This Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta recipe is the perfect healthy comfort food! This creamy avocado pesto pasta is easy to make in 20 minutes using only 9 ingredients and packed full of flavor. You can use it for a quick lunch or healthy dinner, as well as date night!
This is a great meal to enjoy on busy weeknights. This pesto is easy to make and creamy thanks to the avocado. This is the recipe we always return to when avocados are on sale in the market.
The Key Ingredients That You Will Need
Ripe Avocados: Hass avocados are best for this recipe. They are super creamy and loaded with vitamins C, minerals, fiber, as well as omega-3 fatty acid. Make sure that they are extra creamy and ripe before you use them! These clever methods will help you quickly ripen avocados at your home.
Nutritional yeast: Gives pesto a creamy flavor without using any dairy. It is important to note that nutritional yeast and brewer's yeast are different and cannot be used interchangeably. These ingredients are quite different!
Olive oil: We used the traditional olive oil but you could also use an alternative oil like avocado oil.
Garlic:Fresh and raw garlic cloves work well in pesto. Pesto should contain more garlic than we prefer, but you may use less depending upon your taste.
Lemon Juice Fresh lemon juice adds brightness to the pesto recipe. Although we recommend fresh squeezed lemon juice over store bought lemon juice, I believe they are obvious.
Basil:It is very important to make pesto using fresh basil leaves. We won't accept dried basil.
Walnuts These nuts provide a great source of healthy fats that make avocado pesto creamy. You can substitute these walnuts for almonds or pine nuts if you wish.
Pasta We used our favorite gluten-free pasta but you can use any pasta. Even low-carb pasta options like spaghetti squash, kelp noodles or zucchini noodles can be used.
Equipment Required
Food Processor A blender is also an option. However, you should pulse the mixture as you blend it to ensure that you don't overprocess it.
Large Pot If you are looking for new pots or pans, Caraway Home is the place to go!
Large Bowl Looking for a set of mixing bowls? This is the one we recommend.
How to make Avocado Pesto
Make the avocado pesto. Blend until smooth.
Add remaining ingredients. Continue to pulse until the mixture reaches your preferred consistency. You can make it as smooth as you like or chunky as you prefer. Ours is a little more chunky.
Add more water. Add more water if necessary to thin the sauce.
How to Make Avocado Pesto Pasta
The pasta should be cooked. Bring large saucepan of salted water up to a boil. Add the pasta. Follow the package directions to cook the pasta until it is al dente.
Mix the pesto and cooked pasta. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Mix all the avocado pesto sauce with the pasta and stir until it is well combined. Mix in the sun-dried tomato mixture and continue to mix.
Serve. Serve warm, creamy, with any toppings or sides.
Serving Suggestions
Red pepper flakes, fresh herbs and vegan parmesan cheese are all great toppings for pasta. You can also add your favorite leafy greens like baby spinach, fresh arugula or baby kale.
This avocado pesto pasta recipe is great paired with these easy vegan garlic breads or these garlic herb dinner roll recipes. It is delicious and complements the creamy pasta perfectly with its crunchy garlicky texture. It's a great choice!
You can also add your favorite protein from plants, such as Italian sausage.
More Ways to Use Avocado Pesto
This delicious sauce is great on vegan avocado pesto pasta. Here are some of our favorite ways to use pesto.
Roasted Pesto Gnocchi
4-Ingredient Pesto Pinwheels
Vegan Chicken Pesto Pizza (5-Ingredients!)
Pesto and Baked Tofu Sandwich
Rainbow Pesto Hummus Sandwich
Storage Instructions
This avocado pesto pasta recipe will keep for 3 days in the fridge once it is combined. For maximum freshness, store leftovers in an airtight container.
We recommend that you separate the avocado pesto, the pasta, and sun-dried tomato if you are making avocado pesto pasta as a meal prep. For the best cream texture, combine the two ingredients when you are ready to eat.
Questions about recipes
Are pestos usually made with avocado?
Regular pesto isn't usually made with avocado. It's made creamy using pine nuts, extra-virgin olive oil and parmigiano–reggiano (parmesan) cheese. You can substitute this avocado pesto recipe for our simple vegan pesto if you are craving classic pesto.
Is it possible to make the avocado pesto without nuts?
If you have an allergy to nuts, you can omit them completely or substitute unsalted sunflower seed for them.
How do you keep avocado pesto from turning brown?
Avocados can quickly brown if you have ever made avocado and corn salad or homemade guacamole. This is caused by the simple process called oxidation.
To prevent avocado pesto turning brown, you need to keep it as far from oxygen as possible. The pesto can be stored in an airtight container or sealed with plastic wrap. This will keep avocado pesto fresh for as long as 3 days.
Can you reheat avocado pesto?
Yes! Yes! The pesto pasta is best the day before, but can be enjoyed the following day. You can loosen it with water, vegetable broth, or avocado pesto if you need. This pasta is best heated on the stovetop or in a microwave.
More Creamy Pasta Recipes You May Enjoy:
Easy Garlic and Herb Pasta (30 Minutes) - A simple, classic recipe that everyone will love.
