Happy New Month, lovelies! Can you believe it’s already August? We’ve officially survived the beginning of the second half of the year and here we are, stepping into a brand new month filled with fresh possibilities. There’s something about turning the calendar page that feels like a small reset, a chance to recommit to the things that bring us joy, like creating and sharing delicious food. I know I haven’t been posting as much recently, but with this new month, I’ve decided to shake things up a little. Inspiration has a funny way of sneaking up on you, and when it does, you’ve just got to run with it. So I thought, why not give this month a theme? A thread that ties all my recipes together and challenges me to think creatively. After tossing around a few ideas, the answer was right there in my fruit bowl: avocados.
Elevate your meals with creamy avocado peanut pesto, a healthy, nutty twist on classic pesto. Perfect as a pasta sauce, sandwich spread, or veggie drizzle, this versatile avocado recipe is rich, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. Discover why this avocado pesto will become your new kitchen favorite. Avocados are one of those ingredients that feel too good to be true. They’re creamy, buttery, and versatile, yet they’re also packed with nutrients that make them a staple in so many healthy diets. I’ll happily put them on anything: toast, rice bowls, salads, eggs, you name it. But what makes avocados extra special is how adaptable they are. They can be savory, sweet, or even blended into drinks and desserts.
So, this month, I’m making it official: welcome to #AvocadoAugust! For the next few weeks, I’ll be bringing you recipes that highlight just how creative we can get with this humble green fruit. I’ll be posting every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, so you’ll always have something new to look forward to. And today, to kick things off, we’re starting with a fun, unexpected spin on a beloved classic: Avocado Peanuts Pesto.
When you think of pesto, your mind probably goes to the traditional version made with basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil. It’s an Italian staple that’s beloved worldwide for its fresh, herby punch and its versatility. But like all great classics, pesto is also a perfect canvas for experimentation. That’s where this avocado peanut pesto comes in. Instead of pine nuts or cashews, I’ve swapped in roasted peanuts, which give the pesto a richer, slightly earthy nuttiness. Combine that with the velvety smoothness of avocado, and you’ve got a sauce that’s creamy, flavorful, and just a little unexpected.
This isn’t just a pesto, it’s a reinvention. A modern, nutritious twist that elevates the dish into something indulgent while still being healthy. The beauty of this creamy avocado pesto lies in its balance of textures and flavors.
Creaminess from avocado: The avocado takes on the role of both the fat and the cream, giving the pesto a luscious mouthfeel without needing a ton of cheese or oil.
Crunch and depth from peanuts: Roasted peanuts bring a bold nuttiness and a subtle crunch that keeps the pesto interesting.
Herb freshness: Just like in classic pesto, herbs (like basil, cilantro, or parsley) cut through the richness and brighten the flavor.
Flexibility: This pesto is a multitasker, you can use it in so many different ways beyond just tossing it with pasta.
It’s the kind of sauce that feels indulgent but is actually good for you, making it a win-win in my book.
Ways to Use Avocado Peanuts Pesto
One of my favorite things about pesto is how versatile it is. Once you make a batch of this nutty avocado pesto, you’ll find endless ways to use it. Here are a few ideas:
1. With pasta – Toss it with spaghetti, penne, or even zucchini noodles for a quick and satisfying dinner.
2. On sandwiches or wraps – Spread it on bread instead of mayonnaise or mustard for a creamy, flavorful upgrade.
3. Drizzled over roasted vegetables – Elevate simple roasted carrots, potatoes, or cauliflower with a spoonful of pesto.
4. As a dip – Serve with crackers, veggie sticks, or pita chips for a healthy snack.
5. As a topping for proteins – Use it as a finishing sauce for grilled chicken, fish, or even tofu.
6. On pizza – Swap out tomato sauce for pesto to make a vibrant, green pizza base.
The possibilities are truly endless. A jar of this pesto in your fridge feels like having a secret weapon, you’ll never run out of delicious, quick meal ideas. Aside from its irresistible taste, this pesto is also packed with nutrients. Both avocados and peanuts are nutrient-dense, making this a sauce you can feel good about enjoying. Avocados are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, potassium, Vitamin E, and fiber. They’re known to support heart health, aid digestion, and keep you feeling full. Peanuts are a great source of plant-based protein, niacin, and antioxidants. They add satiety and balance the creaminess of avocado with a protein boost. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley bring antioxidants and micronutrients into the mix.
Instead of being a heavy, cheese-laden sauce, this version of pesto feels light yet satisfying. It’s proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland or boring.
Confession: this was actually my first time making pesto from scratch. I’d always stuck to buying jars from the store, assuming that making it myself would be too complicated. But to my surprise, it turned out to be one of the easiest things ever, and so much more flavorful. The decision to use peanuts instead of traditional nuts came from what I had on hand in my pantry. Sometimes the best recipes are born out of improvisation, and this one is a perfect example. The roasted peanuts brought such a unique depth of flavor that I honestly don’t think I’ll go back to pine nuts anytime soon.
That’s the beauty of cooking, you can take something classic and give it your own twist. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be delicious and true to your taste.
Allergy-Friendly Options
Of course, I know that peanuts aren’t for everyone. If you’re allergic or simply not a fan, don’t worry, you can still make this creamy avocado pesto without them. The avocado on its own provides enough richness to stand as the base of the sauce. You can also swap peanuts with, Almonds, Walnuts, Sunflower seeds or even Pumpkin seeds. Each will bring its own unique flavor, giving you another variation of pesto to explore.
