These 15 holiday keto pesto recipes are vibrant, versatile, and low-carb.
From classic basil to creative twists with nuts, herbs, and cheeses, each recipe brings holiday cheer to your table.
Perfect for appetizers, main courses, or side dishes, these pesto recipes are easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Discover how simple keto-friendly ingredients can transform your holiday dishes into memorable, delicious meals that everyone will enjoy.
15 Classic Holiday Keto Pesto Recipes for Any Occasion
Pesto is a flavorful way to enhance your holiday meals without compromising your keto lifestyle.
These 15 holiday keto pesto recipes offer variety, ease, and festive flair.
From sauces and dips to main dish toppings, there’s something here for every palate and occasion.
Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, these recipes make holiday cooking stress-free and delicious.
Try them this season and experience how keto-friendly pesto can elevate your festive meals while keeping them healthy and satisfying.
estive Basil Pesto Zoodles
This Festive Basil Pesto Zoodles is a vibrant, low-carb holiday dish perfect for keto enthusiasts.
It features zucchini noodles tossed with fresh basil pesto, roasted cherry tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts for flavor and texture.
The dish is light yet satisfying, providing fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats while staying low in carbohydrates.
It is ideal for a festive, colorful, and quick keto holiday lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchini, spiralized
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ cup roasted cherry tomatoes
Instructions:
- In a food processor, blend basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, olive oil, and garlic until smooth.
- Toss zucchini noodles with the pesto and roasted cherry tomatoes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra pine nuts if desired.
This dish is fresh, vibrant, and aromatic.
It provides healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins.
It is perfect for a low-carb festive holiday meal.
It transforms simple keto ingredients into a flavorful, celebratory dish.
Holiday Pesto Cauliflower Bake
This Holiday Pesto Cauliflower Bake is a hearty, cheesy keto dish perfect for festive dinners.
It combines roasted cauliflower with a rich basil pesto and melted mozzarella for a comforting low-carb casserole.
It provides fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats while remaining keto-friendly and satisfying.
It is perfect for a warm, festive, and flavorful holiday side or main dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped
- ½ cup basil pesto
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt-free seasoning (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss cauliflower with olive oil and roast for 20 minutes.
- Mix roasted cauliflower with pesto and transfer to a baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan, then bake for 10 minutes until melted and golden.
This bake is rich, cheesy, and aromatic.
It provides fiber, healthy fats, and essential vitamins.
It is perfect for a keto holiday dinner or side dish.
It combines simple ingredients into a festive, comforting meal.
Pesto Stuffed Chicken Rolls
These Pesto Stuffed Chicken Rolls are elegant, low-carb, and perfect for holiday dinners.
They feature tender chicken breasts rolled with basil pesto, mozzarella, and spinach for a flavorful, keto-friendly main.
The dish is rich in protein, healthy fats, and vitamins while staying low in carbohydrates.
It is ideal for a festive, colorful, and satisfying holiday entree.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup basil pesto
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup fresh spinach
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Butterfly chicken breasts and spread pesto evenly over each piece.
- Top with mozzarella and spinach, then roll tightly and secure with toothpicks.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear rolls on all sides, 2–3 minutes each.
- Transfer to the oven and bake for 20 minutes until cooked through.
These rolls are tender, flavorful, and aromatic.
They provide protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins.
They are perfect for a festive keto holiday dinner.
They transform simple ingredients into an elegant, delicious main course.
Holiday Shrimp Pesto Skillet
This Holiday Shrimp Pesto Skillet is a quick, keto-friendly, festive dish bursting with flavor.
It features sautéed shrimp coated in basil pesto, served over sautéed spinach and roasted cherry tomatoes.
It is rich in protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants while staying low in carbohydrates.
It is perfect for a colorful, easy-to-prepare, and satisfying holiday lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ¼ cup basil pesto
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup roasted cherry tomatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt-free seasoning (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté shrimp until pink and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Add basil pesto and toss to coat.
- Stir in spinach and roasted tomatoes, cooking until spinach wilts.
