A twist on classic basil pesto, this Carrot Leaf Pesto recipe is not only delicious but helps reduce waste! Carrot tops are edible and a great way to make healthy and nutritious meals.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Are Carrot Greens Edible?
- Are Carrot Tops Healthy?
- Key Ingredients For This Recipe
- How to Make Pesto with Carrot Leaves
- Where to Find Carrots with the Tops on
- How to Serve Carrot Greens Pesto
- How long will Homemade Pesto Last?
- More Fresh and Delicious Recipes to Try
- Carrot Leaf Pesto
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- One of the things I love about Carrot Greens Pesto is that it means there is almost no food waste! I love it when I can use all or almost all of an ingredient.
- Carrot tops offer some great nutritional value and an interesting but mild "green" flavor.
- Carrot pesto is very easy to make and is a bright green color pop.
- 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!
- 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 adding a little spice with red pepper flakes.
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, but 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.
Key Ingredients For This Recipe
Remember to adjust the quantities of the ingredients based on your personal preferences and desired consistency.
- Garlic: Garlic is a popular ingredient in many pesto recipes, fresh garlic is always best. It adds a pungent and slightly spicy flavor to the pesto.
- Walnuts: Walnuts are commonly used in pesto recipes as they add a rich, nutty flavor and a slightly crunchy texture. If you don't have walnuts, you can also use pine nuts or almonds as alternatives.
- Fresh Carrot Leaves: Carrot leaves are the green, feathery tops of the carrot plant. They have a slightly bitter taste and can be used as a substitute for herbs like parsley or cilantro.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Basil is a classic ingredient in pesto recipes and contributes a sweet, aromatic flavor. It pairs well with the other ingredients and adds freshness to the pesto.
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese with a strong and savory flavor. It provides a salty and umami taste to the pesto.
*See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Pesto with Carrot Leaves
Step 1: Place the garlic and nuts into a food processor and pulse until you get a paste.
Step 2: Add the carrot greens, basil, and parmesan cheese and process until everything is nicely combined.
Step 3: Drizzle in the olive oil while processing until you get your desired consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Add salt and pepper to taste. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
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
- 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: Carrot Greens Pesto Chicken and Roasted Vegetables!
- 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 it later in the day, cover it with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pesto to prevent a crust or discoloration from forming.
More Fresh and Delicious Recipes to Try
If you get a chance to make this Carrot Leaf Pesto Recipe, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me, or leave a review below! You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my e-mail list to receive more fun and delicious recipes in your inbox.
Carrot Leaf Pesto
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 clove garlic
- 3 tablespoons 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
Instructions
- Add the garlic and nuts to the food processor and pulse until you get a paste.
- Next, add the carrot greens, basil, and parmesan and continue to process until everything is nicely combined into another paste.
- Drizzle in the olive oil while processing until you get the desired consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- I find that because this recipe has raw garlic if the pesto has a chance to chill in the fridge the spicy garlic flavor tones down a bit. You could also cook the garlic in the olive oil for a minute or two on the stove before adding if you want a milder, sweeter garlic flavor.
- If you like a thinner, sauce-like consistency you may want to add more olive oil or less if you like a thicker pesto.
- If storing this pesto in the fridge before serving, place plastic wrap directly on the surface to avoid a crust or discolorization.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Debra says
Yum....so perfect, since I hate to waste food...and this is a yummy way for those tops to avoid the compost bin. Thanks.
Emily says
I totally agree, Debra, I hate wasting food too.
Capri says
Thanks for the recipe! Now I have use for every part of the carrot!😁
Emily says
You are so welcome, Capri!
Amanda Marie Boyle says
So glad I found this. My favorite market only sells carrots with greens and I never knew what to do with them!
Emily says
Yay, this will be perfect for you!
Kasy Allen says
My kiddo has a nut allergy, so we don't usually buy pesto, but always make it homemade and just leave out the nuts. I love the addition of the carrot tops and not having waste from the garden. Great recipe!
Emily says
Kasy, you can absolutely leave the nuts out of this pesto as well. Homemade is always better!
Amy says
I love pesto and this is such a great version of it! Going to give it a try.
Emily says
Oh good, the carrot tops add such a nice change to traditional pesto.
FOODHEAL says
One way to practice zero waste. I love this recipe, I have to look for carrots with greens
Heather Kroska says
Thank you for the recipe and new idea! What a great way to use something we usually throw away!
Emily says
You are welcome, Heather! I hope you get a chance to try it.
Sherry Ronning says
I love pesto but have never thought of making it with carrot greens! Thanks for the idea Now I have something to make with the tops of my carrots when they come out of the garden.
Emily says
You're welcome, Sherry, this is the best recipe if you grow your own carrots!
Alexandra says
Love this! We love cutting down on waste where possible, and this is such a delicious way to do so.
Emily says
Thanks, Alexandra, cutting down on waste always feels so good.
Sally - My Custard Pie says
Wholeheartedly support recipes that are frugal and use delicious edible parts of the plant that are often thrown away.
Emily says
Thanks, Sally! It's always a good feeling to waste less.
Lisa Huff says
I would never have thought of adding carrot greens to a pesto. Genius!
Emily says
I can't take credit for the idea but it does make a great pesto sauce!
Taylor Kiser says
I love pesto! I have everything I need to make this! Can’t wait!
Emily says
Oh good, you will love this version as well I'm sure of it!
Dannii says
This is our favourite way to use carrot greens. Such a great way to reduce food waste.
Emily says
Yes, I totally agree!!