Creamy and Delicious: Avocado Pesto Pasta Recipe
Greetings food lovers! Today, I’m excited to share with you my go-to recipe for a delicious and healthy pasta dish – Avocado Pesto Pasta. Whether you’re a vegan, gluten-free or simply looking for an easy and nutritious meal, this avocado pesto pasta will surely impress.
What’s great about this recipe is that it’s incredibly simple to make in just under 30 minutes. The creaminess of the avocado perfectly complements the tangy flavor of the pesto sauce while adding a healthy dose of plant-based fats. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients and filled with flavors that are sure to satisfy your taste buds without sacrificing your health.
This vegan avocado pesto pasta is not only tasty but also low in carbs, making it ideal for those who are looking to watch their carb intake. With just a few tweaks, you can easily transform this recipe into a keto-friendly one by swapping out the linguine for zucchini noodles.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding an entire family, this recipe can be easily doubled or tripled, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started on this delicious avocado pesto pasta recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying, and healthy vegan pasta recipe that’s packed with fresh flavors, then this avocado pesto pasta is the perfect dish for you. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe:
1) Creamy Avocado: The avocado pesto sauce is creamy, rich, and deliciously addictive without any dairy products. This vegan twist on the classic pesto recipe adds the perfect balance of healthy fats to the dish.
2) Nutritious and Delicious: Made with simple and clean ingredients like avocados, pine nuts, basil leaves, and fresh lemon juice, this recipe is not only nutritious but also tastes amazing.
3) Customizable: This recipe also allows for a lot of flexibility in terms of ingredient choices. You can substitute different types of pasta or nuts based on your dietary preferences or even add sun-dried tomatoes or other veggies for added flavor.
4) Quick and Easy: With just a food processor or blender, you can whip up this creamy avocado pesto sauce in no time. It is perfect when you don’t have much time to cook but want something filling and flavorful.
5) Gluten-Free Option: You can substitute gluten-free pasta ingredients for this recipe. So anyone who has a gluten intolerance can enjoy this delightful dish.
Overall, this vegan avocado pesto pasta offers an explosion of flavors and textures that will satisfy your taste buds while fueling your body with essential nutrients.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this vegan avocado pesto pasta recipe:
For the avocado pesto
- 1 large ripe avocado, pitted and peeled
- 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
- â…“ cup pine nuts or hemp seeds
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
For the pasta
- 8 oz linguine or pasta of your choice (gluten-free if needed)
- Salt for the pasta water
Optional toppings
- Sun-dried tomato
- Fresh basil leaves
- Vegan parmesan cheese
Make sure to review the ingredient list carefully to check that you have everything you need.
The Recipe How-To
Now, onto the main event – making the delicious avocado pesto pasta that will surely satisfy your taste buds. Get ready to cook up a storm in the kitchen with this simple yet flavor-packed recipe. Follow along with me as I guide you step by step through the process.
Preparation:
- Begin by cooking the linguine pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.
- Meanwhile, prepare the avocado pesto by combining fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, clove of garlic, ripe avocados, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice in a food processor. Blend together until smooth and creamy. You can add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta, and save some of the pasta cooking water for later use just incase needed.
Assembling the Dish:
- Return the cooked linguine back to its pot, add half of your prepared avocado pesto, gently tossing together. You can add more pesto if desired.
- If it looks too dry, add one tablespoon of olive oil or reserved pasta water at a time to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Taste for seasoning and adjust accordingly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- To add extra flavor and color to your dish sprinkle some chopped sun-dried tomato or sweet cherry tomatoes on top.
And there you have it! A creamy and delightful vegan dish that is perfect for any occasion. It’s quick and easy to make yet packed with flavors that will leave you feeling satisfied.
Substitutions and Variations
Are you ready to get creative with your avocado pesto pasta? Don’t be afraid to try out some substitutions and variations of the recipe. There are plenty of ways to tweak the recipe and make it your own. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
– Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto: Instead of using basil leaves for the pesto, try using sun-dried tomatoes instead. This will give the pesto a richer, sweeter flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy avocado.
– Zucchini Noodles: If you’re looking for a low-carb option, try swapping out the linguine for zucchini noodles. Use a spiralizer or a mandoline slicer to create thin strips of zucchini, then toss them in the avocado pesto for a delicious and healthy pasta alternative.
– Pesto Pasta Salad: If you want to serve this dish as a cold salad, try adding in some cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber for a refreshing summer salad. You could also try adding in some grilled vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.
– Avocado Kale Pesto: For an even healthier option, swap out some of the basil leaves for kale. The kale adds an extra boost of nutrients and gives the pesto a deep green color.
– Nut-Free Pesto: If you’re allergic to nuts or just want to avoid them, try using hemp seeds or nutritional yeast instead of pine nuts. These ingredients will still give the pesto its creamy texture without any nuts.
