This vegan and dairy-free Avocado Basil Pesto is full of flavor. You have the same unique rich flavor of basil with just a nice creamy base provided by avocado. You can add this delicious pesto on any pasta raw or cooked, or as a condiment on almost everything.
Basil destroys microbes found in or on your green leafy vegetables. That’s why it’s a recommended addition to green salads.
Moreover, this plant comes complete in magnesium, vitamin A, and few other nutrients, providing cell walls protection from free radical damage. It also prevents cholesterol from oxidizing in the bloodstream, improving the blood flow, and preventing a formation of cholesterol buildups in the walls of blood vessels (preventing atherosclerosis and a heart attack).
Being a good source of magnesium, basil relaxes the muscles and blood vessels, enhances the blood circulation, and reduces the risk of irregular heart rhythms and cardiovascular spasms. Thus, we can say basil promotes cardiovascular health. Here’s the simple recipe of the raw, vegan Basil Pesto that will satisfy your taste buds.
Creamy Vegan Pesto Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
- 10 to 12 large basil leaves,
- 1 avocado,
- 2 cloves of garlic,
- Squeezed juice from 3 to 4 large lemon slices,
- 1 to 2 cups of cooked organic rice pasta (you can substitute with zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, etc.),
- 1 Tbsp. of coconut oil,
- Salt and pepper to taste,
- A pinch of chili spice,
- Chili powder (optional).
Preparation:
Wash the basil leaves and chop them. Cut the avocado in halves and scoop out the flesh. Mash it in a bowl. Mix the mashed avocado, chopped basil leaves, and lemon juice in a food processor. Press or finely chop the peeled garlic cloves.
Heat the coconut oil in a frying pan over a medium heat, and then add the cloves.
Sauté, and add the basil, lemon, and avocado mixture in the pan, and lower the heat.
Then, add some salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle some chili powder to finish. Mix evenly.
The amount of this recipe is enough for several cups of cooked pasta. Serve with your favorite pasta, or something else. You’ll need only a few tablespoons of the sauce per cup of pasta, as the sauce is pretty filling.
Another way to use the sauce is as a dip, or as a sandwich condiment.
Via Spoon | Spoon University
