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.
And how healthy is this? So many green and fresh ingredients in one simple recipe.
If you buy your pine nuts raw, be sure to give them a little toast to release their natural oils and enhance the taste.
While my pasta was cooking, I used my mini-food processor to pulse together the creamy avocado basil. No chopping at all. So easy!
Freshly grated parmesan cheese is a must. I love using my microplane for this.
Make this recipe to suit your own tastes. Try adding grilled chicken, bacon, or roasted cherry tomatoes.
- 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
- 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.
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!