Sometimes I feel like traditional basil pesto can be a little too strong… too flavorful… maybe too herbish? What I love about this dish is the way the creamy avocado blended with the traditional pesto ingredients softens that basil a bit. This pasta is still full of flavor, just very nicely balanced. The pine nuts give a nice crunch, while the lemon and lime brighten everything up.
![Avocado Pesto Linguine in a bowl.](https://d2t88cihvgacbj.cloudfront.net/manage/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/avocado-pesto-fork.jpg?x29814)
![Avocado Pesto Linguine ingredients on a cutting board.](https://d2t88cihvgacbj.cloudfront.net/manage/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/avocado-pesto-avocado.jpg?x29814)
And how healthy is this? So many green and fresh ingredients in one simple recipe.
![Avocado Pesto Linguine ingredients.](https://d2t88cihvgacbj.cloudfront.net/manage/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/avocado-pesto-pasta-ingredients.jpg?x29814)
If you buy your pine nuts raw, be sure to give them a little toast to release their natural oils and enhance the taste.
![Pine Nuts toasted in a pan.](https://d2t88cihvgacbj.cloudfront.net/manage/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/avocado-pesto-pinenuts.jpg?x29814)
While my pasta was cooking, I used my mini-food processor to pulse together the creamy avocado basil. No chopping at all. So easy!
![Basil Pesto in a food processor.](https://d2t88cihvgacbj.cloudfront.net/manage/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/avocado-pesto.jpg?x29814)
Freshly grated parmesan cheese is a must. I love using my microplane for this.
![Parmesan cheese grated on a cutting board.](https://d2t88cihvgacbj.cloudfront.net/manage/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/avocado-pesto-parmesan.jpg?x29814)
Make this recipe to suit your own tastes. Try adding grilled chicken, bacon, or roasted cherry tomatoes.
Print![Avocado Pesto Linguine](https://d2t88cihvgacbj.cloudfront.net/manage/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/avocado-pesto-bowl-150x150.jpg?x29814)
Avocado Pesto Linguine
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This avocado pesto linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta full of fresh, healthy ingredients… and my kids had no idea!
Ingredients
- 16 ounces linguine
- 4 avocados
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts (divided)
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Boil linguine according to directions in well salted water.
- In a food processor or blender, pulse avocados, garlic, basil, olive oil, lime juice, lemon juice, salt, and 1/4 cup of the pine nuts until smooth.
- Toss the pesto with the linguine and mix well.
- Mix in the parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with remaining pine nuts.
Notes
Adapted from Give Me Lemons
![Avocado Pesto Linguine in a bowl.](https://d2t88cihvgacbj.cloudfront.net/manage/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/avocado-pesto-bowl-2.jpg?x29814)
Jamie@Milk 'n' Cookies says
This healthier take on pesto looks delicious! I love pesto, but we don’t eat it that often because most recipes use so much olive oil. But I love that you found a way to make it a bit healthier, while still keeping the creaminess. And I also agree that too much basil can be overwhelming!
Julie says
Thanks Jamie!
len says
Since when is EVOO not healthy? Someone needs a nutrition class.
Erin Allen says
Just tried this last night. Delicious! And simple! Thanks so much! Also, your honey lime chicken taquitos are a weekly staple in our house.
Julie says
I’m so glad Erin! Thanks for saying hi!