1large or extra large ripe avocado, skin and seed removed
1cuppacked parsley or basil leaves
3garlic cloves
1/4cupwalnuts
2tbspshredded parmesan cheese plus additional for garnish
2-4tbspextra virgin olive oil
juice of half a lemon
salt and pepper, to taste
1tomato, diced
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to boil, and then add spaghetti. Cook until pasta is done and then drain water and set aside.
Add avocado, parsley, garlic, walnuts and 2 tbsp cheese to a food processor. Pulse for a few moments on high speed to begin to break down the ingredients. When everything is finely chopped, gradually stream in the oil while the food processor is still running, until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Add in lemon juice and pulse. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. The sauce should be thick. If you wish for a thinner sauce, add more olive oil.
Toss pasta in avocado pesto sauce. Mix in tomatoes. Garnish with parmesan cheese. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Recipe Tips
Pesto is traditionally made with basil but other herbs work as well. I prefer using parsley or other similar herbs that maintain their green color longer when broken down.
Use only the leafy part of the herb because the connecting stems are a little tougher and harder to break down.
The sauce will lose its bright green color soon after it is tossed in the pasta so this dish is best served right away. If you don't plan on serving right away, wait to mix the sauce with the pasta until you are ready to serve.
The nutrition information provided are only estimates based on an online nutritional calculator. This is not a comprehensive list of all the nutrients in the recipe (i.e., does not include vitamins, cholesterol, etc). I am not a certified nutritionist. Please consult a nutritionist or doctor for accurate information and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.