Radish Green Pesto

Don’t throw out your radish leaves! Use them to make this flavorful and nutrient-dense Radish Green Pesto instead.

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Do you tend to cut off the tops of radishes and just use the root? What about beets? Carrots?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s not common knowledge that the leaves of most vegetables are edible. And even if it is, most people don’t know what to do with the greens anyway! I used to feel the same way.

I’ve made it a goal this summer to experiment with more recipes that use the parts of vegetables that don’t get enough attention. Not only does this reduce food waste, but it also inspires more creativity in the kitchen.

Plus, some of the things we tend to throw out when we cook with vegetables–greens, stems, etc–are crazy nutritious. In fact, they are sometimes more nutrient-dense than other parts of the veggie.

One of the easiest ways to use stems, stalks, leaves, etc. is to turn them into dips or condiments, like I did in this Radish Green Pesto.

It’s super green, nutty, salty, and downright delicious. Pesto goes great with so many things, and it can last for a loooong time.

But before we get into the recipe, I rounded up some FAQ about radish leaves.

Are radish leaves edible?

Yes, they absolutely are! They have a slightly bitter, but delicious, taste. And if you pair them with the right flavors, they are an amazing addition to recipes.

You can eat radish greens raw in salads or cook them in a skillet with some olive oil and seasonings.

Radish Greens Nutrition

Radish greens are highly nutritious. They contain more vitamin C, vitamin A, and calcium than radish roots, and may be higher in antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds (1).

Studies show that extract of radish leaves may exhibit anti-cancer effects and protect against diabetes in test tubes (2, 3).

How to Clean Radish Greens

In my experience, radish leaves can be pretty darn dirty. So before you use them in your cooking, you should give them a thorough cleaning.

To clean radish greens, fill a large bowl with cold water. Dunk the greens into the bowl and swish around the water so that you dislodge the dirt that’s stuck between the leaves.

Empty the bowl and repeat, then dry the leaves in between paper towels.

How to Make Radish Green Pesto

Combine the clean radish leaves with sunflower seeds, lemon juice, garlic, and grated parmesan cheese in a food processor or high-powered blender.

Drizzle in the olive oil with the blender running, and blend/pulse until smooth! Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

Ways to Use Radish Green Pesto

Add this flavorful pesto to pasta, pizza (like my Asparagus and Mushroom Naan Bread Pizza), eggs, rice, and sandwiches, or use it as a dip for raw veggies. However you use it, I’d love to hear.

For another no waste recipe, see the Swiss Chard Stem and Beet Tahini Dip.

If you make this recipe, be sure to rate and review it in the comments below, and don’t forget to tag @its_a_vegworld_afterall on Instagram! Looking for something totally different? Browse the recipe library.