Nut-Free Creamy Avocado Basil Pesto
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Photos by Delaney Van
Pesto is really the perfect sauce (yes, not just on pasta!). The light, herby taste pairs well with a variety of proteins, like chicken and fish, for healthy pesto dinners. It’s adaptable nature also means that it pairs well sautéed in a pan with fresh vegetables or as a healthy spread for sandwiches. However, traditional pesto is full of a variety of fats and oils - pine nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.
This easy-to-make, healthy pesto dinner recipe combines fresh spinach and healthy fat from avocado, making it the perfect vegan substitute for parmesan cheese in this recipe. This sauce is also nut-free for those with allergies to traditional pesto. The best, however, is this healthy pesto is a much lighter option for those looking to slash extra calories or following a low-fat plan.
How Is Pesto Traditionally Made?
Traditional pesto is generally made from the same few ingredients:
Basil
Olive Oil
Pine Nuts
Cheese (usually Parmesan)
Garlic
While delicious, the large amount of oil can lead to excess fat and, most importantly, too much oil can leave bread feeling wet or pasta feeling oily. While traditional pesto is not unhealthy by any means (most of the fat is unsaturated), for those looking for a lighter option, you are in the right place!
Why Should I Use Avocados in My Pesto?
The avocados in this recipe take the place of the olive oil and pine nuts found in traditional pestos. Bonus: avocados are high in monounsaturated fat. Yes, that is the “good” fat that helps promote healthy cholesterol levels. Avocados are also rich in a variety of other vitamins and minerals, including: potassium, magnesium, folate, Vitamins C, E, K & B6. All these vitamins and nutrients make avocados a heart-healthy fruit and a great choice to include in any diet. Plus, the avocados in this dish provide the pesto with a creamy texture, that is perfect for pastas or even better, as a sandwich spread.
Everything you Need to Make Avocado Basil Pesto
Spinach. For a daily dose of vegetables.
Basil. The perfect herb to compliment this pesto.
Minced Garlic. It wouldn’t be pesto without garlic, right?
Avocados. The base of this creamy sauce.
Olive Oil. To add a bit of smoothness.
Lemon. To balance the pesto.
Salt & Pepper. To finish the sauce.
How to Make Avocado Basil Pesto in Under 10 Minutes
Add avocados, minced garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice to food processor. Puree on high.
Slowly add basil and spinach to taste.
Finish with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
It’s that easy!
Pro tip: Create individual sized portions for future use by freezing the sauce in silicone ice cube trays. When you’re ready to use, use 1-2 cubes in your sauté pan for instant, fresh sauce.