Pesto Avocado Torta
This Pesto Avocado Torta is a stunning chilled appetizer that balances the rich tang of cream cheese with the earthy brightness of fresh basil pesto and creamy avocado. The layers of green and white create a beautiful visual presentation, perfect for summer gatherings. The flavor profile is luxurious yet fresh, with hints of garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cutting through the richness. It requires no cooking, just assembly and time to set, making it an effortless yet impressive centerpiece. Serve it with crusty French bread for dipping, allowing guests to enjoy the velvety texture and bold Mediterranean flavors. It’s ideal for potlucks, dinner parties, or as a sophisticated snack for wine nights.
Description
This Pesto Avocado Torta is a stunning chilled appetizer that balances the rich tang of cream cheese with the earthy brightness of fresh basil pesto and creamy avocado. The layers of green and white create a beautiful visual presentation, perfect for summer gatherings. The flavor profile is luxurious yet fresh, with hints of garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cutting through the richness. It requires no cooking, just assembly and time to set, making it an effortless yet impressive centerpiece. Serve it with crusty French bread for dipping, allowing guests to enjoy the velvety texture and bold Mediterranean flavors. It’s ideal for potlucks, dinner parties, or as a sophisticated snack for wine nights.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 2 packages cream cheese (8 ounces each), softened
- 2 cups butter, softened
- 2 whole avocados
- French bread, for serving
Directions
- 1 Prepare the pesto: Blend spinach, basil, Parmesan, olive oil, pine nuts, and garlic in a blender or food processor until smooth. Set aside.
- 2
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until completely smooth and creamy.- 3
Spoon about 1 1/2 cups of the cream cheese mixture into the bottom of the loaf pan and spread evenly.- 4
Spread the prepared pesto evenly over the cream cheese layer.- 5
Spoon another 1 cup of the cream cheese mixture over the pesto layer, spreading evenly.- 6
Halve, seed, and peel the avocados. Cut each half into 8 slices, keeping them attached at the skin end if possible, or laying them flat.- 7
Lay the sliced avocado halves on the cream cheese layer, covering the surface.- 8
Top with the remaining cream cheese mixture, smoothing the top.- 9
Cover the pan tightly and refrigerate for 6 to 8 hours or overnight to set.- 10
Thirty minutes before serving, lift the torta from the loaf pan using the foil overhang and remove the foil.- 11
Slice and serve with large slices of French bread.NoteFor best results, use ripe but firm avocados to maintain shape and prevent browning.
Can be made up to 2 days in advance. Keep refrigerated until serving.
If avocados are very ripe, mash them slightly with the top layer of cream cheese for a smoother texture.
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