Avocado pesto combines the goodness of pesto with the energy and protein of avocado – for a new and special twist to the classic Italian recipe. To make it, you’ll just need a ripe avocado, some fresh basil leaves, garlic, extra virgin olive oil and salt. And if you're thinking it's not pesto, you're right. You don't need a mortar to make it; you need a blender!
Avocado Pesto Recipe
To make avocado pesto, you’ll need a ripe avocado, two handfuls of basil leaves, half a clove of garlic, four tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and half a teaspoon of salt. Blend all the ingredients, adding the oil little by little. Continue blending until you have a smooth cream.
Add a little extra “crunch”!
To give your pesto a crunchier consistency, add a handful of pine nuts, pistachios or hazelnuts. For a creamier consistency, grated Parmigiano Reggiano is perfect. Add it at the end, when the ingredients are well blended. Blend once more with the nuts for a dense and full-bodied pesto. If you love strong flavors, opt for pecorino cheese (but don’t add salt if you use pecorino; otherwise, the pesto becomes too salty!)
Pasta with Avocado Pesto
This cream is perfect for all kinds of pasta – spaghetti, linguine, fusilli, farfalle, penne, rigatoni and even paccheri. If you choose fresh pasta, we recommend diluting the avocado pesto with a spoonful of cooking water to prevent it from drying out too much.
Avocado Pesto Salad
To make an unconventional avocado salad, julienne some zucchini, carrots and fennel. Then add some avocado pesto to the mix. For an extra boost, we suggest a splash of lime and a sprinkling of paprika.
Avocado Pesto Bruschetta
Inspired by avocado toast, bruschetta with avocado pesto is prepared by toasting the bread, rubbing it with a little garlic and spreading it with the pesto cream. Then arrange some slices of tomato topped with oil, salt and pepper.
Avocado Pesto with Salmon
An imaginative and tasty combination! Grill the salmon, add the pesto, a little lime juice and some pepper. Serve warm. The ideal side dish? A baked potato with salt and pepper.