Vegan Avocado Pesto Pasta

Vegan avocado pesto pasta is a filling twist on classic pesto. Made in less than 15 minutes, this quick recipe is packed with flavor and healthy ingredients.

Avocado pesto pasta is creamy, flavorful, and packed with nutrients from spinach and avocado. It’s made just like regular pesto, but with the addition of avocado (and minus the cheese!).

Choose your favorite pasta, mix up the avocado pesto, and enjoy an easy meal.

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Avocados are packed with nutrients

• They’re loaded with fiber, which is important for a healthy gut
• Over 20 (!!) vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin K and potassium
• Healthy fats found in avocados (omega-3s, omega 6-s) help the body absorb fat-soluble nutrients like Vitamin K and Vitamin A

The other secret to this super green pesto?

Spinach!

Adding frozen thawed spinach is an easy way to “bulk up” your pesto. Spinach blends in beautifully with pesto and it’s a powerhouse of nutrients. It’s also an inexpensive way to stretch the amount of pesto you have without sacrificing texture or flavor.

How do you make vegan pesto?

The main difference between regular pesto and vegan pesto is that vegan pesto has no cheese. This pesto still has all of the basic ingredients like basil, fresh garlic, nuts (we’ll use cashews instead of the traditional pine nuts), and a bit of olive oil.

Making avocado pesto requires a blender or food processor.

1. Add all ingredients to a food processor (this is my fav affordable brand) or  high-powered blender: avocado, olive oils, cashews, fresh lemon juice, thawed spinach, and fresh basil (plus salt and pepper!)
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Add to cooked pasta of choice. Serve warm or chilled.

Amp up your vegan pesto by topping with white beans and sliced cherry tomatoes.

Looking for a snack? Skip the pasta and enjoy this vegan avocado pesto on toast, crackers, or even in this vegan pesto lasagna.

Looking for more recipes?

• Hummus Pasta with Lemon & Arugula
• Chickpea Avocado Salad
• Tofu and Veggie Spring Roll Bowls
• Balsamic Cherry Tomato Pasta
• Balsamic Cherry Tomato Galette 

Print Recipe

5 from 3 votes

Vegan Avocado Pesto Pasta

Flavorful vegan pasta made with avocado, spinach, and classic pesto ingredients.

Prep Time15 mins

Total Time15 mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 416kcal

Author: Cassidy Reeser, RDN, LDN

Ingredients

• 8 ounces dry pasta of choice
• 1 medium avocado, skin and seed removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 and 1/2 cups basil, loosely packed
• 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup cashews
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice from one lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

• Cook pasta according to package instructions.
• Meanwhile, make the pesto. Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender or food processor (this is the one that I use). Blend until smooth and spreadable. Taste for salt and pepper.
• Toss pesto and pasta together. Enjoy topped with fresh cherry tomatoes.

Notes

You can freeze avocado pesto for up to three months. Place in the fridge to thaw at least 24 hours before you plan to use. My favorite freezer-safe containers are these glass containers, but a simple Ball jar also works.

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