This vibrant green Pesto Avocado Spread is perfect for toast or as a dip for chips! It’s a versatile, savory recipe that adds flavor to any meal.
Today I’m sharing one of my go-to vegan recipes that’s been a staple in my kitchen for several years. I first got into the avocado toast craze when it became popular in 2015-2016. What a time to be alive! It seemed like avocado toast had popped up everywhere. But they all felt a little boring to me. Avocado is a vegetable (well, a fruit) that needs a little help in the flavor department. It’s a great vessel for bolder flavors, but lackluster on its own.
At first I tried making avocado toast with sliced avocado, with salt, pepper, and hot sauce sprinkled on top. But that didn’t solve the problem – the flavorings weren’t integrated into the avocado, and just kind of sat there on top. The solution? Mix in the flavorings before putting them on toast. Et voilà, this recipe was born!
How to make pesto avocado spread:
This recipe couldn’t be simpler. You just mash up the avocado to your liking, and mix in the salt, pesto, spices, and lemon juice. I do recommend a mashing tool for this recipe, but a sturdy fork will also work just fine.
How can I customize this recipe?
In the recipe I recommended using my Best Vegan Kale Pesto, but you can use any type of pesto you like. For my vegetarians out there, feel free to use a pesto with parmesan! Another delicious variation would be to use chimichurri or cilantro chutney in place of the pesto.
What can I use this recipe for?
I recommend trying this on grilled toast (it’s SO good), but you can also use this pesto avocado spread as a guacamole-esque dip for chips. Another idea would be to add all the recipe ingredients into the blender with some vegetable broth to make a savory vegan pasta sauce. Enjoy!
Other recipes you might like:
Pesto Avocado Spread
Ingredients
- 2 Avocados
- 1/3 Cup Vegan Pesto
- 1/4 Cup Finely chopped Spinach
- 1/2 Lemon juiced
- 1/4 Tsp Salt or more to taste
- Black Pepper to taste
- Red Pepper Flakes to taste
Instructions
- Start by pitting your avocados and scooping out the flesh into a mixing bowl.
- Add in the pesto, then mash the avocado and pesto together. I recommend leaving a few chunks of avocado in, but you can mash it as smooth or as chunky as you like.
- Stir in the chopped spinach.
- Squeeze the lemon juice (fresh only!) into the mixture, and sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Taste, and adjust if needed.
- Serve avocado spread with toast or chips. Enjoy!
Notes
- For this recipe I recommend my Best Vegan Kale Pesto! But any homemade or store-bought pesto will do just fine. Be sure to adjust the salt accordingly!
- To amp up the basil flavor, feel free to add freshly chopped basil.
- If the avocado pesto spread is over-salted, trying adding in a little more lemon juice or spinach.
- If the spread tastes "flat", try adding a bit more salt and lemon juice.
P.S.
For more vegan and vegetarian recipes and meal inspiration, be sure to follow along on Instagram @wellandfull! If you make a recipe, please tag me in the photo and use the hashtag #wellandfull so I can see! I love seeing your creations!
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