- Serve warm.
This skillet is colorful, flavorful, and nutrient-rich.
It provides protein, healthy fats, and low carbohydrates.
It is perfect for a quick keto holiday lunch or dinner.
It transforms simple ingredients into a festive, delicious meal.
Roasted Pesto Brussels Sprouts
These Roasted Pesto Brussels Sprouts are a savory, festive keto side dish perfect for holiday dinners.
They combine roasted Brussels sprouts with a basil pesto drizzle and toasted pine nuts for flavor and crunch.
It is rich in fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats while remaining low-carb.
It is ideal for a colorful, aromatic, and satisfying keto-friendly holiday side.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
- ¼ cup basil pesto
- 2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil and roast for 20–25 minutes until tender and golden.
- Drizzle roasted sprouts with basil pesto and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts.
- Serve warm.
These sprouts are crispy, flavorful, and aromatic.
They provide fiber, healthy fats, and essential vitamins.
They are perfect for a festive keto holiday dinner.
They transform simple vegetables into a delicious, celebratory side dish
Keto Pesto Zucchini Lasagna
This Keto Pesto Zucchini Lasagna is a festive, low-carb holiday dinner that is both comforting and elegant.
It layers thin zucchini slices with basil pesto, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella for a rich, creamy dish.
It provides protein, healthy fats, and fiber while staying keto-friendly.
It is perfect for a hearty, festive, and flavorful holiday entree.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced thin
- ½ cup basil pesto
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Layer zucchini slices, pesto, and ricotta in a baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve warm.
This lasagna is creamy, cheesy, and aromatic.
It provides protein, fiber, and healthy fats for a low-carb holiday meal.
It is perfect for a keto-friendly festive dinner.
It transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, celebratory dish.
Pesto Avocado Chicken Salad
This Pesto Avocado Chicken Salad is a fresh, low-carb holiday lunch full of flavor and nutrition.
It combines cooked chicken, diced avocado, and basil pesto for a creamy, satisfying salad.
It provides protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins while remaining keto-friendly.
It is perfect for a light, festive, and colorful holiday meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 avocado, diced
- 3 tbsp basil pesto
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix chicken, avocado, and basil pesto until well combined.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with black pepper.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
This salad is creamy, flavorful, and fresh.
It provides protein, healthy fats, and low carbohydrates for a keto-friendly meal.
It is perfect for a festive holiday lunch.
It turns simple ingredients into a colorful, nutritious dish.
Holiday Pesto Meatballs
These Holiday Pesto Meatballs are savory, aromatic, and perfect for a festive keto dinner.
They combine ground chicken or turkey with basil pesto, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings for flavorful, low-carb meatballs.
They provide protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients while remaining keto-friendly.
They are ideal for a holiday appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
- 3 tbsp basil pesto
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Form into 12 meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until cooked through.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra basil if desired.
These meatballs are flavorful, tender, and aromatic.
They provide protein, healthy fats, and low carbohydrates.
They are perfect for a festive keto holiday dinner.
They turn simple ingredients into a delicious, celebratory dish.
Creamy Pesto Cauliflower Mash
This Creamy Pesto Cauliflower Mash is a festive, low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
It combines steamed cauliflower with basil pesto, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of cream for a creamy, flavorful dish.
It provides fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins while remaining keto-friendly.
It is perfect for a side dish during holiday dinners.
Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped
- ¼ cup basil pesto
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions:
- Steam cauliflower until tender, about 10–12 minutes.
- Blend cauliflower with basil pesto, Parmesan, cream, and butter until smooth.
- Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve warm as a holiday side.
This mash is creamy, flavorful, and festive.
It provides fiber, healthy fats, and low carbohydrates.
It is perfect for a keto-friendly holiday dinner side.
It transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, elegant dish.
Pesto Baked Salmon
This Pesto Baked Salmon is a rich, flavorful keto holiday entree.
It features salmon fillets topped with basil pesto and baked until tender and flaky.
It provides protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and healthy fats while remaining low-carb.
