Creamy Dreamy Avocado Pesto

Craving a Green Goddess? Meet Avocado Pesto !
Ever looked at an avocado and thought, "What else can I do with this besides toast?" Well, buckle up, buttercup! Today, we're diving headfirst into the delicious world of Avocado Pesto .
This isn't your grandma's pesto. It's a vibrant, creamy twist that'll have you licking the bowl clean.
A Pesto with a Twist: Origin and Benefits
This Avocado Pesto recipe is a modern take on the classic. It blends Italian inspiration with fresh, healthy avocados. It's super easy, taking only 10 minutes to whip up.
It makes about 6 servings, perfect for a family dinner or a few lunches. Plus, it's packed with healthy fats and vitamins.
Why You'll Love This Healthy Pesto Recipe
Honestly, what's not to love? This Green Sauce Recipe is a nutrition powerhouse, thanks to the avocados. It's loaded with good fats.
These fats are great for your heart and skin. It's the perfect Homemade Pesto for a quick weeknight meal. It will also add a touch of green to your boring Salad Pasta .
What Makes This Avocado Pesto Special?
I get it. There are a million pesto recipes out there. This Avocado Pesto recipe stands out because it's incredibly versatile.
You can slather it on an Avocado Pesto Sandwich . Toss it with your favourite Avocado Pesto Pasta . Use it as a dip for veggies.
The possibilities are endless. Ready to get started? Let's talk ingredients.
Right then, let's talk about what you'll need to make this wicked Avocado Pesto . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward, and you probably have most of it already.
It is a healthy pesto recipe , that will give a twist to your salad pasta .
Ingredients & Equipment for Amazing Avocado Pesto
So, you want to make this Avocado Pesto Pasta ? Let's get our ducks in a row. You will be able to create also an amazing Avocado pesto sandwich .
Main Ingredients to Achieve a Creamy Avocado Sauce
First, the stars of the show. Get these right, and you're golden.
- Avocados: 2 medium ripe ones (about 300g ). They should yield to gentle pressure. Not rock hard, not mush.
- Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup packed (around 15g ). Look for bright green leaves.
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup packed ( 15g ). Flat leaf is best.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (about 6g ). Fresh is key.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup grated ( 25g ). Go for the real stuff, not the powdered kind.
- Olive Oil: 1/4 cup ( 60ml ). Good quality extra virgin.
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ). Freshly squeezed.
- Pine Nuts: 2 tablespoons toasted ( 15g ). Toasting brings out the flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy.
Seasoning Notes
Spices are important, lads. Let's look at the flavors. I've tested this with a lot of combinations, so this is gold.
- Basil and Garlic: Classic combo, essential for pesto.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens it all up.
- Pine Nuts: Adds a nutty richness. Toast them lightly in a dry pan to really bring out the flavor. Trust me on this one.
- Salt and pepper: you should taste this Green sauce recipe , and add until you find the balance.
Equipment Needed
Okay, you don't need fancy kit. Just the essentials, honestly.
- Food Processor or Blender: The most important piece, to get that creamy avocado sauce . A high speed blender works too.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Obvious, but vital.
- Small Frying Pan: For toasting those pine nuts. Keep a close eye, they burn easily.
- Household Alternative: If you don't have a food processor, a powerful blender will do. You might need to scrape down the sides more often.
Right, now you know what you need. Let's get cooking this homemade pesto .
Avocado Pesto: Your New Favourite Green Sauce Recipe
Alright, listen up! Forget everything you thought you knew about pesto. We're doing Avocado Pesto , and trust me, it's a game changer.
I mean, who doesn't love a good green sauce recipe. This stuff is seriously addictive. It's creamy, it's vibrant, and it's ridiculously easy to make.
Honestly, you will want to use this creamy avocado sauce for everything.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
Essential mise en place is key. Get your ingredients measured and ready. This helps big time. Trust me, you don't want to be scrambling for lemon juice when your avocados are already turning brown.
Time Saving Tips
Toast your pine nuts beforehand. That's what I would do. They add such a depth of flavour to the Avocado Pesto , and toasting them ahead of time saves you a step when you're in the zone.
Safety First
Be careful when using the food processor. Keep your fingers away from the blades. You know? We want delicious pesto, not a trip to A&E!
Let's Make Some Avocado Pesto Pasta: step-by-step
Here's how to nail this healthy pesto recipe :
- If you want the best Avocado Pesto Pasta , gently toast your pine nuts. Do this in a dry pan over medium low heat until golden. About 3- 5 minutes . Watch them like a hawk, they burn easily!
- Add the avocados, basil, parsley, garlic, Parmesan, and lemon juice to your food processor.
- Pulse. Start pulsing the processor and slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Continue until your Avocado Pesto is smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Season. Add salt and pepper to taste. Don't be shy.
- Serve! Toss with pasta, spread on a Avocado Pesto sandwich , or dollop on anything.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Avocado Pesto Game
Want to go from good to amazing ? Here's the goss.
