Creamy Vegan Pesto Pasta Salad: PESTO SAUCE 1⁄2 -1 large ripe avocado skin and seed removed
2 tablespoon olive oil (Optional: 1/4 cup of vegan cream cheese)
1 and 1⁄2 cups basil loosely packed
2-3 cloves garlic roughly chopped 1⁄4 cup pine nuts lemon juice from 1⁄2 large lemon salt & pepper adjust to taste ADD: cherry tomatoes asparagus chickpeas (Optional: vegan cheese) INSTRUCTIONS: First, Cook pasta according to package instructions. 
 Meanwhile, make the pesto. Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and spreadable. Scrape down the sides of the blender/food processor as needed.
 Taste for salt and pepper. Toss pesto, pasta, asparagus, tomatoes, and chickpeas together. Drizzle with olive oil, crushed red pepper, and fresh basil. Optional: vegan cheese and balsamic glaze. Enjoy cold. #pasta #veganrecipes #goodoldvegan #recipes #plantbasedrecipes #dairyfree #dairyfreerecipes #vegan #easyveganfood #whatveganseat #easyveganrecipes