Pesto Avocado Toast (Vegan, Oil-Free)

Name: Pesto Avocado Toast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 slices artisan sourdough or whole grain bread; ¼ cup arugula basil pesto; 1 avocado ((medium or large)); salt to taste

This bold and beautiful Pesto Avocado Toast is where creamy avocado meets herbaceous arugula basil pesto. A delicious match that will have you coming back for more.

Toasted bread spread with arugula basil pesto, topped with sliced avocado and chopped fresh spinach.

Quick Look at This Recipe

🕗 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 5 minutes
⏰ Total Time: 15 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 2
⭐ Difficulty: Easy – make the pesto, toast the bread, assemble with sauce and avocado.
🍴 Diet: 100% whole food, plant-based vegan, oil-free

Summarize and save this recipe with AI:

This pesto avocado toast is oil-free, soy-free, and vegan. Whether you're fueling your day or looking for a quick plant-based lunch, this flavor-packed toast hits the spot and is ready in 15 minutes! Enjoy this delicious avocado toast with an iced blueberry matcha latte or banana smoothie with coffee.

Jump to:

Quick Look at This Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Pesto Avocado Toast
Health Benefits
What’s In This Vegan Pesto Avocado Toast
Substitutions and Variations
How to Make This Pesto Avocado Toast
Expert Tips
Pesto Avocado Toast Pairings
Recipe FAQs
Related Recipes to Check Out
Pesto Avocado Toast

Why You’ll Love This Pesto Avocado Toast

This isn’t your average avocado toast. The peppery kick from the arugula basil pesto adds a gourmet twist, while the creamy avocado brings smooth richness. It's perfect for busy mornings, post-workout meals, or whenever you need something fast, fresh, and satisfying. Plus, it’s completely whole food plant-based. This tasty vegan oil-free pesto avocado toast can be dressed up or down depending on your mood.

You may also love our mushroom avocado toast, tomato avocado toast, and natto avocado toast.

Health Benefits

This toast is as nutritious as it is delicious:

Avocado provides healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and potassium for heart and brain health.
Arugula Basil Pesto (made without oil) is loaded with antioxidants from arugula and basil.
Whole grain or sourdough bread adds complex carbs and gut-friendly fiber.
Optional toppings like chopped spinach, tomatoes, lemon juice, or microgreens add extra vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatory compounds.

What’s In This Vegan Pesto Avocado Toast

Ingredients for avocado pesto toast with sourdough bread, arugula basil pesto, and fresh avocado.

Artisan sourdough or whole grain bread: Crunchy and hearty, this is the perfect vehicle for all the flavor.
Arugula Basil Pesto: Herbaceous, peppery, nutty, and garlicky with a bright, tangy kick.
Avocado: Creamy, buttery, and mellow to balance the boldness of the pesto.
Optional toppings: Toasted pine nuts, microgreens, fresh basil, chopped spinach, arugula, sliced tomato, lemon juice, or crushed pepper flakes for heat.

Substitutions and Variations

Swap avocado with butter bean hummus for a legume-based twist.
Don’t have pine nuts for the arugula basil pesto? Feel free to substitute with our vegan almond pesto.
Make it gluten-free with your favorite GF bread. Or make it a pesto avocado bagel with our homemade whole wheat bagels.
Add a protein boost with tempeh bacon or veggie tofu scramble on top.

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How to Make This Pesto Avocado Toast

Homemade arugula basil pesto prepared ahead in a mini food processor.

Step 1

Prepare the Arugula Basil Pesto ahead of time. Feel free to substitute with Vegan Almond Pesto.

Toaster with bread slices inside, heating up for a crispy toast.

Step 2

Use a toaster or skillet to crisp up two slices of sourdough or whole-grain bread.

A woman's hand scooping avocado out of one half of the avocado, with pesto on the side.

Step 3

Slice the avocado in half, remove the pit, thinly slice, and scoop out the flesh. Feel free to mash the avocado if that is your preference.

Spreading arugula basil pesto onto toasted bread.

Step 4

Spread the arugula basil pesto onto the toast.

Sliced avocado layered over arugula basil pesto on toast.

Step 5

Layer the sliced avocado over the pesto. Sprinkle with your favorite optional toppings, salt to taste, and enjoy immediately.

Expert Tips

Use ripe avocado: It should give slightly when you press near the stem.
Toast timing matters: Lightly golden = still chewy. Deep golden = extra crunch.
Layer strategically: Spread pesto first. It helps to keep the sliced avocado in place.
Make extra pesto: It stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Pesto Avocado Toast Pairings

Enjoy your Pesto Avocado toast with a Matcha Smoothie, Celery Smoothie, or Sunrise Sunset Smoothie for a refreshing contrast.
To keep things light, enjoy this meal with a Strawberry Matcha Latte, Italian Mocktail, or Grapefruit Mocktail.
For a more satisfying meal, enjoy it alongside our Vegan Caesar Salad.
Want a heartier option? Try this pesto avocado toast with our Cheesy Tofu Scramble, Vegan Minestrone Soup, Lentil Soup, or Leek and Mushroom Soup.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto for avocado toast?

You can, but most store-bought pestos contain oil and cheese. For a whole food, plant-based version, make your own Arugula Basil Pesto or our Vegan Almond Pesto.

Is avocado toast actually healthy?

Yes! Avocado toast made with whole grain bread and fresh toppings is rich in fiber, healthy fats, and essential nutrients.

How do you keep avocado toast from turning brown?

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the avocado to help prevent browning and add a bright flavor boost.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Toast is best fresh, but you can prep the pesto and slice the toppings in advance for quicker assembly.

One piece of pesto avocado toast on a plate topped with chopped spinach and toasted pine nuts.

This vegan Pesto Avocado Toast is proof that fast food can be healthy, satisfying, and downright craveable. With creamy avocado, herby garlicky pesto, and crunchy toast, it’s a party of textures and flavors in every bite. Whether you're eating solo or impressing guests, this is one toast worth raising.

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