Vegan Avocado Pesto
This Vegan Avocado Pesto is about to be a new staple in your kitchen! It has the traditional basil flavor that we all know and love from typical pestos, but with some fun twists! The extra greens make it even more nutritious, and the avocado gives it a creamy texture. Stir this one into pasta, use as a topping on roasted veggies, or use as a spread on sandwiches! Please note that it is not recommended to use this as a pizza sauce (or anything else where the pesto is directly heated), as the avocado may not react well to direct heat.Note that From Start to Finish is an estimate for just making the pesto itself - be sure to also calculate how long it will take to prepare whatever you are serving the pesto with (such as pasta).
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 cups spinach
- ½ cup arugula
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- ¼ cup cashews
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup nutritional yeast
- 3 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 avocado
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Add all ingredients, other than avocado, to a high speed blender. Blend until you get a slightly chunky texture.
- Depending on how smooth you'd like your pesto, choose one of the following options: -For super smooth pesto: scoop out the avocado flesh and add to the blender. Continue to blend until pesto reaches desired consistency. -For a slightly chunkier texture: scoop out the avocado flesh and mash the avocado in a bowl. Add pesto to the mashed avocado, and stir to combine.
- Add salt to taste
- Serve as desired and enjoy! This one is great on pasta or as a sandwich sauce.
Did you make this recipe?Mention @joyfulbalanceofficial on Instagram and show the world your plant based creation!