1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Radish Greens Pesto

No-Waste Sauce

Featured in Crisp and Refreshing Salads.

Transform radish tops into flavorful pesto with nuts, garlic and Parmesan. Perfect zero-waste recipe that's ready in 30 minutes.
Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:11:11 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
A glass bowl of vibrant green pesto is surrounded by fresh leafy greens and bright red radishes. Pin it
A glass bowl of vibrant green pesto is surrounded by fresh leafy greens and bright red radishes. | cookingwithcasey.com

Let me share how to turn radish tops into vibrant peppery pesto. This smart zero waste recipe creates a versatile sauce perfect for pasta pizzas proteins and more.

Sustainable Choice

Uses often discarded greens. Creates unique peppery pesto flavor.

Simple Ingredients

  • Radish Greens: Clean fresh peppery base
  • Nuts: Almonds pine nuts texture
  • Parmesan: Adds savory depth
  • Olive Oil: Smooth everything together
  • Lemon: Brightens balances flavors

Clean Well

Rinse greens several times cold water. Use salad spinner ensure dry.

Quick Process

Blend all ingredients food processor. Adjust seasoning taste perfect.

A dark bowl filled with vibrant green pesto topped with sliced radishes, surrounded by fresh greens. Pin it
A dark bowl filled with vibrant green pesto topped with sliced radishes, surrounded by fresh greens. | cookingwithcasey.com

Pro Tips

Refrigerate greens immediately use fresh. Young leaves mild older bolder.

Great Pairs

Perfect pasta chicken fish potatoes. Delicious toast soup addition.

Keep Fresh

Store airtight container five days. Freeze portions six months.

Healthy Choice

Rich nutrients like kale benefits. Reduces waste adds nutrition meals.

Many Uses

Try pizza base baked pasta dishes. Great dip roasted vegetables shrimp.

A creamy green dip garnished with sliced radishes, served in a rustic bowl with fresh leaves around it. Pin it
A creamy green dip garnished with sliced radishes, served in a rustic bowl with fresh leaves around it. | cookingwithcasey.com

Freeze Smart

Use ice cube trays portions. Easy thaw use needed.

Modern Cooking

Zero waste cooking trending now. Delicious sustainable choice everyone.

Good For You

Full antioxidants immune support. Helps digestion tastes amazing too.

Party Ready

Serve dip fresh bread crackers. Unique impressive eco friendly appetizer.

Perfect Match

Serve alongside radish salad. Complete celebration whole plant.

A black bowl filled with a green salad topped with grated cheese and sliced almonds. Pin it
A black bowl filled with a green salad topped with grated cheese and sliced almonds. | cookingwithcasey.com

Mix It Up

Try sunflower seeds nut free. Add pepper flakes extra kick.

Budget Smart

Few ingredients big flavor. Makes most simple greens amazing.

Discover More

Explore radish greens versatility. Transform everyday dishes special.

Start Creating

Simple delicious nutritious pesto. Sure become kitchen staple favorite.

Share Stories

Tag photos social media ideas. Love seeing your pesto creations.

A bowl of vibrant green pesto is surrounded by fresh radishes and leafy greens on a marble surface, with a wooden spoon resting in the bowl. Pin it
A bowl of vibrant green pesto is surrounded by fresh radishes and leafy greens on a marble surface, with a wooden spoon resting in the bowl. | cookingwithcasey.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this nut-free?
Yes, substitute sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for nuts.
→ How can I make this vegan?
Use brewer's yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
→ How long do radish greens keep?
Use quickly after separating from roots as greens wilt fast.
→ Can I freeze this?
Yes, freezes well up to 6 months in small containers.
→ How can I thin the sauce?
Add water or additional oil to reach desired consistency.

Radish Greens Pesto

A sustainable pesto made from peppery radish greens, nuts, garlic and Parmesan. Great way to use often-discarded greens.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Casey


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (2 cups)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 4 cups (packed) radish tops, washed and dried.
02 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped.
03 1/2 large lemon, juiced (2 tablespoons).
04 1/2 cup sliced or slivered almonds, macadamia nuts, pistachios or pine nuts.
05 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
06 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed.
07 Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Combine first 6 ingredients in food processor. Work in batches if needed.

Step 02

Process until smooth, scraping sides as needed.

Step 03

Add oil to achieve sauce consistency. Season with salt and pepper.

Notes

  1. Makes 2 cups.
  2. Can use sunflower seeds or pepitas for nut-free version.
  3. Can use brewer's yeast instead of parmesan.
  4. Freezes up to 6 months.

Tools You'll Need

  • Food processor.
  • Salad spinner.
  • Measuring cups and spoons.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (parmesan).
  • Nuts (almonds, macadamia, pistachios, pine nuts).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 390
  • Total Fat: 33 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 19 g
  • Protein: 8 g