Pesto vs salsa verde: what's the difference?
Pesto is a thick, rich basil paste with pine nuts and cheese, while Italian salsa verde is a loose, tangy parsley sauce sharpened with capers, anchovy and vinegar or lemon.
Pesto
Very lightIndulgent
SubtleBig punch
MellowZingy
Rich, nutty and cheesy, a basil sauce made for pasta.
What does Pesto taste like?Salsa verde
Very lightIndulgent
SubtleBig punch
MellowZingy
Tangy, salty and very green, with capers and anchovy doing the shouting.
What does Salsa verde taste like?The real difference
Both are green and Italian, but they do different jobs. Pesto blends basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan and olive oil into a creamy paste that coats pasta. Salsa verde chops parsley (sometimes with mint or basil) with capers, anchovy, garlic and vinegar or lemon, making a sharp sauce for meat and fish.
Side by side
PestoSalsa verde
Main herbBasilParsley, often with mint
TastesRich, nutty, cheesySharp, salty, briny
On a menuPasta, pizza, sandwichesOver roast meats, grilled fish, boiled potatoes
Which to order
- Order pesto if you want something comforting, cheesy and rich.
- Order salsa verde if you want a punchy, salty, sour sauce to brighten meat or fish.
Quick questions
- Is Italian salsa verde the same as Mexican salsa verde?
- No. Mexican salsa verde is made from tomatillos, green chilies, onion and cilantro, and it's tart and often spicy. Italian salsa verde is a parsley and caper sauce with no chili.
- Is salsa verde vegetarian?
- Often not. The Italian version usually has anchovies, though some kitchens leave them out. Ask if it matters to you.