Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Avocado Basil Pesto: A Wholesome, Nutritious Delight
Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Avocado Basil Pesto is a vibrant and fulfilling dish that offers the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. Packed with healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants, this dish is an excellent addition to your weekly meal plan, especially for those seeking a nourishing, vegetarian option. It also makes a delightful lunch box meal or a quick weeknight dinner. The beauty of this recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients and the no-cook pesto that brings all the goodness of fresh, whole foods together in one bowl.
The combination of creamy avocado, fragrant basil, and the crunch of walnuts results in a pesto that’s rich, satisfying, and free from the typical cheese. To make this dish even healthier, it uses Hess avocados, which are known for their superior nutritional profile. The use of whole wheat spaghetti ensures a hearty meal, full of fiber, and complements the creamy pesto perfectly. Let’s take a deeper dive into the details of this recipe and learn how to recreate this nutritious and indulgent meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Durum Wheat Spaghetti Pasta | 225 grams (organic whole wheat) |
| Basil leaves | 2 cups |
| Avocado | 1/4 cup (pulped, preferably Hess) |
| Walnuts | 1 teaspoon (roughly chopped) |
| Lemon juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation and Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by preparing the spaghetti. Set a large pot of water on the stove, adding a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and carefully drop the spaghetti into the pot. Cook the pasta for about 7-8 minutes (or as per the package instructions) until it reaches an al-dente texture. Drain the pasta in a colander, but save the cooking water in a separate bowl. It will be used to adjust the consistency of the pesto later.
Tip: Do not drain the spaghetti completely to prevent it from drying out while you prepare the pesto.
Step 2: Make the Avocado Basil Pesto
While the pasta cooks, prepare the pesto. In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, pulped avocado, chopped walnuts, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Pulse for 4-5 seconds at a time, stopping to scrape the sides of the blender as needed. Once everything is chopped into small pieces, process the mixture until it becomes a smooth paste. If the pesto seems too thick or chunky, add a small amount of the pasta cooking water to help blend everything together into a creamy, smooth consistency.
Pro Tip: For an extra creamy pesto, add a little more olive oil or pasta water to help emulsify the sauce to your desired texture.
Step 3: Combine the Pasta and Pesto
In a large serving bowl or platter, toss the cooked whole wheat spaghetti with the prepared pesto. Add salt to taste, mixing everything thoroughly. For a smoother pesto coating, drizzle a bit more of the pasta cooking water over the spaghetti, allowing the sauce to evenly coat the pasta.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
To finish, garnish your dish with a sprig of fresh basil and an optional drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. For those who enjoy a bit of cheese, you can add a sprinkle of grated cheddar or parmesan to the pesto during mixing or on top when serving.
This hearty, healthy meal is ready to be enjoyed. Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Avocado Basil Pesto pairs wonderfully with light sides like Spicy Roasted Pumpkin Carrot Soup and Chickpea Orange Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, making it the perfect choice for a balanced, delicious weeknight dinner.
Allergen Information
This dish is naturally nut-free and dairy-free. The avocado provides a creamy texture without the need for cheese, making it a suitable option for those with lactose intolerance or a dairy-free diet. However, it contains walnuts, so please be cautious if you or someone you’re serving has a nut allergy.
Note: If you choose to add cheese as an optional topping, be sure to check for any additional allergens that might be relevant to your guests (e.g., cow’s milk).
Dietary Preferences
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe is completely vegetarian, making it an excellent choice for anyone following a plant-based diet.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the whole wheat spaghetti with gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer a delicious, gluten-free alternative that works wonderfully in this recipe.
- Vegan-Friendly: Omit the optional cheese garnish, and the dish remains vegan-friendly, offering a delicious, plant-based meal packed with healthy fats and plant protein.
Conclusion
Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Avocado Basil Pesto is a simple yet nourishing meal, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick, healthy, and satisfying. The richness of avocado, the fragrance of basil, and the crunch of walnuts create a pesto that is both delicious and nutrient-packed. With whole wheat spaghetti offering a boost of fiber, this dish is not just tasty—it’s a wholesome choice for those who care about their health and well-being.
By opting for this recipe, you’re making a conscious choice to enjoy a meal full of wholesome ingredients, rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and fiber. Whether you’re looking to enjoy it for dinner or pack it up for lunch, this dish is versatile, filling, and sure to impress anyone at the table.
Give it a try and see why Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Avocado Basil Pesto is destined to become a regular part of your meal rotation!
Let us know in the comments how you customized this recipe, and don’t forget to check out our other amazing vegetarian pasta dishes for more delicious, healthy inspiration.