One-pot Pasta is a quick and easy recipe that we love to make when time is short and we don't want dishes to wash.
Easy Vegan Pasta Primavera is loaded with fresh vegetables, cashew cream and hearty noodles.
Creamy One-Pot Taco Pasta (30 Minutes) - Everything you love about tacos combined into one dish.
One-Pot Vegan Hamburger Helper (Cheesburger Pasta) - Just like the classic Hamburger Helper but vegan!
Instant Pot Pasta e Fagioli, also known as Pasta and Beans, is made with only 10 ingredients and Cavatelli pasta.
If you make any of our recipes, be sure to tag us on Instagram @sweetsimplevegan or @consciouschris with the hashtag #sweetsimplevegan. We love seeing your photos!
This Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta recipe is the perfect healthy comfort food! This creamy avocado pesto pasta is easy to make in 20 minutes using only 9 ingredients and packed full of flavor. You can use it for lunch, dinner or date night!
Ingredients
16 oz. gluten-free rotini pasta
2 medium ripe hass avocados
3 tablespoons nutrition yeast
2 tablespoons olive oil
2-3 cloves garlic (or 1- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2- 4 Tablespoons water, as required
2 large handfuls fresh basil
1/2 cup unsalted nuts
1/2 cup Sliced sun-dried tomatoes*, cut into strips
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Follow the instructions on the package to prepare your pasta.
Prepare the avocado pesto while you wait. Add the avocados, nutritional yeast and olive oil to a food processor. Blend until smooth.
In a food processor, add the walnuts, basil, and a large pinch of salt. Blend until you get the desired consistency. This can be made as smooth as you like or chunky as you wish. Ours is a little more chunky.
You can thin the sauce by adding more water if you wish. Season to your liking
Drain the pasta once it has been cooked. Mix all the avocado pesto together until well combined. Mix in the sun-dried tomato mixture and combine. Dig in!
Notes
We used sun-dried tomatoes. To hydrate them, place them in a large bowl and cover with boiling water. Let them sit for 30 minutes. Drain the tomatoes and slice them. Sun-dried tomatoes that have been fried in oil can be removed from the oil and tossed into the pasta. These tomatoes are typically sliced, but you can cut them into small pieces if necessary.
Pesto can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for approximately 2 days. Avocados oxidize quickly so it's best to be eaten right after being made.
You can substitute the walnuts with almonds or pine nuts if you wish.
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Category:Entree, Pasta
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Vegan
Keywords: Entree, Pasta, Avocado, Pesto, Vegan
Sweet Simple Vegan's Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta (Vegan & Gluten Free) was first published on Sweet Simple Vegan.
By: Jasmine Briones Title: Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta (Vegan & Gluten-Free) Sourced From: sweetsimplevegan.com/easy-avocado-pesto-pasta/ Published Date: Mon, 27 Mar 2023 18:01:00 +0000
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat meat on a plant-based diet?
Plant-based diets allow for certain foods that are not made up of animal products, such as fish, meat, and poultry. Some people who follow a plant-based diet can still eat dairy and eggs, but only in moderation. There are many options for those who want to make the switch to a plant diet. Plant-based diets are primarily based on fresh fruits and veggies, legumes like beans and lentils as well as nuts and seeds such as oatmeal, quinoa, and soy products. They also include fortified foods such as non-dairy almond milk or coconut milk.
Many grocery stores carry vegan products. Soy-based meats like tofu (wheat gluten), seitan (wheat protein), tempeh, fermented soybeans, and mock duck made of mushrooms can all be replicated in the taste and texture. You can get a vegetarian burger made from black beans and quinoa, which are very similar to beef burgers.
For those who are looking for more than just a replacement for their favorite carnivorous foods, there are many plant-based alternative options. Vegan substitutes include tofu mayo and coconut bacon strips; eggplant bacon bits or coconut bacon; vegetable hot dogs with seasoned texture soy protein; faux chicken strips made from wheat gluten; and veggie hot dog recipes. Furthermore, while some processed forms of fermented fungi, like mushrooms, taste like something similar to steak or pork when cooked properly, they can have similar sensory properties as meat but with significantly less environmental impact due to their far lower water use when compared with livestock production. You can safely replace the meat you once ate with these alternative foods, which makes it easier to switch to a plant-based lifestyle.
What are some popular plant-based meals?
A plant-based diet is gaining popularity due to its potential health and environmental benefits. Common plant-based foods include those that are derived from fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts. These foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. There are many great sources of plant-based proteins, including beans, legumes, chickpeas and kidney beans, as well as soy burgers, soy burgers, hemp powder, nutritional yeast flakes, vegan yogurt, soy burgers, soy burgers, soy sour cream, soy patty, and soy burgers. Also, whole wheat bread without added sugar or vegetable oil, chia seeds, flaxseed oil, whole grain cereals with added nuts, such as oats or oats or barley with nuts and barley, as well as well as well as whole grains like oats or oats with nutseed butter or nuts. There are many other plant-based options, such as olive, flaxseed, flaxseed, and other nut oil. There are many ready-to eat meals that can be purchased, which can help to reduce your grocery bill. Depending on the amount of food you purchase, a plant-based diet can be cheaper than others.