The Start of #AvocadoAugust. This pesto is only the beginning. I have so many ideas lined up for this month that will highlight the incredible versatility of avocados. From breakfast to dinner, savory to sweet, we’re going to see just how far this little green fruit can take us. By committing to post every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, I’m not only holding myself accountable but also creating a rhythm you can rely on. Food is best when it’s shared, and knowing that you’re looking forward to new recipes makes the process even more rewarding.
So here’s to #AvocadoAugust, a celebration of creativity, versatility, and the joy of good food. And here’s to this creamy, nutty, vibrant avocado peanut pesto that’s about to become a staple in your kitchen. Elevating your meals doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s as simple as blending a few ingredients together in a new way. This avocado peanut pesto is a perfect example: creamy, nutty, and endlessly versatile, it transforms everyday meals into something special.
Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, spreading it on a sandwich, or drizzling it over roasted veggies, this pesto proves that healthy food can also be indulgent. So grab those avocados, toast some peanuts, and give this recipe a try, you just might find yourself wondering, like I did, where it’s been all your life.
Cheers to August, cheers to avocados, and cheers to delicious, nourishing food.
2 Avocados
1 Garlic clove
100g Roasted Peanuts
2 Bunches Cilantro
1 Lemon zest and juice
1 Teaspoon Chilli Flakes
4 Tablespoons Olive oil
Pinch salt
METHOD
Chop the avocados and pour into a food processor or high powered blender
Add in the chopped cilantro
Add zest of lemon and garlic
Add roasted peanuts
Pour in the lemon juice
Sprinkle the chilli flakes and salt
While blending gradually add in the olive oil slowly until incorporated
I loved my pesto a bit chunky but you can blend to your desired consistency
How smooth rich and delicious does that pesto look? You can literally down it just as is!
AVOCADO PEANUTS PESTO
Prep time: 05 Minutes
Cook time: 05 Minutes
Total time: 10 Minutes
Yield: 3 Servings
Ingredients
- 2 Avocados
- 1 Garlic Clove
- 100g Roasted Peanuts
- 2 Bunches Cilantro
- 1 Lemon Zest and Jiuce
- 1 Teaspoon Chili Flakes
- 4 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- Pinch Salt
- Chop the avocados and pour into a food processor or high powered blender
- Add in the chopped cilantro. Add zest of lemon and garlic. Add roasted peanuts. Pour in the lemon juice. Sprinkle the chili flakes and salt. Blend
- While blending gradually add in the olive oil slowly until incorporated
- Blend to your desired consistency, chunky or smooth
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Avocado Peanuts Pesto
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What does Avocado Peanuts Pesto taste like?
It has a creamy texture from the avocado and a deep, nutty flavor from roasted peanuts. It's richer and slightly earthier than classic basil pesto, with a natural smoothness that makes it versatile.
Q2: Can I use raw peanuts?
You can, but roasted peanuts offer a more robust flavor. Unsalted roasted peanuts work best to control seasoning. For extra depth, lightly toast the peanuts before blending.
Q3: Does it oxidize like guacamole?
Yes, because of the avocado. Add a bit of lemon or lime juice to slow browning. Store in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed against the surface.
Q4: Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze in small airtight containers or ice cube trays. Thaw in the fridge and stir well before using.
Q5: What can I use it for?
Spread it on toast or sandwiches, toss with pasta, serve as a dip for veggies, or drizzle over grilled meats and roasted vegetables.
Q6: Is cheese needed in this pesto?
No, it's delicious without cheese and remains vegan. You can add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or Parmesan if not keeping it dairy-free.
🧾 Nutrition Card (Per 2 Tbsp Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~160 kcal | High energy from healthy fats |
| Total Fat | 15 g | Avocado and peanuts contribute mostly unsaturated fats |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g | Minimal; varies with oil type used |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g | Naturally low-carb |
| Sugars | 1 g | No added sugars |
| Protein | 4 g | From peanuts and avocado |
| Fiber | 3 g | Good source of dietary fiber |
| Sodium | 100 mg | Adjust with salt or omit for low-sodium diets |
Dietary Information
| Category | Suitable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetarian | ✅ Yes | No animal-derived ingredients |
| Vegan | ✅ Yes | Use lemon juice or nutritional yeast instead of cheese |
| Gluten-Free | ✅ Yes | Naturally free of gluten |
| Dairy-Free | ✅ Yes | No milk-based ingredients |
| Low-Carb/Keto | ✅ Yes | Healthy fats, low carbs |
| Paleo | ✅ Yes | Ensure no added processed oils or sugars |
| Whole30 | ✅ Yes | Use compliant oil and peanuts (or sub with cashews if avoiding legumes) |
| Contains Nuts | ⚠️ Yes | Contains peanuts; not suitable for nut allergies |
📝 Notes:
- Substitute peanuts with other nuts (cashews, almonds) for variation.
- For thinner pesto, add more olive oil or a splash of water.
- Add fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro to enhance the flavor.
- Store in a glass jar with a layer of oil on top to prolong freshness.
- Pairs especially well with zucchini noodles or roasted sweet potatoes.
Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator with exact ingredient measurements.
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