Expert Shortcuts
Don't over process the pesto. Keep pulsing until it is just combined. You don't want a baby food texture, just the creamy avocado sauce.
Common Mistakes
Using unripe avocados is a disaster. They need to be ripe, yielding to gentle pressure. Otherwise, your pesto will be lumpy.
make-ahead Magic
Want to make this Homemade pesto in advance? Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent browning. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days .
This simple act can really help to preserve that beautiful, vibrant green.
Honestly, once you try this Avocado Pesto , you won't go back to the ordinary kind. Whether you're tossing it with Salad Pasta or smearing it on a sarnie, this Food Avocado sauce brings the sunshine.
Now, go forth and pesto!
Right, let's chat about all the bits and bobs you need to know to really nail this Avocado Pesto . It's not just about chucking everything in a blender, you know?
Recipe Notes
Let's dive into some key points to make this Avocado Pesto a smash hit.
Serving like a Pro
Right, how do you make this green sauce recipe look smashing? Honestly, presentation matters. For Avocado Pesto Pasta , try twirling the pasta into a nest on the plate, then spooning the pesto over it.
A cheeky sprinkle of extra Parmesan never hurts. It also works wonders on a salad pasta , giving it a proper zing.
And drinks? Something light and crisp like a Pinot Grigio or even just a sparkling water with a slice of lemon.
Perfect, innit? For a more casual affair, an Avocado pesto sandwich is always a winner.
Storage Savvy
Oh my gosh, leftovers! If you've got some homemade pesto kicking about, stick it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Should be good for about 3 days, tops. Pro tip: press some cling film directly onto the surface of the pesto to stop it from going brown.
If you are thinking longer term, freezing is an option. Portion it into ice cube trays, then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag.
When you're ready to use it, just thaw it out and you're good to go! When reheating, a gentle warm-up is what you are looking for.
Twists and Tweaks
Fancy a bit of a change? If you want a healthy pesto recipe and want to make it Vegan, ditch the parmesan or get a plant based alternative.
Want a little zing? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. You can easily adapt this creamy avocado sauce to suit your taste.
Another thing I like to do, is to swap in different fresh herbs depending on what's in season, or what i can find in the fridge - coriander is a great addition.
Avocado Pesto : Nutrition Lowdown
So, you're probably wondering if this food avocado dish is actually any good for you, right? Well, avocados are packed with healthy fats, which are good for your heart.
Each serving has approximately 220 calories , 4g of protein , 20g of fat , and 8g of carbohydrates . Of course, this can vary a bit depending on what you use, but it is all about eating fresh, whole foods - winner winner.
Honestly, this Avocado Pesto is a game changer. It's quick, easy, and packed with flavour. Whether you're a pesto pro or a complete newbie, give it a go you won't regret it!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I stop my Avocado Pesto from turning brown? It always seems to go yucky on me!
Avocado has a tendency to oxidise and turn brown, a bit like a Granny Smith apple left out in the open! The lemon juice in the recipe helps slow this down. For extra protection, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pesto before refrigerating, ensuring no air is touching it.
This will keep it looking vibrant green for longer. You can also add a little extra lemon juice!
Can I make Avocado Pesto ahead of time, or is it best served immediately?
While Avocado Pesto is best served fresh for the brightest flavour and colour, you can certainly make it a few hours ahead. Follow the tips for preventing browning (plastic wrap!), and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute any oil that may have separated. It will keep for a day or two.
I'm allergic to nuts. What can I use instead of pine nuts in this Avocado Pesto recipe?
No worries! Many folks have nut allergies these days. You can easily make this Avocado Pesto nut-free by simply omitting the pine nuts altogether. For a similar texture and flavour, try using toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds instead.
Toasting them lightly will really bring out their flavour, much like the pine nuts!
Is there a vegan alternative to Parmesan cheese for this Avocado Pesto?
Absolutely! For a vegan Avocado Pesto, nutritional yeast is your best bet for replicating that savoury, cheesy flavour. Start with about 2-3 tablespoons and adjust to taste. You could also try using a vegan hard cheese alternative, finely grated. Another trick for adding a little extra flavour is miso paste.
Use 1/2-1tsp to get the umami hit!
What are some good ways to use Avocado Pesto besides just with pasta? I'm looking for some new inspiration!
Think outside the pasta bowl! Avocado Pesto is incredibly versatile. Try spreading it on sandwiches or wraps for a flavour boost, dolloping it on grilled chicken or fish, or using it as a dip for vegetables.
It's also fantastic as a base for pizza or as a topping for scrambled eggs - a proper Full English upgrade, that is!
Can I freeze Avocado Pesto?
Freezing Avocado Pesto isn't ideal, as the texture can change and become a bit watery when thawed. However, you can do it if you really want to! Spoon the pesto into ice cube trays for individual portions, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This allows you to thaw only what you need.
Be aware that the colour may darken slightly, but the flavour should still be good. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the mix!
Creamy Dreamy Avocado Pesto

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 220 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 8g |