Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for pesto
Best swap for pesto: Basil pesto (jarred), 1:1; store-bought version of same.
How we checked this: these swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes, and their ratios follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than one published chart. For exact amounts on many common swaps, see the NDSU and Colorado State University extension tables listed below. Editorial policy
What can I use instead of Pesto?
The best swap for Pesto is Basil Pesto (Jarred), 1:1; store-bought version of same. Another option is Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto, 1:1; bolder, less fresh flavor. The table below also lists Chimichurri, Italian Salsa Verde and Tapenade, 5 swaps in all.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Basil pesto (jarred) | 1:1; store-bought version of same |
| Sun-dried tomato pesto | 1:1; bolder, less fresh flavor |
| Chimichurri | 1:1 on grilled meat and vegetables; herb and garlic in oil like pesto, but sharper with vinegar and carrying no cheese or nuts |
| Italian salsa verde | 1:1; the parsley, caper and anchovy sauce, briny rather than sweet and with no cheese, so it is not vegetarian |
| Tapenade | use about half; far saltier and more intense, so stir it through hot pasta or spread it thin rather than spooning it on like pesto Diet and health: Classic tapenade is made with anchovies; check the label if you avoid fish or eat vegetarian. |
Source and limits
These swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes to your kitchen, last updated . We remove swaps known to be unsafe, but not every swap has been tested in a kitchen, and a swap is cooking guidance, not an allergen or nutrition equivalent. Check labels and what the recipe needs before substituting.
The ratios and usage notes follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than a single published chart. These two university extension tables list exact amounts for many common swaps:
- Ingredient Substitutions (FN198), NDSU Extension (opens in a new tab)
- Ingredient Substitutions (9.329), Colorado State University Extension (opens in a new tab)
- Serious Eats, Black Olive Tapenade With Garlic, Capers, and Anchovies (opens in a new tab)
Browse every ingredient and read how these swaps are sourced.
Buying more? Storage times for pesto