Pesto is a savory Italian sauce made with fresh herbs, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese, typically mixed with olive oil to create a smooth paste. While pesto has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries, its popularity has spread globally, and as a result, many synonyms for the sauce have emerged. Some common alternatives include basilico, Genovese, pesto alla Genovese, pesto rosso, salsa di basilico, and pesto di noci. Additionally, variations made with alternative ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, arugula, or kale may also be referred to as pesto. Regardless of its name, pesto remains a crowd-pleasing and versatile ingredient in many dishes.