How Long Does Pesto Last in the Fridge? - Tips for storage - Cooking Up Memories (2024)

Have you ever wondered how long pesto lasts in the fridge? And what's the best way to store it so it doesn't go bad?

WHAT IS PESTO

Pesto is a sauce made from fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil. It's a versatile sauce that can be used on pasta, pizza, chicken, fish, or vegetables.

Have you ever made homemade pesto? Fresh Basil Parmesan Pesto is one of my favorites, it's a delicious recipe that can be used so many different ways.

this recipe

STORE BOUGHT PESTO

If you don't want to make homemade pesto there are two types on the market to purchase.

Refrigerated

You will find this pesto in the refrigerated section of your local grocery store. Be sure to keep refrigerated pesto in a sealed container in the fridge immediately when returning from the grocery store.

Unrefrigerated

This type pesto can be kept at room temperature in a pantry. It is best if the space does not have any heat source or any direct sunlight. Because unrefrigerated pesto is shelf stable before opening there are more preservatives found that you don't find in the refrigerated variety.

Unrefrigerated pesto can be found in the condiment isle at the grocery store.

Find out about the best store bought sauces here.

Both refrigerated and unrefrigerated pesto should be stored in a container with a good seal after opening.

HOW TO STORE FRESH PESTO

The best way to store pesto is in an airtight container in the fridge. Mason jars work great for this!

If you're not planning on using the pesto within a week, you can also store it in a freezer-safe container. Just make sure to leave some headroom at the top of the container so the pesto has room to expand as it freezes.

Pesto will last in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

If you've stored it in the freezer, it will last for 6 months. When you're ready to use frozen pesto, thaw it overnight in the fridge or place the container of pesto in a bowl of warm water for a quicker thawing time.

Do not try to thaw frozen pesto by microwaving it!

  • Make sure you don't leave fresh pesto at room temperature for too long.
  • Pay attention to the use-by date and the expiration date. Fresh pesto is delicious but it has a funky smell once it gets past the pesto shelf life.
  • An unopened jar of pesto will last you a long time, as long as you store the sauce properly.

CAN I FREEZE PESTO?

Yes, you can freeze pesto!

Just make sure to leave some headroom in the container so it has room to expand as it freezes. Frozen pesto will last for 6 months. When you're ready to use it, thaw overnight in the fridge or place the container of pesto in a bowl of warm water.

Do not try to thaw frozen pesto by microwaving it.

If you'd like to make it even easier, freeze the pesto in ice cube trays to make single serving thawing even easier (hello, pesto cubes)!

You can also freeze the pesto in heavy-duty freezer bags, plastic wrap, plastic freezer bags, or freezer-safe containers.

How Long Does Pesto Last in the Fridge? - Tips for storage - Cooking Up Memories (2)

Do I need to add more oil before using frozen pesto?

It's not necessary to add more oil before using frozen pesto, but you may want to stir in a bit of extra olive oil after thawing to give the sauce a smoother texture. This is especially important if you plan on using the pesto as a pasta sauce or spread.

To ensure that your pesto stays fresh and lasts for as long as possible, always remember to store it in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

Use this delicious basil pesto sauce when making Pesto Potato Salad.

How Long Does Pesto Last in the Fridge? - Tips for storage - Cooking Up Memories (3)

HOW TO USE LEFTOVER PESTO

One of my favorite things about pesto is how versatile it is!

It's commonly used as a pasta sauce, spread on pizza or sandwiches, mixed into chicken or fish marinades, or tossed with vegetables. Get creative and experiment with using pesto in different recipes!

I'd love to see what you come up with! Post it to Instagram ad tag @cookingupmemoriesinsta so I can see what your cooking!

How Long Does Pesto Last in the Fridge? - Tips for storage - Cooking Up Memories (4)

When using leftover pesto in your dishes, make sure you pay attention to the shelf life of the pasta. I don't want you to ruin a batch of pasta by adding in bad pesto!

How can I change up pesto to make it taste different?

The good news is that there are different ways to change up traditional pesto to give it a unique twist.

  • Try adding different herbs or greens, such as arugula or spinach, in place of some of the basil. You can also experiment with using different types of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, in place of pine nuts.
  • Try swapping out the Parmesan cheese for a different type of hard cheese, like Pecorino or Grana Padano. If you have jars of pesto, put these ideas to use!
  • Pesto is a delicious and versatile sauce that can be used on all sorts of dishes. Now that you know how to store it properly and how long it will last, there's no reason not to keep a jar (or two!) of pesto in your fridge at all times!

While you can buy pesto at the grocery store, it's much better when you're able to make fresh homemade pesto!

