Linguine with Avocado Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Linguine with Avocado Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes
Recipe created by Chef Josiah Citrin of Charcoal Venice for the California Avocado Commission
Serves: 4
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. linguine, cooked al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water
- 2 ripe avocados, seeded and peeled
- 1 cup baby arugula leaves
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup toasted cashews
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 3 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp. sea salt
- 2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 Tbsp. julienned basil leaves, for serving
Instructions:
- Place cooked linguine and reserved pasta water to the side.
- Add the halved avocados, baby arugula, baby spinach, basil leaves, pumpkin seeds, cashews, garlic, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt and pepper to a blender or food processor and then blend until smooth.
- Once the pesto is smooth, add the grated parmesan and pulse a few more times to combine.
- Place the pasta in a large serving bowl and top with the California Avocado Pesto.
- Toss the pasta together with the pesto until coated.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes
- A small amount of reserved pasta water can be added to the pasta, as needed, to create a loose, silky pesto that coats the linguini evenly.
- Sprinkle pasta with the julienned basil leaves and serve.