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Vibrant No-Waste Sauce

As seen on: Flavorful Sauce and Dressing Recipes

Turn those forgotten radish tops into zingy pesto with nuts, garlic and aged cheese. Quick half-hour recipe that cuts down on food waste.
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emilyscooks.com
Shared By Emily
Last revised on Sun, 11 May 2025 23:00:30 GMT
A glass dish of bright green pesto sits among fresh leafy greens and vivid red radish bulbs. Save this
A glass dish of bright green pesto sits among fresh leafy greens and vivid red radish bulbs. | emilyscooks.com

I'll explain how you can transform those leftover radish greens into a zesty, bold pesto. This no-waste approach gives you a flexible sauce that works wonders on noodles, flatbreads, meats and so much more.

Eco-Friendly Pick

Turns thrown-away tops into food. Gives a spicy unique sauce flavor.

Basic Components

  • Radish Tops: Washed spicy foundation
  • Nuts: Walnuts cashews crunch
  • Parmesan: Brings umami richness
  • Olive Oil: Blends it all nicely
  • Lemon: Adds zip cuts richness

Wash Thoroughly

Soak greens multiple times fresh water. Try cloth or spinner to get them dry.

Fast Blend

Mix everything together in blender. Tweak salt and pepper until it's just right.

A dark bowl filled with vibrant green pesto topped with sliced radishes, surrounded by fresh greens. Save this
A dark bowl filled with vibrant green pesto topped with sliced radishes, surrounded by fresh greens. | emilyscooks.com

Expert Advice

Don't wait to chill the greens after picking. Tender shoots taste milder while mature ones pack more punch.

Tasty Combos

Wonderful with noodles seafood grilled meats. Tasty spread for bread or soup garnish.

Stay Fresh

Pop in sealed jar up to five days. Stick in freezer cubes for half a year.

Nutritious Option

Packed with goodness like spinach offers. Cuts trash while boosting meal value.

Endless Options

Spread on flatbreads mix in casseroles. Works as sauce for grilled veggies prawns.

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

Clever Storage

Freeze in small sections trays. Just grab what you need when cooking.

Current Trend

Kitchen scrap cooking is hot right now. Yummy earth-friendly option anybody can try.

Health Boost

Loaded with nutrients for wellness support. Aids your gut and tastes fantastic too.

Crowd Pleaser

Offer as spread with toasts chips. Stand-out tasty green-minded starter.

Ideal Pairing

Goes well with sliced radish salad. Showcases the whole veggie from root to leaf.

A black bowl filled with a green salad topped with grated cheese and sliced almonds. Save this
A black bowl filled with a green salad topped with grated cheese and sliced almonds. | emilyscooks.com

Switch Things

Swap in pumpkin seeds for allergy folks. Throw in chili for some heat boost.

Money Saver

Cheap stuff major taste. Turns basic greens into something wow.

Learn More

Try other ways to use these tops. Make everyday meals feel special.

Begin Now

Easy tasty healthy green sauce. Will soon become your go-to favorite.

Show Off

Post pics online with your twists. We can't wait to see what you make.

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. Save this
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. | emilyscooks.com

Common Questions

→ Can I make this nut-free?
Sure, just swap in some sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead of nuts.
→ How can I make this vegan?
Go with nutritional yeast instead of the Parmesan.
→ How long do radish greens keep?
They don't last long after cutting from the roots, so use them fast before they wilt.
→ Can I freeze this?
You bet, it stays good for up to 6 months when frozen in small batches.
→ How can I thin the sauce?
Just splash in some water or drizzle more oil until it's as runny as you want.

Greens Pesto

A thrifty pesto whipped up from spicy radish tops, crunchy nuts, fresh garlic and aged cheese. Smart way to use greens you'd normally toss.

Preparation Time
30 Minutes
Cooking Time
~
Overall Time
30 Minutes
Shared By: Emily

Meal Type: Sauces & Dressings

Skill Level: Simple

Cuisine Style: Italian

Makes: 4 Portions (2 cups)

Special Diet: Low in Carbs, Vegetarian-Friendly, Made Without Gluten

What You’ll Need

01 items 4 cups (tightly packed) washed and dried radish greens.
02 items 4 garlic cloves, minced finely.
03 items Juice from half a big lemon (about 2 tbsp).
04 items 1/2 cup nuts - try almonds, macadamias, pistachios or pignolis.
05 items 1/2 cup grated fresh Parmesan.
06 items 1/3 cup good olive oil, with extra on hand if needed.
07 items Salt and fresh ground pepper to your liking.

Steps To Make It

Step 01

Put the first 6 items into your food processor. Work in smaller batches if it's too full.

Step 02

Run until it's nice and smooth, making sure to scrape down the sides when needed.

Step 03

Pour in oil until you get the right sauce thickness. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Extra Notes

  1. Yields 2 cups total.
  2. For folks with nut allergies, try sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead.
  3. Nutritional yeast works as a dairy-free swap for the parmesan.
  4. You can freeze this for up to half a year.

Essential Tools

  • A good food processor.
  • Spinner for drying greens.
  • Cups and spoons for measuring.

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy from the parmesan.
  • Contains nuts if using almonds, macadamias, pistachios or pine nuts.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Keep in mind, this data is an estimate and not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
  • Calories: 390
  • Fat Content: 33 grams
  • Total Carbs: 19 grams
  • Protein Content: 8 grams