Hey there, I’m Hannah Nguyen and I grew up in a small town in the Midwest where cooking was a family affair. My mother’s recipes were always a hit at potlucks, but it wasn’t until I moved to Los Angeles that I discovered the magic of avocado pesto. The creaminess of the avocado combined with the bright, fresh taste of basil is a match made in culinary heaven. I can’t wait to share my take on this delicious dish!
Hannah is a freelance writer and avid traveler. She grew up in a small town in the Midwest, but now calls Los Angeles her home. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring new neighborhoods, trying out new restaurants, or planning her next trip abroad. Hannah is passionate about sustainability and loves finding ways to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
Hannah currently resides in the United States and grew up in the United States.
Did you know that pesto originated in Genoa, Italy, in the 16th century? The word “pesto” comes from the Italian verb “pestare,” which means to crush or pound. Traditionally, pesto is made with a mortar and pestle, but these days, most people use a food processor. While traditional pesto is made with basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil, my recipe incorporates avocado for a unique twist on the classic sauce.
With spring in full swing and summer just around the corner, this avocado pesto pasta is the perfect dish for a light, yet satisfying meal. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients, including healthy fats from the avocado and olive oil. Plus, with cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives, this dish is bursting with bright colors and bold flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your dinner guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
What you need
Looking for a delicious and healthy pasta recipe that’s packed with flavor and easy to make? Look no further than my creamy avocado pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes and feta cheese! The star of the dish is the creamy avocado pesto, which is made with fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and of course, ripe avocados. I love avocados not only for their delicious taste, but also for their health benefits – they’re loaded with healthy fats and nutrients like potassium and fiber. To make the dish, you’ll cook your pasta of choice until al dente, then toss it with the avocado pesto and top it off with cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and kalamata olives. The end result is a dish that’s bursting with bright colors and bold flavors, and perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dinner party main course. So what are you waiting for? Grab some avocados and get cooking!
Ingredients:
- Avocado – The creamy avocado is the star of this dish, providing healthy fats and a luscious texture to the pesto sauce. You could substitute with another creamy ingredient like silken tofu for a vegan version.
- Garlic Cloves – Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the pesto sauce. You could use garlic powder if fresh garlic is not available.
- Fresh Basil Leaves – Basil is a key ingredient in traditional pesto and adds a bright and fresh taste to the sauce. You could substitute with another herb like parsley or cilantro if you prefer.
- Pine Nuts – Pine nuts add a nutty and slightly sweet flavor to the pesto sauce. You could substitute with other nuts like almonds or walnuts.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – Parmesan cheese provides a salty and savory taste to the pesto sauce. You could use nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
- Olive Oil – Olive oil is used to thin out the pesto sauce and provide a smooth consistency. You could substitute with another oil like avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
- Salt – Salt enhances the flavors in the dish and is essential to any recipe.
- Black Pepper – Pepper adds a slightly spicy and earthy taste to the dish. You could use white pepper if you prefer.
- Pasta – Pasta is the perfect vehicle for the creamy avocado pesto sauce. You could use any shape of pasta you like.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Cherry tomatoes add a burst of juicy and sweet flavor to the dish. You could use grape tomatoes or diced roma tomatoes instead.
- Feta Cheese – Feta cheese provides a tangy and salty flavor to the dish. You could use goat cheese or vegan feta for a different flavor.
- Kalamata Olives – Kalamata olives add a briny and savory taste to the dish. You could use black olives or green olives if you prefer.
Utensils:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Food processor
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Large bowl
- Spatula
- Serving dish – Optional
Avocado, the star of the dish
I’m obsessed with avocados – they’re one of my favorite foods! Not only are they delicious, but they’re also packed with healthy fats and nutrients. Avocados are an excellent source of potassium, fiber, and vitamins C and K. They’re also high in monounsaturated fats, which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. In this recipe, avocado takes the place of traditional pesto ingredients like pine nuts and Parmesan cheese, resulting in a creamy and flavorful sauce that’s perfect for pasta. Plus, avocados are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from smoothies to salads to sandwiches.
Kalamata Olives, adding a bold Mediterranean flavor
Kalamata olives are a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and one of my go-to ingredients for adding bold flavor to dishes. These olives are prized for their rich, fruity taste and meaty texture. They’re also packed with healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Kalamata olives are a great addition to this avocado pesto pasta, providing a briny and savory taste that balances out the creaminess of the sauce. I love using them in salads, dips, and pasta dishes. They’re also great on their own as a snack or appetizer. Just be careful not to eat too many at once – they can be addictive!
What to serve it with?
When I make this creamy avocado pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes and feta cheese, I love to serve it with a crisp and refreshing green salad on the side. The salad helps to balance out the richness of the pasta and adds some extra greens to my meal. I usually make a simple salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and radishes, and dress it with a light vinaigrette made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. The sweetness of the honey and the tanginess of the vinegar pair perfectly with the creaminess of the avocado pesto pasta, making for a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Plus, the salad is a great way to get some extra veggies into my diet and make the meal even more nutritious.
Summary
And there you have it – my recipe for creamy avocado pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes and feta cheese! I hope you enjoyed reading about the recipe as much as I enjoyed creating it. Now, it’s your turn to give it a try! I’d love to hear your thoughts on the recipe – did you make any modifications? What did you think of the flavors and textures? Do you have any favorite variations or toppings you like to add? Let me know in the comments below – I’m always looking for new ideas and feedback. And don’t forget to tag me on social media if you make the recipe – I’d love to see your creations! Thanks for reading, and happy cooking!
Here’s the recipe:
Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Feta Cheese
Equipment
- large pot
- Colander
- Food processor
- Measuring cups and spoons
- cutting board
- Knife
- Large bowl
- spatula
- Serving dish
Ingredients
- 1 large or 2 small Avocado
- 2 Garlic Cloves
- 1/2 cup Fresh Basil Leaves
- 1/4 cup Pine Nuts
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- To taste Salt
- To taste Black Pepper
- 12 oz Pasta
- 1 cup, halved Cherry Tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, crumbled Feta Cheese
- 1/2 cup, pitted and sliced Kalamata Olives
Instructions
- Cook the pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make the avocado pesto – In a food processor, combine the avocado, garlic, basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Toss the pasta with the avocado pesto and add the toppings – In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the avocado pesto until well coated. Add the cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives to the bowl, and toss gently to combine.
- Serve and enjoy! – Transfer the pasta to a serving dish and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve the pasta immediately and enjoy!