How Long Does Pesto Last in the Fridge? - Tips for storage - Cooking Up Memories (5)
How Long Does Pesto Last in the Fridge? - Tips for storage - Cooking Up Memories (2024)

FAQs

How Long Does Pesto Last in the Fridge? - Tips for storage - Cooking Up Memories? ›

Pesto will last in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. If you've stored it in the freezer, it will last for 6 months. When you're ready to use frozen pesto, thaw it overnight in the fridge or place the container of pesto in a bowl of warm water for a quicker thawing time.

How long should pesto keep in the fridge? ›

Once opened, a jar of pesto lasts in the fridge for three days without any dramatic loss of quality. It will be perfectly safe for another two days, but leave it any longer, and its quality will decline to the point that it will no longer be enjoyable to eat.

How long does pesto really last? ›

How long does pesto last in the fridge?
Type of PestoOpenedUnopened
Store bought, refrigerated7 to 14 days1-3 weeks
Store bought, canned5 to 7 days4-6 weeks
Store bought, powdered7-14 days6 weeks (pantry)
Homemade< 3 daysNA
Aug 7, 2022

How do you store pesto for a long time? ›

Pour or spoon the pesto into the ice cube tray and drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the tops of each of the cubes. Freeze for a few hours until solid. Remove the frozen pesto cubes from the tray and add them to a large plastic food storage bag and label with the contents and date.

How do you increase the shelf life of pesto? ›

A useful extension of pesto shelf-life, up to 120 days, was achieved by adopting a target atmosphere containing, at steady-state, 10% CO2 and 90% N2 at 5 °C. Microbial growth was inhibited by the CO2 levels, but was not accompanied by significant changes in odour and colour.

Can I eat 3 week old pesto? ›

Once you remove the lid, however, the sauce starts to expire quickly. In fact, it's possible for store-bought pesto to go bad after just three days, and it is guaranteed that it won't be any good once it gets past the two week mark.

Can I freeze pesto? ›

While you can freeze pesto in full-batch amounts, it is also convenient to freeze pesto in smaller portions to be used as quick flavor-enhancers (without being the full flavor force of the dish)—swirl in soups or stir into salad dressings, or add a dollop to a bowl of rice.

Is pesto good for you? ›

Because its ingredients include olive oil, nuts, and cheese, pesto can be high in calories and fat. However, the fat is primarily unsaturated and may have heart health benefits. Pesto is also full of antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage.

How to use pesto from a jar? ›

Swirl into soup before serving, add a spoonful on the side of roast chicken and salad, or dollop over your favourite lasagne. If you've only got a scraping left, pour a little extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar into the jar, screw on the lid and shake to make a salad dressing.

How long does pesto stay good for Reddit? ›

Everything I've read says keep pesto about a week...

Can you freeze pesto in ziploc bags? ›

Spread the pesto in a thin layer. Freeze. 2- Remove from freezer and break pesto into pieces. 3- Place in a zip lock bag and freeze!

What's good with pesto? ›

My favorite thing to do with all of those fresh herbs (aside from sprinkle them on everything) is to make pesto! It's especially great for lazy summertime cooking. I like to dollop it on grilled vegetables, pasta, spaghetti squash, salads, eggs, toasted bread, pizza, sandwiches… you get the idea.

How to preserve basil? ›

Lay the leaves in a single layer on parchment or plastic wrap. Roll up, slip the paper into a resealable freezer bag, remove excess air and freeze for up to 3 months. Use the leaves straight from frozen for any cooked dish; you can chop them first if you like.

What happens if you use old pesto? ›

Foodborne botulism causes symptoms like dry mouth, difficulty speaking or swallowing, weakness on both sides of one's face, double vision, blurred vision, trouble breathing, drooping eyelids, vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps, and paralysis; would botulism causes some—but not all—of those symptoms.

How long does pesto last in a Mason jar? ›

In a large mason jar, combine the basil, garlic, pine nuts, salt, pepper, Parmesan, lemon juice, and olive oil. Shake to combine. Store in the fridge for up to a week.

Why does my pesto turn brown immediately? ›

The cause of pesto turning brown, or grey is usually because the herbs have started oxidising. The best way to slow that process is to reduce the amount of time the sauce is exposed to air.

Does pesto turn brown in fridge? ›

If, on the other hand, the jar has been opened and left in a fridge for a day or two, it's most likely that the change in colour is simply a result of oxidation.

How long is Costco pesto good for after opening? ›

Some users on Reddit claim to have used the Costco pesto for up to four months, but officially you should go by the date on the jar for safety's sake. You can also judge its state by the smell and appearance, knowing that it's always best to toss anything that seems off — it's better than getting sick, after all.

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