Basil pesto and green pesto are indeed one and the same. Both are usually made with basil, parmesan cheese, olive oil, pine nuts, and, of course, garlic! The basil leaves give it a beautiful emerald color and an herby flavor. Pesto tastes great with pasta, pizza, bread, and meaty mains. A red version of pesto can also be made with vine-ripened tomatoes instead of basil. Pesto is at its best and brightest in the summer when most of its ingredients are in season.