Creamy Avocado Pesto (Easy & Vegan)
This Creamy Avocado Pesto is a dairy-free twist on classic pesto made with fresh basil, spinach, avocado, and lemon. It’s rich, flavorful, and ready in 5 minutes! Use it for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.
I have to admit—I prefer pesto over red sauce. Anyone else? Last summer, my mom and I went to Cinque Terre, Italy (where pesto was created!) and took a pesto-making class. I was in heaven! There’s nothing like fresh basil turned into a vibrant, flavorful sauce.
This Vegan Avocado Pesto is rich, smooth, and packed with fresh basil flavor—without any dairy! It’s made with avocado, basil, and spinach (hello, extra greens!). The avocado makes it ultra-creamy, spinach adds nutrients and that gorgeous green color, and basil gives it that classic pesto flavor.
Lemon and garlic add a bright, zesty kick, and the best part? It takes just 5 minutes to make! Use it for pasta, sandwiches, salads, or as a dip for a quick and healthy meal.
This dairy-free pesto sauce is completely vegan, nut-free, and oil-free—just blend everything together and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Creamy: Thanks to avocado, this pesto is sooo creamy and smooth!
- Dairy-Free Recipe: No cheese needed!
- Quick & Easy: Blend everything together in just a few minutes!
- Versatile: Perfect as a pasta sauce, spread, dip, or drizzle it on salad!
Ingredients Needed to Make Avocado Pesto Sauce
Scroll down to the recipe card to get the full recipe with measurements!
- Avocado: Adds creaminess and healthy fats. Use a ripe avocado for the best texture.
- Fresh Basil: The star of any pesto recipe!
- Fresh Spinach: Adds extra nutrients and a vibrant green color.
- Garlic: A little goes a long way. If you really like garlic, feel free to add an extra clove.
- Lemon Juice: For a bright, zesty kick.
- Nutritional Yeast: Gives a cheesy flavor without the need for cheese.
- Salt & Pepper: A pinch to enhance all the flavors.
Plus reserved pasta water to help blend everything together!
How to Make Vegan Avocado Pesto
- Blend Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine the avocado, basil, spinach, garlic, lemon juice, reserved pasta water, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Taste & Adjust: If the pesto is too thick, add a splash of water until it reaches your desired texture. Taste and add more salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve & Enjoy: Toss the pesto sauce in pasta, spread on toast or sandwiches, drizzle on salads, or use as a dip!
Megan’s Tips
- Use ripe avocados for the creamiest texture.
- Taste and adjust for seasonings, adding extra garlic, more salt/pepper, or basil as needed.
- Make it nutty by adding cashews or pine nuts for extra richness (if you’re not nut-free!)
Serving Suggestions
- Toss with your favorite pasta (or zoodles) for a creamy, dairy-free pesto pasta dish (and add a sprinkle of my homemade vegan cashew parmesan cheese)
- Spread on sandwiches or wraps for extra flavor (I love spreading it on a vegan caprese sandwich!)
- Drizzle over roasted veggies.
- Use as a dip for crackers or fresh veggies.
- Pour over salads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you taste the avocado?
Essentially, no! The avocados add a rich and creamy texture to this pesto sauce and you can hardly taste it (the fresh basil masks it), but you reap it’s creamy texture, nutrients and healthy fats. Win win! If you are one of the hundreds who have tried my Chocolate Avocado Pudding, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.
How long does it last?
It’s best enjoyed fresh but will keep in the fridge for 1-2 days stored in an airtight container.
More Pasta Recipes You’ll Love
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and ★★★★★ star rating below letting me know how you liked it! This helps others find my recipes. I appreciate your support, as always. xo, Megan
Creamy Avocado Pesto (Easy & Vegan)
Ingredients
- 2 avocados
- ⅓ cup fresh basil
- ⅓ cup fresh spinach
- ½ to ¾ cup reserved pasta water, or regular water
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz pasta, cooked
- homemade cashew parmesan, for garnish
Instructions
- If making pasta, cook the pasta per package instructions.
- Add the avocados, basil, spinach, water, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and black pepper to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust for seasonings.
- Pour the pesto sauce over your favorite pasta, spread on toast, drizzle on caprese, etc. Enjoy!
