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Creamy Avocado Pesto

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This creamy avocado pesto is a vibrant, plant-based twist on the classic Italian sauce. By swapping traditional hard cheese for ripe avocado, you create a luxuriously smooth texture that coats pasta perfectly while keeping the dish entirely vegan. The fresh basil and toasted pine nuts provide that familiar herbaceous punch, while a bright squeeze of lemon juice ensures the colour remains a striking, vivid green.

Ideal for a quick midweek dinner or a nutritious lunch, this dairy-free pesto is as versatile as it is healthy. Beyond stirring it through linguine or gnocchi, try it as a spread for sourdough toast or a dip for crunchy raw vegetables. It is a fantastic way to incorporate healthy fats into your diet without compromising on the bold, savoury flavours of a homemade sauce.

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Ingredients for Creamy Avocado Pesto

  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced

  • 1 cup (packed) fresh basil leaves

  • 1/3 cup pine nuts

  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • Water as needed

  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to make Creamy Avocado Pesto

  1. Combine avocado, basil, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor or blender. With machine running, slowly stream in the lemon juice, olive oil, and water as needed to achieve a smooth pesto. Puree until completely blended and creamy.

  2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  3. Use immediately or keep, refrigerated, for up to four hours.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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