October 6, 2020

Carrot Greens Pesto

Name: Carrot Greens Pesto
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 clove garlic; 3 tablespoon walnuts ((could also use pine nuts or almonds)); ½ cup fresh carrot top greens; ½ cup fresh basil leaves, gently packed; ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese; ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; salt and pepper to taste

A twist on classic basil pesto, this Carrot Greens Pesto recipe is not only delicious but helps reduce waste! Carrot tops are edible and a great way to make healthy and nutritious meals.

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Are Carrot Greens Edible?

Yes! Carrot greens are definitely edible. They smell and taste a little like a carrot. They have a mild bitterness and “green” taste similar to parsley.

Are Carrot Tops Healthy?

Yes, not only are they edible, they are healthy too! They are rich in nutrients, containing around six times more vitamin C than the carrot itself, as well as calcium and potassium to name a few.

Ingredients Needed to Make Carrot Greens Pesto

a garlic clove
walnuts (could also use pine nuts or almonds)
fresh carrot leaves (tops)
fresh basil leaves
shredded parmesan cheese
extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Pesto with Carrot Tops

First, place the garlic and nuts into a food processor and pulse until you get a paste.
Add the carrot greens, basil, and parmesan cheese and process until everything is nicely combined.
Drizzle in the olive oil while processing until you get your desired consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

nuts and garlic in food processor for pesto — nut and garlic

carrot top pesto before oil is added — nut and garlic

Where to Find Carrots with the tops on

Some organic grocery stores will have carrots with the tops still attached as well as some farmer’s markets. The other option is to grow carrots yourself! Below is a photo of the multi-colored carrots from my garden this year. While the carrots are in some crazy shapes and sizes, they are delicious and produced a ton of greens!

How to serve Carrot Greens Pesto

baking dish with baked chicken and roasted veggies covered in pesto top pesto sauce — Baked Chicken and Roasted Veggies with Carrot Greens Pesto

Put it on the carrots! Roast up your carrots in the oven and add the pesto as a sauce. This is a healthy and delicious side dish.
Add it to pasta for a burst of fresh flavor.
Use it to kick up the flavor in your favorite soup.
Put it on your favorite sandwich.
Brush it on chicken before baking like this dish below: Baked Chicken Breast with Roasted Carrots and Brussel Sprouts covered in Carrot Greens Pesto!
Use it as a dip with your favorite fresh veggies, cheese, and crackers.

How long will Homemade Pesto Last?

Homemade pesto will last in the fridge, covered for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Just make sure you use a container with a sealable lid when freezing or a plastic bag made for the freezer. If you make this pesto ahead of time and plan to serve later in the day, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pesto to prevent a crust or discoloration from forming.

Why Carrot Top Pesto is so great

One of the things I love about Carrot Greens Pesto is that is means there is almost no food waste! I love it when I can use all or almost all of an ingredient.
As I mentioned, carrot tops offer some great nutritional value and an interesting but mild “green” flavor
Carrot pesto is very easy to make
Pesto made from carrot greens is Gluten Free!
If you want a Vegan option, change out the parmesan cheese with a vegan-friendly cheese substitute.
Pesto made from carrot greens will complement a variety of dishes including pasta, salads, meat, and more!
The color of the homemade pesto is amazing!!
You can use different ingredients to your liking for this pesto recipe like subbing a different nut, a different complimentary herb such as arugula or add a little spice with red pepper flakes.