It is perfect for a festive, elegant, and nutrient-rich holiday meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- ¼ cup basil pesto
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet and brush with basil pesto.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with black pepper.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until salmon is cooked through.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
This salmon is tender, aromatic, and flavorful.
It provides protein, healthy fats, and low carbohydrates.
It is perfect for a keto-friendly holiday dinner.
It turns simple ingredients into an elegant, festive main course.
Pesto Avocado Zoodle Salad
This Pesto Avocado Zoodle Salad is a fresh, low-carb holiday dish full of vibrant flavors.
It combines spiralized zucchini noodles with creamy avocado, basil pesto, and cherry tomatoes for a colorful, festive salad.
It provides healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins while staying keto-friendly.
It is perfect for a quick, energizing, and visually appealing holiday lunch or side dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 1 avocado, diced
- ¼ cup basil pesto
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Toss zucchini noodles with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and basil pesto in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with black pepper.
- Mix gently and serve immediately.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
This salad is creamy, fresh, and festive.
It provides healthy fats, fiber, and low carbohydrates.
It is perfect for a keto-friendly holiday lunch or side.
It transforms simple ingredients into a colorful, flavorful dish.
Holiday Pesto Eggplant Casserole
This Holiday Pesto Eggplant Casserole is a low-carb, hearty dish perfect for festive dinners.
It layers roasted eggplant with basil pesto, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a rich, cheesy flavor.
It provides fiber, healthy fats, and essential nutrients while remaining keto-friendly.
It is ideal for a colorful, aromatic, and satisfying holiday side or main dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced
- ½ cup basil pesto
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roast eggplant slices with olive oil for 15–20 minutes.
- Layer roasted eggplant with pesto and cheeses in a baking dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm.
This casserole is cheesy, aromatic, and festive.
It provides fiber, healthy fats, and low carbohydrates.
It is perfect for a keto-friendly holiday dinner.
It transforms simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful meal.
Pesto Turkey Meatballs
These Pesto Turkey Meatballs are flavorful, low-carb, and ideal for holiday dinners.
They combine ground turkey with basil pesto, Parmesan, and seasonings for a rich, keto-friendly main.
They provide protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients while keeping carbohydrates low.
They are perfect for a festive appetizer or main course.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 3 tbsp basil pesto
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until combined.
- Form into 12 meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until cooked through.
- Serve warm with extra basil pesto if desired.
These meatballs are savory, tender, and aromatic.
They provide protein, healthy fats, and low carbohydrates.
They are perfect for a festive keto holiday dinner.
They turn simple ingredients into a flavorful, celebratory dish.
Creamy Pesto Spinach Chicken
This Creamy Pesto Spinach Chicken is a rich, festive keto main dish full of flavor.
It combines sautéed chicken breasts with a creamy basil pesto sauce and fresh spinach.
It provides protein, healthy fats, and vitamins while remaining low-carb.
It is perfect for a festive, comforting, and visually appealing holiday dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp basil pesto
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken until golden and cooked through.
- Add heavy cream and basil pesto, stirring to combine.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
This dish is creamy, rich, and aromatic.
It provides protein, healthy fats, and low carbohydrates.
It is perfect for a keto-friendly holiday main.
It transforms simple ingredients into a festive, flavorful meal.
Roasted Pesto Veggie Medley
This Roasted Pesto Veggie Medley is a colorful, low-carb holiday side perfect for keto diets.
It combines roasted broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers with basil pesto and toasted pine nuts for flavor and texture.
It provides fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats while staying low-carb.
It is perfect for a festive, nutritious, and visually appealing holiday side dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- ¼ cup basil pesto
- 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss vegetables with olive oil and roast for 20–25 minutes until tender.
- Drizzle with basil pesto and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts.
- Serve warm.
This medley is colorful, flavorful, and festive.
It provides fiber, healthy fats, and low carbohydrates.
It is perfect for a keto-friendly holiday dinner.
It transforms simple roasted vegetables into a vibrant, celebratory dish.
