Pesto Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Sauce for Your Dishes

Finding the perfect pesto sauce can turn a simple pasta dish into a culinary delight. But with green pesto, red pesto, and countless brands on the shelf, how do you make the right choice? This guide is here to help you navigate the options, decode the labels, and select the ideal product for your recipes. Our goal: to give you all the tools you need to buy pesto online with confidence, without being misled by marketing.

How to Choose Your Pesto Sauce?

To choose the right pesto pasta sauce, a few basic criteria are essential. Here are three key points to check to find the product that will delight your taste buds.

1. The Variety: Genovese, Rosso, or Calabrese?

The term "pesto" actually refers to several regional Italian recipes. Knowing their differences will help you make a more informed choice:

• Pesto alla Genovese: This is the most classic and well-known version. Originating from Genoa in Liguria, its traditional recipe is based on fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano and/or Pecorino), and olive oil. Expect a fresh, herbaceous, and powerful flavour.
• Pesto Rosso: This red pesto gets its colour and taste from sun-dried tomatoes, which replace some or all of the basil. It is often milder and slightly sweeter than green pesto, with a very creamy texture.
• Pesto Calabrese: Hailing from Calabria, this version is a spicy pesto. It incorporates peppers and chilli into the tomato base. Ideal for those who like a bit of heat!

2. The Ingredients: Read the Label

A good Italian pesto is primarily recognised by the quality of its ingredients. A quick look at the ingredients list on the label is therefore essential. Favour recipes with high-quality ingredients such as:

• The oil: Sunflower oil is often used for its neutrality, but the presence of olive oil is a sign of a more traditional flavour.
• The cheeses: The presence of PDO cheeses like Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano is a true hallmark of quality.
• The nuts: Pine nuts are the traditional ingredient in Pesto Genovese, but cashew nuts are a common alternative that provides a creamier texture.

3. The Intended Use: Pasta, Spreads, or Something More?

Your choice will also depend on how you plan to use it. A pesto alla genovese is a timeless classic for pasta. A pesto rosso is delicious on bruschetta or in a sandwich. As for pesto calabrese, it's perfect as a marinade for meat or as a zesty dip with vegetable sticks.

Our Top Pesto Sauce Picks

To put theory into practice, we have selected three sauces from the Florelli pesto brand. All made in Italy, they perfectly illustrate the diversity of this speciality.

Florelli Pesto Rosso Sauce 190g

What Sets It Apart This pesto rosso stands out with its generous tomato base, featuring 35% tomato purée and 15% dried tomatoes. The addition of cashew nuts gives it a very creamy texture, while the Grana Padano and Pecorino Romano cheese duo ensures an authentic and deep flavour.

Key Features

• Made in Italy.
• Rich, sun-drenched flavour thanks to the fresh/dried tomato combination.
• Creamy texture ideal for topping or spreading.
• Versatile: excellent with pasta, on toast, or as a tart base.

Who Is It For? Ideal for those looking for a milder, fruitier alternative to green pesto. It's perfect for families and anyone who enjoys Mediterranean flavours where the tomato is king.

Florelli Pesto alla Genovese Sauce 190g

What Sets It Apart With 45% basil, this pesto showcases the freshness of the aromatic herb, the star of the Genovese recipe. The combination of cashew nuts and a touch of pine nuts (1%) creates a beautiful balance between creaminess and traditional flavour. Grana Padano and Pecorino Romano cheeses complete the profile.

Key Features

• Made in Italy.
• Rich in basil for a fresh and intense taste.
• Recipe inspired by the tradition of pesto alla genovese.
• Perfect for a quick and flavourful pasta sauce.

Who Is It For? For purists and fans of the authentic green pesto recipe. It's the perfect choice for a simple and effective pasta dish where the taste of basil should be front and centre.

Florelli Spicy Pesto Calabrese Sauce 190g

What Sets It Apart This spicy pesto is inspired by the flavours of Calabria. It combines a tomato and red pepper base with a spicy kick from chilli (2%). The Grana Padano adds a savoury roundness that balances the heat. It's a distinctive sauce that stands out from the crowd.

Key Features

• Made in Italy.
• Original and spicy flavour that awakens the palate.
• Very versatile: excellent with pasta, but also as a sauce for grilled meats or on appetiser toasts.
• A good balance between the sweetness of the tomato and the heat of the chilli.

Who Is It For? Aimed at those who aren't afraid of bold flavours and are looking to add a touch of daring to their dishes. It's an excellent option for adding variety and exploring another side of Italian pesto.

Looking for Other Sauces for Your Dishes?

Want to explore other Italian flavours for more variety? If pesto isn't quite what you're looking for, we invite you to explore other great classics to accompany your meals.

? Explore our range of jarred sauces, including classic tomato-based options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pesto Sauce

How to use pesto sauce in cooking?

Pesto is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas beyond the classic pasta dish:

• As a spread: Spread it on toasted bread, either on its own or with fresh mozzarella and cherry tomatoes.
• In a dressing: Thin it with a little olive oil and vinegar to dress a salad.
• In soups: Add a spoonful to a minestrone or vegetable soup to enhance its flavour.
• As a marinade: Use pesto, especially the Calabrese style, to marinate chicken or fish before grilling.

Can you make an easy pesto recipe at home?

Absolutely! Preparing an easy pesto recipe at home is incredibly simple. You'll need fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and good olive oil. A quick blitz in a blender is all it takes. However, for days when you're short on time, having a good jar of Italian pesto on hand is the ideal solution for whipping up a tasty meal in a flash.

Where can you buy quality pesto online?

To buy pesto online, choose sites that clearly display the product's composition, ingredient list, and country of origin. The products featured in this article, such as the Florelli pesto range, are available on Joybuy. They represent a reliable choice, made in Italy, to bring the authentic flavours of Italian cuisine directly to your home.