The Summer Sauce Glow-Up: Unexpected Ingredients to Add to Your Homemade Pesto

Summer is here, and that means it’s officially pesto season. Whether you're spooning it over pasta, dolloping it onto grilled veggies, or swiping it across your avocado toast, pesto is the secret sauce of easy warm-weather meals. But before you grab that jar from the store—pause.

Homemade pesto isn’t just better—it’s shockingly simple. No cooking, no complicated techniques—just toss a handful of ingredients in a food processor, pulse a few times, and boom: you’ve got a vibrant, herby sauce that tastes like summer in every bite. Store-bought has its place (we’ve all been there after a long day), but when you have a few minutes, making it fresh is a total game-changer.

And here’s the real magic: pesto doesn’t need to follow the rules. It’s one of the most flexible sauces around. Swap out the basil, change up the nuts, or ditch the olive oil entirely—pesto invites experimentation. Here are seven unexpected ingredients that’ll instantly upgrade your next batch, plus give your summer meals a whole new vibe.

1. Roasted Red Peppers

Looking for a sweeter, smokier twist? Add roasted red peppers. They mellow the basil’s boldness, add gorgeous color, and sneak in a bit of charred depth. Use jarred to keep it easy—or roast your own if you’re already firing up the grill.

2. Avocado

Want ultra-creamy pesto without drowning it in oil? Enter: ripe avocado. It’s rich, neutral, and smooth, letting your herbs and garlic shine while giving your sauce that luscious texture you crave. Bonus: it’s also great on toast the next morning.

3. Chives

Swap out some (or all) of the basil for chives to give your pesto a sharp, oniony bite. It’s bold without being overpowering and works beautifully with creamy elements like cheese or avocado. Perfect for those who want a sauce with attitude.

4. Lime

Think outside the lemon. Lime brings a punchier citrus vibe that pairs perfectly with herbs like cilantro or mint. If you’re whipping up pesto for tacos, grilled shrimp, or anything tropical-inspired, lime is your go-to swap.

5. Pumpkin Seeds

Pine nuts are pricey—pumpkin seeds (aka pepitas) are the underrated MVP. Toast them first for a nutty, earthy kick that brings serious flavor depth. They also add a satisfying crunch if you leave the pesto a little chunky.

6. Broccoli

Yes, broccoli. A few florets, blanched and cooled, add volume and nutrients without overpowering the sauce. It’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies while giving your pesto a slightly bitter, complex edge. Bonus: it's kid-approved when tossed with pasta and cheese.

7. Macadamia Nuts

These buttery gems take richness to the next level. Sub them in for pine nuts, and you’ve got a silky, decadent pesto that still plays nice with all your other ingredients. Lightly toast for extra depth, then let them work their magic.

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So the next time you’re staring down that tired jar of pesto in the fridge, think again. Your food processor is the shortcut to summer flavor, and these twisty ingredients are the upgrades you didn’t know you needed.