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?
June 24th, 2016 at 9:01 am
Yum! That sounds delicious and perfect for a summer meal. I love avocado with anything, and pesto too.
June 24th, 2016 at 3:24 pm
Thanks Shann! It was so good and EASY. My way to make dinner!
June 24th, 2016 at 10:52 am
Oh my this sounds so tasty. Adding this to the make list.
June 24th, 2016 at 3:25 pm
Thanks Candy! It’s so worth it :)
June 24th, 2016 at 11:25 am
I love pesto! I used to make a pesto spaghetti with spinach, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes (sometimes chicken too) and it was my favorite!
June 24th, 2016 at 3:28 pm
That sounds so good, Jill! That combo is one of my favorites. Next time I’ll have to add some asparagus to it too.
June 24th, 2016 at 2:33 pm
I have never try pesto. After this I want to give it a try.
June 24th, 2016 at 3:29 pm
You should! It’s so good and you’ll be hooked. :)
June 24th, 2016 at 3:28 pm
Thank you Nellwyn! This avocado version was perfect, and I know you’d love it.
June 24th, 2016 at 10:28 pm
Avocado basil pesto sounds fantastic! I’m going to have to try this sometime. :)
June 26th, 2016 at 8:42 pm
Oh it’s amazing! You need to try it… You won’t regret it!
June 24th, 2016 at 11:21 pm
So tasty!!! I just love pesto! <3
June 26th, 2016 at 8:43 pm
So do I! This avocado pesto is such a great twist on the typical pesto.
June 24th, 2016 at 11:44 pm
Looks really good! Thanks for sharing!
June 26th, 2016 at 8:44 pm
Thank you Jessica! :)
June 25th, 2016 at 6:52 am
I love pesto. I’m sure it’s delicious in this chicken and avocado pesto.Tweeted!
June 26th, 2016 at 8:44 pm
Awesome! Thanks for the tweet, Sherry!
June 26th, 2016 at 8:58 pm
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!
June 28th, 2016 at 10:24 am
Awesome! I know you’ll love it.