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- 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti or fusilli) - 2 ripe avocados - 1 cup fresh basil leaves - 1 cup fresh spinach leaves - 1 clove garlic - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional for a cheesy flavor) - Salt and pepper to taste - Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish) - Toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts (for garnish) For this dish, fresh ingredients shine. Start with pasta, which holds the sauce well. I love using spaghetti or fusilli for this recipe. The shape impacts how the sauce clings. Next, ripe avocados offer creaminess and flavor. Choose avocados that yield slightly when pressed. Fresh basil and spinach add vibrant green color and nutrients. Garlic brings depth and warmth to the sauce. The lime juice brightens the dish. Its tang cuts through the richness of the avocados. Olive oil adds smoothness and helps blend the sauce. Nutritional yeast gives a cheesy taste, but it’s optional. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. For garnishes, I recommend halved cherry tomatoes for sweetness and toasted nuts for crunch. Each ingredient plays a role in making this pasta fresh and healthy. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. You want it to taste like the sea. Add your pasta of choice, like spaghetti or fusilli. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta but save about 1 cup of that starchy pasta water. This water will help your sauce stick later. Now, let’s make the sauce. Gather your ingredients: - 2 ripe avocados - 1 cup fresh basil leaves - 1 cup spinach leaves - 1 clove garlic - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste In a food processor, add the avocado, basil, spinach, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and nutritional yeast if you want that cheesy flavor. Blend everything until it’s smooth. If the sauce looks too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until it’s just right. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper! Time to mix it all together. In the pot you used for the pasta, add the drained pasta and pour in the Green Goddess sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add more of the reserved pasta water a little at a time. This will help the sauce stick and make it creamy. Now, it’s time to serve! Divide the pasta among your favorite bowls. Top each bowl with halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts for some crunch. For an extra zing, you can drizzle a bit more lime juice over the top before serving. Enjoy your fresh and healthy dish! For the best sauce, aim for a creamy yet smooth texture. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This will help you get the perfect consistency. Taste as you go to balance flavors. A little lime juice brightens the dish and cuts through the creaminess of the avocados. Adjust the lime juice to your liking for the best flavor. To avoid mushy pasta, use a large pot with plenty of boiling water. Salt the water well before adding the pasta for flavor. Follow the package instructions and cook until al dente. This keeps the pasta firm and chewy. I recommend using spaghetti or fusilli. These shapes hold the sauce well and add a fun twist to your dish. Pair this pasta with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for a light meal. For gatherings, consider serving it in a large bowl. Top each serving with halved cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of nuts for crunch. A drizzle of lime juice before serving adds a bright touch that impresses guests. Pro Tips Use Ripe Avocados: Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe for a creamy sauce. A ripe avocado will yield slightly to pressure and have a richer flavor. Add Fresh Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or parsley along with basil for a unique flavor twist in your Green Goddess sauce. Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water before draining. It helps adjust the sauce consistency and allows it to better cling to the pasta. Make It Vegan: The nutritional yeast is optional, but using it adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. This makes the dish entirely vegan while still being delicious. {{image_2}} You can switch up the greens in this dish. Try using kale or arugula instead of spinach and basil. Both give a nice twist to the flavor. If you want a vegan option, you can skip the nutritional yeast. Instead, add a bit more lime juice for a zesty taste. This recipe works well with many pasta types. If you need gluten-free, use brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta. Whole grain pasta adds a nutty flavor. You can also use different shapes like penne or farfalle. This makes it fun and visually appealing. To add more flavor, include seasonal veggies. Cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers work nicely. You can also spice it up with red pepper flakes or cumin. These spices give the pasta a kick that makes each bite exciting. To store your leftovers, place the pasta in an airtight container. Make sure the container seals tightly to keep the moisture in. I recommend using glass containers, as they prevent any unwanted smells. Store in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the freshness may fade. If you want to prepare a batch for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as the pasta will expand when frozen. You can freeze it for up to a month. When you're ready to eat, thaw the pasta overnight in the fridge. For reheating, add it to a pan over low heat with a splash of water. Stir until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave. Just cover the dish and heat in short intervals, stirring in between. This keeps the pasta moist and tasty. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and make the sauce. Store each in separate containers. Keep the pasta in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce lasts about two days. Before serving, mix them together. Add a splash of pasta water to keep it creamy. This way, your meal stays fresh and tasty. If you do not want to use nutritional yeast, try using grated parmesan cheese. It adds a nice, cheesy taste. For a non-dairy option, use ground cashews or sunflower seeds. These can mimic the texture and taste well. Each option changes the flavor slightly, so choose based on what you like best. This recipe is great for meal prep. Cooked pasta and sauce store well. Divide portions into meal containers. You can grab them for lunch or dinner. When ready to eat, just warm them up. You might want to add fresh toppings like tomatoes or nuts. This adds a nice crunch and flavor. Enjoy your easy meal! This recipe for Avocado Lime Green Goddess Pasta uses fresh ingredients to create a tasty dish. You learned about making a creamy sauce, cooking pasta perfectly, and adding fun toppings. Remember, you can customize it with different greens or pasta types. Store leftovers safely for later enjoyment, and don't forget the meal prep tips! Enjoy experimenting with your own flavors and variations. Make this wholesome meal a hit at your next gathering!

Avocado Lime Green Goddess Pasta

A creamy and vibrant pasta dish featuring a green goddess sauce made with avocados, fresh herbs, and lime.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz pasta of choice (e.g., spaghetti or fusilli)
  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1 cup spinach leaves
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional for a cheesy flavor)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)
  • Toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.
  • Make the Green Goddess Sauce: In a food processor, combine the avocados, basil, spinach, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and nutritional yeast (if using). Blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Combine the Pasta and Sauce: In the pot used for the pasta, add the drained pasta and pour in the Green Goddess sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly, adding more reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce adhere.
  • Serve: Divide the pasta among serving bowls. Top with halved cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts for added crunch.
  • Garnish: Drizzle a little extra lime juice over the top for a fresh touch before serving.

Notes

Add more lime juice for extra tang if desired.
Keyword avocado, green goddess, healthy, pasta, vegan