Vegan Avocado Pesto Pasta!!
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti or fettuccine work well)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the avocado pesto. In a food processor, combine the avocados, basil leaves, minced garlic, lemon juice, pine nuts or walnuts, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Pulse until smooth.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, you can add a little water or reserved pasta water.
- Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the avocado pesto until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves, pine nuts, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast if desired.
Enjoy your creamy and flavorful Vegan Avocado Pesto Pasta!
Introduction: Indulge in a sumptuous culinary journey with our delectable Vegan Avocado Pesto Pasta. This vibrant dish combines the creamy goodness of ripe avocados with the aromatic freshness of basil, creating a luscious sauce that coats every strand of pasta. Perfect for vegans and pasta lovers alike, this recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Let’s dive into the details of crafting this mouthwatering masterpiece.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti or fettuccine recommended)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente perfection. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water, and set it aside for later use.
- Create the Avocado Pesto: In a food processor, combine the flesh of the ripe avocados, fresh basil leaves, minced garlic, lemon juice, pine nuts or walnuts, nutritional yeast, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse the ingredients until they form a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Incorporate Olive Oil: With the food processor running, gradually add the extra virgin olive oil in a slow, steady stream. Continue blending until the pesto achieves the desired texture. If the pesto appears too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding a splash of water or reserved pasta water.
- Season to Perfection: Taste the avocado pesto and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preferences.
- Combine Pasta and Pesto: Transfer the cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl and pour the creamy avocado pesto over the pasta. Gently toss the pasta until it is evenly coated with the luscious sauce, ensuring every strand is infused with flavor.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the Vegan Avocado Pesto Pasta and garnish it with additional basil leaves, pine nuts, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 15mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 7g
SmartPoints (WW): 10 per serving
Conclusion: Elevate your dining experience with our Vegan Avocado Pesto Pasta, a tantalizing fusion of creamy avocado goodness and aromatic basil bliss. This wholesome dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also nourishes your body with essential nutrients. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a comforting meal for one, this recipe is sure to impress. Treat yourself to a bowl of indulgence and savor every mouthful of this culinary masterpiece.