1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Radish Green Sauce

Flavorful No-Waste Sauce

Featured in Feel-Good Food That Tastes Amazing.

Take radish greens and turn them into a bright pesto with garlic, nuts, and Parmesan. A quick, no-trash recipe ready in about 30 minutes.
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
Rose
Updated on Sat, 15 Mar 2025 01:15:21 GMT
A glass bowl filled with bright green pesto sits beside fresh radish leaves and red radishes. Pin it
A glass bowl filled with bright green pesto sits beside fresh radish leaves and red radishes. | tastybysophie.com

Transform fresh radish tops into a flavorful, peppery pesto sauce. This resourceful recipe creates an aromatic blend perfect for enhancing pasta, vegetables, and proteins.

Kitchen Economy

Transform unused radish greens into a robust, peppery sauce while reducing kitchen waste.

Key Components

  • Radish Tops: Fresh, peppery greens as the base
  • Nuts: Traditional pine nuts or almonds for body
  • Parmesan: Aged cheese for umami depth
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For smooth emulsion
  • Fresh Lemon: Adds brightness and balance

Preparation

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

Basic Method

Combine ingredients in food processor until smooth. Season to taste.

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. | tastybysophie.com

Kitchen Notes

Use greens promptly after harvesting. Young leaves offer milder flavor.

Classic Pairings

Enhances pasta, grilled chicken, fish. Excellent with crusty bread.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate in sealed container up to 5 days. Freezes well for 6 months.

Nutritional Benefits

Packed with vitamins and minerals similar to other leafy greens.

Serving Ideas

Spread on flatbreads, toss with pasta, or serve as vegetable 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. | tastybysophie.com

Freezing Method

Portion into ice cube trays before freezing. Thaw as needed.

Sustainable Cooking

Reduces kitchen waste while creating flavorful sauce.

Wellness Benefits

Rich in antioxidants and natural compounds supporting health.

Entertaining Ideas

Serve with crostini and fresh vegetables for gatherings.

Complementary Dishes

Pairs beautifully with fresh radish salad for complete meal.

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. | tastybysophie.com

Variations

Substitute seeds for nuts. Add chili flakes for heat.

Value Cooking

Maximum flavor from minimal ingredients.

Recipe Inspiration

Experiment with different applications in everyday cooking.

Kitchen Success

Master this versatile sauce for elevated home cooking.

Community Connection

Share preparation photos and creative serving suggestions online.

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. | tastybysophie.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this nut-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the nuts for pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead.
→ I want it vegan. How do I do that?
Just substitute Parmesan with brewer’s yeast for a plant-based version.
→ How long do radish leaves last?
You’ll want to use them quickly since they lose freshness after being removed from the radishes.
→ Can I store it in the freezer?
Sure thing! It keeps for up to 6 months when stored in small portions.
→ What’s the best way to thin the sauce?
Add either a drizzle of oil or some water until you’re happy with the consistency.

Radish Green Sauce

Peppery radish leaves, nuts, Parmesan, and garlic come together in this waste-free, delicious pesto. Don't toss the greens—use 'em!

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Fresh & Healthy

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (2 cups)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 About 4 packed cups of radish greens, rinsed off and dried up.
02 4 garlic cloves, minced finely.
03 Juice of half a big lemon (roughly 2 tablespoons).
04 1/2 cup of pistachios, macadamia nuts, slivered almonds, pine nuts, or any mix you like.
05 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, freshly grated.
06 1/3 cup of olive oil (extra-virgin kind), with more if needed.
07 Salt and a sprinkle of fresh black pepper, adjusted to your taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Throw the first 6 ingredients into a food processor. You can process them in smaller amounts if the bowl’s too full.

Step 02

Blend everything until it's all smooth. Pause now and then to scrape down any bits stuck on the sides.

Step 03

Add more olive oil till the sauce’s consistency looks just right. Toss in salt and pepper to adjust the flavor.

Notes

  1. Yields 2 cups total.
  2. Swap nuts for sunflower seeds or pepitas to make it nut-free.
  3. Brewer’s yeast works as a Parmesan alternative.
  4. Store it in the freezer for as long as 6 months.

Tools You'll Need

  • Processor for food.
  • A spinner for washing salad greens.
  • Measuring tools like cups and spoons.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (contains Parmesan).
  • Nuts (includes almonds, macadamia nuts, pistachios, 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