Zero-Waste Sauce

Category: Cooking Through the Seasons

Use radish greens with garlic, Parmesan, and nuts to whip up a tangy, eco-friendly sauce in just 30 mins.
Rose
By Sophie Parker Sophie Parker
Updated on Mon, 05 May 2025 18:44:34 GMT
Bright green sauce in a bowl surrounded by fresh radishes and their leafy tops. Save
Bright green sauce in a bowl surrounded by fresh radishes and their leafy tops. | tastybysophie.com

I'm gonna tell you how to make those unused radish greens into a spicy, zingy pesto. This clever food-saving hack turns overlooked leaves into a tasty sauce you can slather on noodles, top your pizza with, drizzle over meat, or use tons of other ways.

Earth-Friendly Option

Makes good use of tossed-out greens. Delivers a zesty peppery sauce with character.

Basic Components

  • Radish Greens: Washed spicy foundation
  • Nuts: Texture from pine nuts almonds
  • Parmesan: Gives rich umami flavor
  • Olive Oil: Blends it all into silkiness
  • Lemon: Adds zing cuts richness

Wash Thoroughly

Soak leaves multiple times in cool water. Get them totally dry with a spinner after.

Fast Mixing

Throw everything in your processor. Tweak salt and pepper till it's just right.

Pro Tips

Don't wait to chill your greens after picking. Smaller leaves taste milder while bigger ones pack more punch.

Perfect Pairings

Goes great with noodles seafood poultry root veggies. Wonderful mixed into soups or spread on crusty bread.

Stay Fresh

Keeps in sealed container about five days. Pop extra into freezer for up to six months.

Good For You

Packed with goodness similar to kale. Cuts down on trash while boosting your meal's health factor.

Endless Options

Spread under cheese on flatbreads or toss with hot pasta. Makes veggies and seafood extra tasty when used as a dip.

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

Clever Storage

Fill ice trays for handy amounts. Just grab what you need when cooking.

Today's Approach

Using all food parts is super popular lately. Tasty way to cook smarter for anyone.

Wellness Boost

Loaded with stuff that fights sickness. Helps your tummy work better and tastes awesome too.

Crowd Pleaser

Put it out with sliced bread or crackers. Makes a talking-point snack that's kind to the planet.

Ideal Combination

Team it up with a radish salad dish. Shows off the whole veggie from roots to leaves.

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

Switch Things Up

Swap in sunflower seeds if you can't do nuts. Toss in some chili flakes for heat lovers.

Money Saver

Not many items needed for tons of taste. Turns cheap greens into something special.

Find New Ways

Try different stuff with radish tops. Make your regular meals stand out.

Get Cooking

Easy yummy healthy green sauce. You'll probably make this again and again.

Show Us Yours

Post pics and new ways to use it online. We'd love checking out what you come up with.

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
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. | tastybysophie.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Is this recipe nut-free friendly?
Yep! Swap the nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
→ What about making it vegan?
Use brewer's yeast to replace Parmesan cheese.
→ How long do radish leaves last?
Try to use them soon after separating from radish roots since they wilt quickly.
→ Can this sauce be frozen?
For sure! It stores well in small containers for up to six months.
→ What’s a good way to thin it out?
Just mix in a little water or extra oil until it’s how you like it.

Radish Greens Sauce

Use peppery radish leaves with nuts, garlic, and Parmesan to create this earthy, sustainable sauce. A clever way to save greens.

Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
~
Total Time
30 min
By Sophie Parker: Sophie Parker

Category: Seasonal Recipes

Skill Level: Beginner

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (2 cups)

Dietary Preferences: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 4 garlic cloves, chopped into small pieces.
02 4 cups of radish leaves, cleaned and dried well.
03 Juice from half a lemon, about 2 tablespoons.
04 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
05 1/3 cup olive oil (extra virgin), with extra if needed.
06 1/2 cup nuts like pine nuts, pistachios, almonds, or macadamias, cut or slivered.
07 Season with a pinch of salt and some freshly ground pepper.

Steps

Step 01

Work through the first six items in a food processor, doing it in parts if you have to.

Step 02

Blend everything to make it creamy, scraping off bits from the sides when needed.

Step 03

Pour in the oil to get the right saucy texture. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to your taste.

Notes

  1. This makes roughly 2 cups.
  2. Substituting sunflower seeds or pepitas works for those avoiding nuts.
  3. Use brewer's yeast instead of Parmesan if you'd like.
  4. Store in the freezer for as long as 6 months.

Required Tools

  • A food processor.
  • A salad spinner.
  • Measure tools, cups, and spoons.

Allergy Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains dairy (Parmesan cheese).
  • Includes nuts like almonds, macadamias, pine nuts, or pistachios.

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

These details are provided for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 390
  • Fats: 33 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Proteins: 8 g