Name: Vegan Avocado Pesto
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: ½ avocado (or a whole Hass avocado); 1 bunch fresh basil; 1 bunch fresh parsley (or more basil); ¼ cup hemp seeds; 2 cloves garlic; 2 tbsp nutritional yeast; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste; 6 oz pasta of your choice

Why Make This Recipe

Vegan Avocado Pesto is a delicious twist on the traditional pesto sauce. It is creamy, fresh, and packed with healthy ingredients. This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants a quick and easy meal that is vegan and nutritious. The combination of avocado and herbs offers a vibrant flavor that elevates any dish. Whether you’re looking for a tasty pasta sauce or a spread for sandwiches, this pesto has you covered.

🧰 Kitchen tools commonly used in similar recipes

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How to Make Vegan Avocado Pesto

Ingredients:

½ avocado (or a whole Hass avocado)
1 bunch fresh basil
1 bunch fresh parsley (or more basil)
¼ cup hemp seeds
2 cloves garlic
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
2 teaspoons lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
6 oz pasta of your choice

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions.
Rinse basil and parsley, then lightly pat them dry. Remove the leaves from the stems. If you prefer some texture in your pesto, just take off the tougher parts of the basil and parsley stems.
In a food processor, add the herbs, avocado, garlic, hemp seeds, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the ingredients start to mix together. If using a blender, you may need to add a few tablespoons of water to help it blend.
Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl, then run the food processor again until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
To serve, add the vegan pesto to a large bowl and mix in the cooked pasta along with 2 to 3 tablespoons of pasta water. Toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated, and serve immediately.

How to Serve Vegan Avocado Pesto

You can serve Vegan Avocado Pesto in many ways. It is perfect over your favorite pasta, but it also works well as a spread on sandwiches or wraps. Try it as a dip for fresh veggies or a topping for grilled bread. The possibilities are endless!

How to Store Vegan Avocado Pesto

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep the vibrant green color, cover the pesto with a thin layer of olive oil on top. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the pesto in ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Just pop out a cube when you need some!

Tips to Make Vegan Avocado Pesto

Use ripe avocados for a creamier texture.
Adjust the amount of herbs based on your taste preference.
For extra zing, add more lemon juice or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
If you prefer a smoother texture, blend longer and add more water if needed.

Variation

Feel free to experiment with different nuts or seeds instead of hemp seeds. You can use walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for different flavors and textures. Adding nutritional yeast gives it a cheesy flavor, but you can leave it out if you want.

FAQs

Can I use frozen avocado in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen avocado! Just make sure to thaw it before blending.

Is this pesto gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free pasta, this recipe is completely gluten-free!

Can I add other ingredients to the pesto?
Absolutely! You can add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or even a handful of nuts for extra crunch and flavor.