You can also mix in some parsley for the basil. I'm also interested in trying a pumpkin seed, sage and parsley one I found online.

i've seen recipes for kale pesto but haven't tried it myself. i imagine spinach would be the mildest, even milder than basil.

Spinach or peas. Kids esp. love the pea pesto. Yum

I have used broccoli, spinach and arugula (not at the same time). You can also play around with different nuts and oils.

Blanched kale or chard, baby spinach raw, arugula (though spicier)...pecans work wonderfully for all listed.

Trader Joe's sells enough basil in a clamshell packaging to make a large single batch of pesto, for about $2.99. I also use walnuts in my pesto.

I like spinach with walnuts, Parmesan, and lemon

I've used arugula and walnuts. I don't think arugula works as well with pine nuts. I've also mixed basil and parsley, so not as much basil is needed.

I've heard arugula works, but that might affect the flavor. You can still buy basil, it would just cost a lot at the quantity you would need.

I use walnuts instead of pine nuts, because I always forget to buy the pine nuts. Pesto still tastes great.

You can buy the pseto plants at Harris Teeter and Wegmans. That is what I do.

what green do you use in the fall? I've just run out of the Basil pesto from the summer and am looking for suggestions for an equally mild tasting alternative. My kids eat this so I don't want to stray too far

If you do use Basil, where do you source the freshest/most reasonable variety from.

Recipes welcome!