Sardine Toasts with Rocket, Basil and Walnut Pesto

Some appetisers require specialist equipment, a heroic amount of preparation and enough washing-up to make you reconsider inviting anyone over.

These sardine toasts with rocket pesto are not those appetisers.

Made with creamy ricotta, toasted French bread and Brunswick Sardines in Spring Water (No Added Salt), this simple recipe delivers fresh herbs, peppery rocket and satisfying savoury flavour in every bite. It looks elegant enough for entertaining but is easy enough to prepare when lunch needs to happen immediately.

Why Sardines and Pesto Work So Well Together

Sardines have a naturally rich, savoury flavour that pairs beautifully with fresh herbs and citrus. A squeeze of lemon brightens the fish, while ricotta adds a mild creaminess that brings all the flavours together.

Then there is the pesto.

This homemade rocket, basil and walnut pesto is fresh, vibrant and pleasantly peppery. The walnuts add body and a subtle nuttiness, while garlic and quality olive oil turn the herbs into a smooth, spoonable sauce.

Pile everything onto warm toast and you have crunch, creaminess, freshness and savoury depth in one very cooperative little appetiser.

How to Make This Walnut Pesto Recipe with Basil

This walnut pesto recipe uses simple ingredients and a food processor, so it comes together quickly. Add fresh basil, rocket, walnuts, garlic, lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil, then blend until the pesto is smooth but still has some texture. If needed, add a little more oil to loosen the sauce or a squeeze more lemon to brighten the flavour.

For the best colour, make the pesto just before serving or store it with a thin layer of olive oil on top. That helps keep the bright green color for longer and protects the surface from browning.

A Quick Appetiser with Pantry-Friendly Ingredients

Canned sardines are one of those clever pantry ingredients that can turn toast into a proper meal. They are ready to eat, convenient to store and naturally provide protein and healthy fats, including Omega-3 fatty acids.

Using Brunswick Sardines in Spring Water with No Added Salt also gives you greater control over the final seasoning. You can add just enough salt to the pesto while allowing the lemon, herbs and sardines to provide the flavour.

Serve these sardine crostini as:

A quick lunch

A dinner-party appetiser

Part of a Mediterranean grazing board

A savoury weekend brunch

An easy snack with drinks

A starter for a seafood-inspired menu

They are also extremely photogenic—at least until somebody eats the hero piece.

Easy Serving Ideas

For entertaining, arrange the sardine toasts on a large platter and garnish them with extra herbs, lemon wedges and a light drizzle of olive oil.

You could also add:

Thinly sliced radish for crunch

Chopped capers for a salty finish

Fresh chilli for gentle heat

Pickled onion for acidity

Cherry tomatoes for sweetness

Lemon zest for extra freshness

For a more substantial meal, serve the sardine toast alongside a leafy salad, roasted vegetables or a simple bowl of tomato soup.

How to Store Homemade Pesto

Yes. Prepare the rocket and walnut pesto ahead of time and store it in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator. Adding a thin layer of olive oil over the surface can help protect its colour.

For the best texture, toast the bread and assemble the sardine crostini immediately before serving. This keeps the toast crisp and prevents it from becoming soggy.

Any leftover pesto can be tossed through pasta, spooned over roasted vegetables, spread inside a sandwich or served with grilled chicken and seafood. It is far too useful to be left quietly at the back of the refrigerator.

Walnut Pesto Tips

For a classic basil pesto flavour, use the freshest basil you can find and blend briefly so the herbs stay vibrant. If you want a slightly looser pesto sauce, add a touch more olive oil. If you prefer a sharper finish, use a little extra lemon juice.

You can also make this pesto with parsley mixed in for a different herbal note, or serve it as a salad dressing, on pesto pasta or spread on sandwiches. If you need a nut-free version, simply swap the walnuts for a seed-based alternative.

A Small Tin with Considerable Ambition

These Brunswick sardine toasts with rocket pesto prove that impressive food does not need to be complicated.

With crisp French bread, creamy ricotta, zesty sardines and fresh homemade pesto, every bite offers a delicious balance of flavours and textures. Serve them at your next gathering, prepare them for lunch or keep the recipe ready for the moment an ordinary piece of toast needs a promotion.

Shop Brunswick Sardines in Spring Water (No Added Salt) from Petits Trésors and have delicious pantry favourites delivered straight to your door across Australia.