Name: Avocado Pesto
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 large bunch fresh basil; 2 ripe avocados; 0.5 cup walnuts or hemp seeds; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 3 cloves garlic; 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt; 0.5 cup extra-virgin olive oil; Ground pepper, to taste

Avocado Pesto

4.6

(11)

11 Reviews

Avocados add a silky consistency and cheese-like richness to this dairy-free pesto recipe.

By Jason Mraz

Updated on September 20, 2023

Reviewed by Dietitian

Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD

Tested by

Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters.

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Prep Time:

5 mins

Active Time:

5 mins

Total Time:

10 mins

Servings:

Yield:

2 cups

Nutrition Profile:

Low-Carb Dairy-Free Low-Sodium Low Added Sugar Vegan Vegetarian Gluten-Free

Jump to Nutrition Facts

How to Serve Avocado Pesto

Toss avocado pesto with pasta or zucchini noodles, spread it on baguette slices to make bruschetta, add it to roasted veggies or use it for a healthy mayo substitute on your sandwich.

How Do You Keep Avocado Pesto from Turning Brown?

To prevent browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the avocado pesto and refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Additional reporting by Jan Valdez

Ingredients

1 large bunch fresh basil
2 ripe avocados
½ cup walnuts or hemp seeds
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 cloves garlic
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Ground pepper, to taste

Directions

Strip basil leaves from the stems and add to a food processor along with avocados, walnuts (or hemp seeds), lemon juice, garlic and salt; pulse until finely chopped. Add oil and process to form a thick paste. Season with pepper.

Originally appeared: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2015

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

126	Calories
13g	Fat
3g	Carbs
1g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 16
Serving Size 2-Tbsp.
Calories 126
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 3g	1%
Dietary Fiber 2g	7%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 1g	2%
Total Fat 13g	16%
Saturated Fat 2g	9%
Vitamin A 236IU	5%
Vitamin C 4mg	5%
Folate 26mcg	7%
Sodium 37mg	2%
Calcium 14mg	1%
Iron 0mg	2%
Magnesium 15mg	4%
Potassium 151mg	3%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.