Creamy Paleo African Blue Basil Pesto

I know I already did a pesto post, but this pesto deserves its own. This pesto is so good I can almost eat it by the spoonful.

Ingredients

• large handful African blue basil (you can also use sweet basil)
• handful of arugula
• handful of roasted pine nuts (you can roast yourself on the stove top)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp water
• 1-2 cloves garlic (I like more garlic)
• half an avocado

Preparation

1. Place all ingredients in blender and mix till smooth
2. Put on chicken, salad, fish, etc.

paleo creamy African blue basil pesto

Rethinking Pesto

Paleo or vegan pesto does not have to be pesto without cheese. While there are some great paleo recipes out there for traditional pesto (this one included), I have learned that there is a huge reward for being creative with pesto. I have to credit My Darling Lemon Thyme for opening my mind to a multitude of pesto possibilities.

The “pestos” I make tend to have the following ingredients in common:

• pine nuts
• olive oil
• basil
• garlic

basil

I encourage you to experiment making pesto by adding one or more of the following ingredients (it has worked out well for me!):

• broccoli (steam a little first in the microwave to soften)
• arugula
• spinach
• lemon juice

Pesto is great on grilled chicken breast. You can also have it in a salad like this grilled chicken with walnut pesto sauce and warm arugula salad.

grilled chicken with walnut pesto sauce and warm arugula salad