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How to Make Pistou Radish Leaf Pesto

Pistou Radish Leaf Pesto

Erin Rains
The first thing that comes to mind is how versatile pistou radish leaf pesto can be. It's a true culinary chameleon. You can use it as a sauce for pasta, a drizzle on grilled chicken, or even a smear on crusty bread.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Condiment
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 140 kcal

Equipment

  •  Blender, Airtight Container

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest to enhance the citrus aroma and freshness
  • 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • ½ cup sliced or slivered almonds or coarsely chopped macadamia nuts, pistachios, or pine nuts
  • cup extra-virgin olive oil plus more as needed
  • 4 cups packed radish tops (that’s about 4 good handfuls), washed and dried
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast which adds a savory, cheesy flavor and boosts nutrition
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • ½ large lemon juiced (approximately 2 tablespoons)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Radish Tops

  • Begin by preparing your radish tops. Rinse them thoroughly under cool water to remove any dirt. Shake off excess water and then gently dry them with a clean towel. It’s vital to ensure they are completely dry for the best texture in your pesto.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Blender or Food Processor

  • Add the freshly washed radish tops, garlic, sliced almonds, Parmesan cheese, and lemon zest to a blender or food processor. It's like a vibrant green party in there! Make sure not to overfill; you may need to do this in batches depending on your equipment's size.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth

  • Turn on the blender or food processor. Pulse and blend until the mixture becomes a coarse paste. You don’t want it to be totally smooth right away; some texture adds character.

Step 4: Add Olive Oil and Lemon Juice

  • With the blender running, slowly pour in the extra-virgin olive oil. This helps to emulsify the mix. Then, squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the pesto. Blend until the pesto reaches a creamy consistency.

Step 5: Season to Taste

  • Once blended, taste your creation. Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper as you see fit. A little taste adjustment can go a long way. If it feels too thick, you can add a hint of water or more olive oil to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 6: Storage

  • Scoop your prepared pistou radish leaf pesto into an airtight container. Cover the surface with a thin layer of olive oil to help prevent browning. Store in the fridge, where it will keep fresh for about a week.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresher radish tops will provide a bolder flavor. Choose vibrant greens that are firm and not yellowing.
  • Nuts Can Vary: Swap out almonds for other nuts like walnuts or sunflower seeds depending on your taste. This will give different dimensions to your pesto.
  • Balance the Flavors: Always taste and adjust the balance of salt, lemon juice, and olive oil. You want it to sing!
  • Add Extra Nutrients: Toss in some spinach or kale for added nutrition. They blend well and can elevate the flavor.
  • Experiment: Try adding a hint of chili flakes for a kick. Or mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for a fruity twist.

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 3gFat: 14gFiber: 1g
Keyword Pistou Radish Leaf Pesto
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