Easy Radish Top Pesto Recipe: Zero-Waste Homemade Delight in 5 Minutes

Don't toss those radish tops—transform them into a fresh, flavorful homemade pesto. As a home cook dedicated to zero-waste cooking, I've perfected this simple Italian-inspired recipe using just four ingredients.

This light pesto comes together in 5 minutes and pairs perfectly with pasta, fish, salads, or as an aperitif spread. Here's my trusted easy zero-waste Italian pesto recipe. Watch how it's done:

Contents

• Ingredients
• How to
• Result
• Variants

Ingredients

• Tops from one bunch of radishes
• 1 garlic clove, degermed
• 3 tablespoons hazelnut powder
• 5 or 6 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Food processor or chopper
• Glass jar
• Flexible spatula

How to Make It

Prep time: 5 minutes | Serves: 4

1. Wash the radish tops thoroughly.
2. Add the radish tops, hazelnut powder, salt, and pepper to the food processor.
3. Blend on high speed for about 10 seconds (not full power). Note: For Thermomix, use speed 6.
4. Reduce speed and gradually add the olive oil while blending gently.
5. Scrape down the sides with a spatula, then blend briefly to combine.
6. Transfer the pesto to a glass jar.

The Result

Your vibrant homemade radish top pesto is ready! Quick, delicious, and eco-friendly—it uses every part of that €1 bunch of radishes.

This zero-waste gem shines in spring when I swap the garlic for foraged wild garlic. Enjoy it with pasta, fish, in salad dressings, or as a dip. Store in an airtight glass jar in the fridge for weeks.

Recipe Variations

Swap hazelnut powder for almonds, pine nuts, or a mix. For a classic pesto alla genovese, add pine nuts and Parmesan.

Adapt with nettles, arugula, or wild garlic for unique twists.