsa with pesto works great as an appetizer or as a way to add flavor to meals. Here are a few ideas for a bit of inspiration.

• Party Dip: It makes a tasty dip served with tortilla chips, veggie sticks, and other fun dippers. Pair it with other salsa recipes like this Cranberry Salsa, Pineapple Habanero Salsa, or Mango Pico de Gallo for a variety of flavors.
• Main Dish: Add a punch of flavor to your favorite chicken or fish recipe. I love it paired with this Salmon in the Air Fryer recipe or Grilled Salmon as well as my Smoked Chicken Quarters and Grilled Chicken Wings.
• Salads: Add it to your favorite salads, a burrito bowl, or a grain bowl to add a unique flavor.

Expert Tips

• Chop the Veggies Evenly. Aim for similar-sized pieces for the best texture.
• Feel Free to Adjust the Flavors. You can add more heat and more lime, or use less salt to make the salsa your own.
• Taste Before Salting. The saltiness of different pesto brands may vary greatly so be sure to give the pesto salsa a taste before adding more.
• Storing: Store your dip in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days.
• Drain the Tomatoes: After chopping your tomatoes strain off the extra juice to give your salsa the best texture.

Recipe FAQs

More Easy Dip Recipes

Did you try this recipe?  Please leave a star rating in the recipe card right below! You can also write a review in the comment section further down the page I always appreciate your feedback. And don’t forget to tag me @freshcoasteats in your photos on social media, I'd love to see your results!