Looking for a vibrant, creamy sauce that will elevate your spaghetti nights without compromising your vegan lifestyle? This Avocado Cilantro Garlic Sauce is a game-changer for anyone seeking a fresh, flavorful alternative to traditional tomato-based pasta sauces.
Packed with wholesome ingredients, this sauce marries the richness of avocado with the zesty brightness of cilantro and the bold punch of garlic, creating a luscious coating that clings perfectly to your favorite spaghetti.
It’s not only dairy-free and vegan but also incredibly quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you crave something fresh and nutritious.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply exploring plant-based options, this sauce will surprise you with its depth of flavor and creamy texture. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with other dishes — from roasted vegetables to grain bowls.
Dive into this recipe and transform your pasta dinner into a vibrant, healthy feast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This avocado cilantro garlic sauce is a deliciously creamy, nutrient-packed alternative to heavy cream or oil-based pasta sauces. It offers:
- Rich Creaminess without any dairy or processed fats, thanks to ripe avocado.
- Bright, Fresh Flavors from cilantro and garlic that enliven every bite.
- Quick and Easy Preparation with just a few ingredients blended together in minutes.
- Versatility to pair not only with spaghetti but also as a dip or spread.
- Health Benefits from heart-healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamins.
If you enjoy recipes like this, you might also love our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners or explore more plant-based delights in our Soy Free Vegan Recipes for Delicious Plant-Based Meals.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Ripe Avocado | 1 medium | Provides creaminess and healthy fats |
Fresh Cilantro | 1 cup packed leaves | Washed and roughly chopped |
Garlic Cloves | 2 large cloves | Minced or roughly chopped |
Fresh Lime Juice | 2 tablespoons | Adds brightness and balances richness |
Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons | Extra virgin recommended |
Water | 1/4 cup (adjust as needed) | To thin the sauce to desired consistency |
Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | Or to taste |
Black Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon | Freshly ground |
Optional: Red Pepper Flakes | 1/4 teaspoon | For a touch of heat |
Equipment
- High-speed blender or food processor – to ensure a smooth sauce texture
- Measuring spoons and cups – for accurate ingredient measurements
- Sharp knife – to chop garlic and cilantro
- Cutting board
- Spatula – to scrape down the sides of the blender or processor
- Mixing bowl – optional, if you prefer to mix by hand after blending
Instructions
- Prepare the avocado: Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into the blender or food processor.
- Add fresh cilantro: Roughly chop the cilantro leaves and add them to the blender. Using fresh, vibrant cilantro is key to the bright herbal notes in this sauce.
- Incorporate garlic: Peel and roughly chop the garlic cloves, then add to the blender. Garlic provides a bold, savory depth that balances the creaminess.
- Pour in lime juice and olive oil: Add the fresh lime juice which brightens the sauce and olive oil for richness and smooth texture.
- Add water gradually: Start with 1/4 cup of water to help thin the sauce. You can add more later if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes: These enhance and balance the overall flavor. Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Blend until smooth: Pulse and then blend on high speed for about 30-60 seconds until the sauce is creamy and evenly combined. Stop to scrape down the sides with a spatula as needed.
- Taste and adjust: Give your sauce a taste test. Add more lime juice for acidity, salt for seasoning, or water to thin out. Blend again briefly if you add anything.
- Serve immediately or store: Toss the sauce with freshly cooked spaghetti or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The lime juice helps prevent browning, but avocado sauce is best eaten fresh!
Tips & Variations
Tip: Use ripe avocados for the creamiest texture. If your avocado isn’t quite ripe, the sauce might be slightly less smooth but still delicious.
Customize this sauce to suit your tastes or pantry availability:
- Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a small pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Herb swaps: Try replacing half the cilantro with fresh basil or parsley for a different herbal note.
- Add nutritional yeast: For a cheesy, umami flavor that enhances pasta dishes.
- Make it extra garlicky: Increase garlic cloves to 3 if you love that punch.
- Nutty twist: Add 2 tablespoons of raw cashews soaked for 1 hour to boost creaminess and protein.
For more creamy vegan sauce ideas, check out our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or try out our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (approx.) | Notes |
---|---|---|
Calories | 160 | Based on 1/4 cup serving size |
Fat | 14g | Mostly healthy monounsaturated fats from avocado and olive oil |
Carbohydrates | 8g | Includes fiber from avocado and cilantro |
Fiber | 5g | Good source of dietary fiber |
Protein | 2g | Plant-based protein from avocado and cilantro |
Vitamin C | 15% DV | Boosted by lime juice and cilantro |
Vitamin K | 25% DV | From fresh cilantro |
Sodium | 300mg | Depends on added salt |
Serving Suggestions
This versatile sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes beyond spaghetti. Try these ideas:
- Classic spaghetti: Toss with al dente spaghetti for a fresh, creamy pasta dish.
- Vegetable noodles: Use with zucchini or sweet potato noodles for a lighter meal.
- Grain bowls: Drizzle over quinoa or brown rice with roasted veggies.
- Dipping sauce: Serve as a dip for fresh vegetable sticks or baked tortilla chips.
- Sandwich spread: Use as a creamy spread on wraps or sandwiches for extra flavor.
For more wholesome meal ideas, explore our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or try a sweet finish with our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.
Conclusion
This Avocado Cilantro Garlic Sauce is a perfect example of how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create a deliciously creamy and vibrant vegan pasta sauce. Its fresh herbal notes and rich texture make it a standout on your dinner table, providing a nutritious alternative to traditional sauces.
The recipe’s quick preparation and versatility mean you can enjoy it not only with spaghetti but also as a dip, spread, or dressing for various dishes.
Embracing plant-based cooking doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction, and this sauce proves just that. Whether you’re a vegan veteran or experimenting with meatless meals, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
For more creative vegan recipes and cooking inspiration, be sure to check out our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves, and keep exploring the vibrant world of plant-based cuisine!
📖 Recipe Card: Avocado Cilantro Garlic Sauce (Vegan) for Spaghetti
Description: A creamy, flavorful vegan sauce made with fresh avocado, cilantro, and garlic, perfect for spaghetti. This sauce is quick to prepare and adds a healthy twist to your pasta dishes.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT10M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a blender.
- Add cilantro, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and water to the blender.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more water if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve immediately over cooked spaghetti or refrigerate up to 2 days.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 16g | Carbs: 8g
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