No matter what substitutions or variations you choose, don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with this recipe. It’s incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
Serving and Pairing
Once your Avocado Pesto Pasta is cooked to perfection, it is time for the best part: serving and pairing. This pasta dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a sparkling water, the perfect drink as an accompaniment to this rich and creamy recipe.
But that’s not all! You can also serve this pasta cold as a fresh and easy lunchtime salad or even pack it for a picnic – its versatility makes it the perfect meal option for any occasion.
As you take a bite, you’ll notice that the creamy avocado pesto sauce will coat every strand of linguine while the sun-dried tomatoes add a delightful burst of flavor in each bite. For a final touch, sprinkle some fresh ground black pepper on top and enjoy!
You can even elevate this dish further by pairing it with some garlic bread or crispy roasted vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers. This pasta recipe is incredibly versatile so feel free to let your creativity run wild and pair it with whatever you desire.
Serving this dish family-style in a large bowl garnished with fresh basil leaves will make your dining table look colorful and enticing. Your dinner guests will be digging in for seconds in no time. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser no matter what occasion you choose to serve it at.
Pro tip: Remember to save some leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch, because this Avocado Pesto Pasta tastes just as good cold or reheated!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to make-ahead dishes, this avocado pesto pasta really takes the cake. As a vegan chef, I know how precious our time is and making meals in advance can be a real lifesaver. The good news is, this recipe holds up well for meal prepping or storing as leftovers.
To prepare this recipe in advance, all you have to do is store the pesto and pasta separately. The pesto will last for about 5 days in the fridge if stored properly. To prevent it from turning brown, add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice and tightly cover it with plastic wrap.
The linguine on the other hand should be cooked until al denté (slightly firm) and then rinsed with cold water to stop the cooking process. Once it has cooled down, toss it in a bit of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together and store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
When you’re ready to eat, simply cook the pasta for a few minutes in boiling water until heated through, then toss with freshly made pesto. If it seems dry, add some reserved pasta water or more olive oil to loosen up the sauce.
One great thing about this dish is that it’s versatile and can be served warm or cold. So feel free to pack it as a lunchbox option or take it on picnics!
In summary, make-ahead meals can help reduce stress and save time during busy weekdays or hectic schedules. The avocado pesto pasta recipe gives you the flexibility of preparing ahead either the pesto or pasta separately, so all you have to do is heat up and assemble when you’re ready to eat. Plus, this dish serves well as a cold lunch option or picnic food, making it an ideal recipe for a comfortable meal prep routine!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to create the perfect bowl of avocado pesto pasta, here are some tips to keep in mind.
First, make sure your avocados are ripe but not too soft. Over-ripe avocados can make the sauce too watery and less flavorful. On the other hand, unripe avocados won’t give you that creamy texture that avocado pesto is known for. When buying avocados, choose those that have a slight give when gently pressed.
Second, take care when cooking your linguine or pasta of choice. The ideal cook time will depend on the type of pasta you’re using, so be sure to follow the package instructions accordingly. Remember to always add salt to your pasta water; this will help to enhance the overall flavor of your dish.
Third, if you prefer a nuttier and richer taste, try substituting pine nuts with hemp seeds, walnuts or sun-dried tomatoes. These alternatives will add unique flavors that will complement the lightness of avocado pesto.
Fourth, use high quality olive oil and fresh basil leaves for an extra level of flavor. Make sure your basil is fresh and washed before adding to the blender as it can affect the overall taste.
Fifth, don’t skimp on seasoning! Adding fresh ground black pepper and salt to taste is important in bringing out all the flavors in this dish.
Finally, be mindful of your food processor when blending all ingredients together. Pulse until desired consistency is achieved – smooth and creamy with a little texture, but not over-blended into a soup-like mixture or overly chunky.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll end up with a delicious and visually appealing avocado pesto pasta that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Bottom Line
in a Persuasive Tone
In conclusion, this avocado pesto pasta is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings while still sticking to a vegan and gluten-free diet. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make.
With the combination of ripe avocados, fresh basil leaves, and garlic cloves, this creamy avocado pesto will transform any ordinary linguine into a mouthwatering delight for the senses.
If you’re looking for a low carb option or want to spruce up your pasta salad or zucchini noodle dish, then look no further than this avocado pesto sauce.
So why not give this recipe a try right now? After all, with just a few simple steps and some readily available ingredients, you’ll be able to enjoy an unforgettable meal that your taste buds will thank you for. Plus, by making this vegan dish at home, you’ll be saving both time and money compared to dining out.
So go ahead, indulge in something truly special with this vegan avocado pesto pasta recipe. Trust me; you won’t regret it!
Avocado Pesto Pasta - Vegan Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried linguine
- 1 bunch basil leaves (about 2 1/2 ounces)
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 a lemon)
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- salt
- fresh ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomato (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add pasta and cook to package directions. While pasta cooks, in a food processor, blend basil, pine nuts, avocados, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drain pasta. In a large serving bowl, toss pesto with hot, freshly cooked pasta and garnish each serving with a basil leaf. For an extra touch of color and flavor, top pasta with sun-dried tomatoes.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.