Vegan Avocado Pesto Pasta
Ingredients
For the Pesto:
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons water (for desired consistency)
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (gluten-free if needed)
- Salt (for the pasta water)
Optional Toppings:
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh basil leaves
- Pine nuts or walnuts, toasted
- Red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
Step 2: Make the Pesto
- In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, basil, nutritional yeast, garlic, nuts, lemon juice, and olive oil.
- Blend until smooth, adding water a tablespoon at a time to reach your desired pesto consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Toss the Pasta and Pesto
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the avocado pesto. If the pesto is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to thin it out and help it coat the pasta evenly.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Serve the pesto pasta in individual bowls, topping with fresh cherry tomatoes, extra basil leaves, and toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, if desired.
Tips for Success
- Nuts: You can swap the pine nuts or walnuts for other nuts like almonds or cashews if preferred.
- Make It Creamier: For an extra creamy texture, blend in a couple of tablespoons of coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk.
- Add Protein: Add chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh to make the dish more filling.
Variations
- Veggie Add-ins: Add sautéed spinach, roasted veggies, or zucchini noodles for more texture and flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Add a small handful of fresh chili peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pesto for some heat.
- Lemon Zest: Add a bit of lemon zest for an extra citrusy zing.
Why You’ll Love Vegan Avocado Pesto Pasta
- Creamy and Rich: The avocado makes the pesto smooth and creamy, without any dairy.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this is a perfect weeknight dinner.
- Nutrient-Packed: Packed with healthy fats from avocado, vitamins from fresh basil, and plant-based protein from nuts.
Enjoy your vegan avocado pesto pasta! 🍝🥑
