I am a huge fan of pesto. The first time I tried it was in college, and ever since it’s been one of my favorite additions to sandwiches, pizza and pasta. I love the strong basil flavor, and who doesn’t enjoy the hint of garlic and parmesan cheese? I usually buy pesto at the store, but the other day I decided to finally make some myself. Thanks to Pinterest, I found a TON of recipes that looked delicious. It was hard to choose just one.
After some searching, I stumbled upon this recipe from Ambitious Kitchen. I love Monique’s blog because she has delicious, healthy recipes and takes gorgeous photos. This pesto was no exception, and what I liked most about it was that she used avocados instead of oil for the base. The outcome: a creamy basil pesto that is guilt free and full of vitamins and health benefits. So. Good.
I used some fresh basil from the little herb garden on my balcony and added a handful of spinach for an extra punch of yumminess. I put half of it in a small jar in the fridge and the other half in the freezer to use later. I’ve been putting this pesto on everything lately!
For dinner the other night I made some Chicken & Avocado Pesto Pasta, and it was amazing. I wish I had made a big batch to eat for lunches this week. Oh well… Maybe next week! I loved the creaminess of the pesto, as well as the addition of fresh tomatoes, chopped spinach and grilled chicken. It was so filling, and I couldn’t have asked for a better meal to enjoy on a warm summer evening. I also paired it with some strawberry and lemon infused water, which was refreshing and went great with the meal (looking for more infused water ideas? Check out this post!).
Chicken & Avocado Pesto Pasta
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp Lightened-Up Creamy Avocado Basil Pesto (find the recipe here)
1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa pasta
4-6 oz grilled chicken
1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup spinach, chopped
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix throughly. Enjoy warm or cold!
What are your favorite recipes that include pesto?
Yum! That sounds delicious and perfect for a summer meal. I love avocado with anything, and pesto too.
Thanks Shann! It was so good and EASY. My way to make dinner!
Oh my this sounds so tasty. Adding this to the make list.
Thanks Candy! It’s so worth it :)
I love pesto! I used to make a pesto spaghetti with spinach, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes (sometimes chicken too) and it was my favorite!
That sounds so good, Jill! That combo is one of my favorites. Next time I’ll have to add some asparagus to it too.
I have never try pesto. After this I want to give it a try.
You should! It’s so good and you’ll be hooked. :)
Thank you Nellwyn! This avocado version was perfect, and I know you’d love it.
Avocado basil pesto sounds fantastic! I’m going to have to try this sometime. :)
Oh it’s amazing! You need to try it… You won’t regret it!
So tasty!!! I just love pesto! <3
So do I! This avocado pesto is such a great twist on the typical pesto.
Looks really good! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Jessica! :)
I love pesto. I’m sure it’s delicious in this chicken and avocado pesto.Tweeted!
Awesome! Thanks for the tweet, Sherry!
I’ve actually never had pesto! But your dinner looks so nom and the recipe looks simple, so I’ll be giving this a try!
Awesome! I know you’ll love it.