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Delicious No-Waste Pesto

Featured in Perfect Party Bites and Snack Recipes.

Make a nutty, garlicky radish pesto in no time. Easy and waste-free, it’s ready in 30 minutes.
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Mena
Updated on Sat, 15 Mar 2025 00:35:41 GMT
A bowl of bright orange-green pesto surrounded by radishes and their leafy tops. Pin it
A bowl of bright orange-green pesto surrounded by radishes and their leafy tops. | delishdocket.com

Transform fresh radish tops into a flavorful peppery pesto. This resourceful recipe creates a versatile sauce ideal for enhancing pasta, proteins, and various dishes.

Root to Leaf Cooking

Harness the bold, peppery flavor of radish greens in this waste-reducing recipe.

Core Components

  • Radish Greens: Fresh, crisp leaves for the base
  • Tree Nuts: Pine nuts or almonds for richness
  • Aged Parmesan: For umami depth
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Creates smooth texture
  • Fresh Lemon: Adds brightness and balance

Preparing the Greens

Thoroughly wash greens in cold water multiple times. Dry completely in salad spinner.

Making the Pesto

Combine all ingredients in food processor. Process until smooth, adjusting seasoning.

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. | delishdocket.com

Kitchen Notes

Use greens promptly for best flavor. Younger leaves offer milder taste.

Serving Suggestions

Excellent with pasta, grilled meats, roasted fish, and root vegetables.

Storage Guide

Keeps refrigerated 5 days. Freezes well up to 6 months.

Nutritional Benefits

Packed with vitamins and minerals similar to other leafy greens.

Versatile Applications

Spread on flatbreads, toss with pasta, or serve as a vibrant dip.

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. | delishdocket.com

Freezing Method

Freeze in small portions using ice cube trays for convenience.

Sustainable Kitchen

Minimize waste while maximizing flavor and nutrition.

Health Benefits

Rich in antioxidants and natural compounds supporting wellness.

Entertaining Ideas

Serve with crusty bread and crudités for an elegant appetizer.

Complementary Pairings

Serve alongside fresh radish salad for a cohesive dish.

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. | delishdocket.com

Variations

Customize with seeds instead of nuts. Add chili for heat.

Cost Effective

Transform affordable ingredients into gourmet sauce.

Culinary Exploration

Experience the versatility of this unique garden-fresh pesto.

Kitchen Essential

Master this recipe for an adaptable kitchen staple.

Recipe Success

Discover new ways to enjoy this versatile condiment.

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. | delishdocket.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What can I use instead of nuts?
Swap them for things like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
→ How can I make this recipe vegan?
Switch out Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.
→ How long do radish leaves stay fresh?
They lose their freshness quickly, so use them soon after separating from the roots.
→ Is this sauce freezer-friendly?
Absolutely, it keeps well for up to six months in freezer-safe containers.
→ What’s the best way to thin this pesto?
Stir in some more oil or a little water until it’s the texture you want.

Radish Top Blend

A tasty way to make the most of peppery radish leaves, blended with nuts, garlic, and Parmesan. A smart use for overlooked ingredients.

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


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (2 cups)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 4 cups of radish greens, tightly packed, cleaned up, and dried completely.
02 4 garlic cloves, chopped finely.
03 Juice from half a large lemon, about 2 tablespoons.
04 1/2 cup of nuts (pine nuts, almonds, pistachios, or macadamia) sliced or slivered.
05 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, freshly grated.
06 1/3 cup of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil and a little more if needed.
07 Salt and a few cracks of black pepper, adjusted to your taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Toss the first six ingredients into a food processor. If it's too crowded, just split it into smaller batches.

Step 02

Keep blending everything until it's silky. Be sure to scrape down the sides when needed.

Step 03

Pour in the oil little by little until you like how it spreads. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to get the flavor just right.

Notes

  1. Yields around 2 cups.
  2. Swap the nuts for sunflower seeds or pepitas if you want a recipe free of nuts.
  3. Can't do cheese? Nutritional yeast will do the trick instead of Parmesan.
  4. Put it in the freezer and it'll stay good for up to 6 months.

Tools You'll Need

  • A food processor.
  • A salad spinner.
  • Measuring tools like cups and spoons.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (from Parmesan cheese).
  • Nuts (like almonds, macadamia, pistachios, or 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