Is it possible to sustain a plant-based diet?
The health and environmental benefits of plant-based diets is increasing. Because it causes less pollution than foods made from animal products, a plant-based diet can be more sustainably. Plant-based foods are also more sustainable than those made from animal products. They require less inputs to grow and produce their food. Additionally, animals raised for profit often require large amounts water, land, or fossil fuel resources. As some environmental effects of livestock production have been linked to global warming, reducing consumption of these foods through introducing more plant-based meals into one's weekly rotation could help reduce an individual's carbon footprint and support healthier, more eco-friendly practices.
What are the advantages of a plant based diet?
Plant-based diets can provide many benefits, including improved heart health and digestive health, higher energy levels, reduced stress hormones, greater environmental protection, and increased energy. Soy-based protein is made from legumes, beans and whole grains. It has higher fiber and lower levels of saturated fat than animal proteins. Plant-based foods are rich in vitamins, minerals as antioxidants and other beneficial compound that can help prevent damage to cells due to inflammation or oxidative injury. This can cause chronic illnesses such heart disease, cancer, and even death. It is possible to increase fiber intake by eating more fruits and vegetables. This helps promote digestive health and gut bacteria. Research shows that a plant based diet may be able to improve moods by reducing stress hormones. Alternatives to factory farming are also becoming popular, such as switching away from animal protein.
How do you replace the meat in a plant based diet?
Ingenious vegan substitutes can replace meat in a plant-based diet. Tofu and seitan (wheat Gluten), tempeh or fermented soybeans can mimic traditional meats. Vegetarian burgers made out of black beans or quinoa also come close to the taste of beef burgers. You can also make tasty vegan alternatives using tofu mayo, coconut bacon strips, or eggplant bacon bits, and veggie hot dogs with seasoned texture soy protein. Also, faux chicken strips made of wheat gluten are delicious options. Recipes can be altered to include fruits and vegetables as well. Other cooking methods, such as roasting, steaming, or grilling, are great options to enjoy plant-based foods without sacrificing flavor.
Can I eat a diet that is plant-based and still eat eggs?
No, eggs are not permissible on a plant-based diet. This diet eliminates all animal products including eggs, meat, fish, poultry and fish. However, several vegan substitutes for traditionally egg-centric dishes offer similar flavor and texture without relying on animal products. Tofu scrambles and omelets are great breakfast options that have the same appearance and texture as eggs. They also provide plant-based protein. Chickpea flour and mashed banana can be used to replace eggs in baked goods. Aquafaba, which is the liquid in chickpea cans, can also be used as an alternative to eggs when making meringues and other desserts. Flaxseed meal or Chia seeds mixed with water can be used as an egg substitute to preserve non-vegan dishes without compromising their taste.
How Can a Plant-Based Diet Boost Your Health?
A plant-based lifestyle can offer many health benefits. There is a link between eating more plant-based foods, and less animal products, and a lower risk of developing certain chronic diseases, such as stroke, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, or certain types of cancer. Plant-based foods are rich in vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. They can also help prevent inflammation and oxidative harm. The benefits of eating lots of fruits, vegetables, legumes, beans and other legumes have been shown to be due to the high levels of dietary fiber. This feeds your gut bacteria and helps you maintain good digestion. Plant-based meal options are often low in saturated oils, which can increase blood cholesterol. A number of studies have found that plant-based diets can reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Adopting a combination of plant-based proteins and healthy fats found in things like nuts or avocados can also help promote long-term satiety between meals.
Statistics
A study found that livestock provides just 18 percent of calories consumed globally but takes up 83 percent of farmland. (forksoverknives.com)
In fact, according to research published in the going plant-based can cut grocery bills by $750 a year per person, Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition. (forksoverknives.com)
Preparing plant-based meals ahead of time makes cooking easy and efficient. It requires some planning and preparation, but it can help save you time while promoting healthy eating habits. It makes it easier to stick with your diet by prepping plant-based meals. They are already prepared and ready for when you want something delicious and healthy. Also, you can save time and make it easier to exercise or relax by not having the food prepared from scratch each day.
Successful plant-based meal prep is all about variety. You can get better nutrition by choosing different ingredients with different colors. For example, you could use spinach for greens, orange/red carrots for orange/reds, or brown rice to make complex carbohydrates. A balance of fiber, protein and some fats should be the aim with each meal, depending on the individual's needs.
Consider using a multi-cooker and slow cooker to maximize your meal prep efficiency.
A few easy steps can make meal preparation for a plant based diet fun and easy. Make a grocery shopping list with the recipes that you are going to be making. If possible, shop at local farmers' markets or health food stores for fresh produce and other quality ingredients. The next step is to plan enough time to prepare the food. This option allows you to save time and effort while still getting great results. Utilizing appropriate storage equipment additionally helps so food remains fresh until needed.
Plant-based meal planning allows for healthy eating, regardless of how busy one is. Individuals will most likely reach their nutritional goals sooner than they think by eliminating the guesswork involved in healthy eating.
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