Name: Radish Top Pesto
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Other

Pesto & Potatoes Verified

July 11, 2025

8 Ingredients

MEDIUM

The leafy green tops of fresh radishes are often discarded, but they make a perfect ingredient for this simple pesto. Paired with a big of parsley, pine nuts, lemon and olive oil, this version is made vegan.

From the Cook

1/3

Radish Top Pesto

Pesto & Potatoes Verified

Ingredients

servings

WarningTreenuts allergen identified

Instructions

Wash radish tops and tear up into the bowl of a food processor. Tear up fresh parsley into the bowl. Add lid and pulse 10 to 12 times to start to break down the greens.

Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add garlic clove, pine nuts, zest from 1 lemon and juice from ½ the lemon into the bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

Replace lid and run on low, until ingredients are broken up and well combined, about 1 minute.

With food processor running on low, drizzle olive oil into the top until desired texture is reached. You’ll need between ¼ cup and ½ cup olive oil. Stop to scrape down sides, as needed.

You want the pesto to still hold some shape when you scoop it with a spoon, ensuring it’s not too liquefied or too much like a thick paste.

If you happen to add too much oil, pulse in another small handful of parsley to reach desired texture.

Smart Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

0
Review & Earn

Be the first to review this recipe and earn a 20% Bonus

Level up & unlock free Premium by reviewing recipes!

My Notes

Your kitchen notebook is waiting.

Whether it's a recipe tweak or an inspiration burst — jot it down here.

Tips & Tricks (5)

Radish Top Rescue 🍃
Always wash radish tops thoroughly and check for any wilted or yellow leaves before using to ensure maximum freshness and flavor in your pesto.
Pine Nut Pro Tip 🥜
Lightly toast pine nuts in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before adding to the pesto to enhance their nutty flavor and bring out a deeper, more complex taste profile.
Texture Magic 🌪️
Pulse the ingredients in your food processor to control the consistency - stop when you reach a slightly coarse, rustic texture that allows individual ingredients to shine.
Acid Balance 🍋
Add lemon juice gradually and taste as you go to prevent overpowering the delicate flavor of the radish tops, ensuring a bright but balanced pesto.
Storage Savvy 🧊
Store your pesto in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation and maintain vibrant green color for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

STAUB

STAUB Cast Iron Braiser with Glass Lid, Dutch Oven, 3.5-quart, serves 3-4, Made in France, Matte Black

View

About the Cook

Pesto & Potatoes

Hi, I’m Reed Dunn, the home cook, food blogger and photographer behind Pesto & Potatoes. This is where I share fresh, seasonal plant-based and pescatarian recipes to inspire you in the kitchen and make answering “what’s for dinner?” a little easier.