Easy Carrot Top Pesto

You don’t have to throw away the green tops to your carrots, they have so many uses, one of which being this amazing carrot top pesto recipe. This carrot top pesto is bright and fresh, it will be a delightful addition to any dish. 

Put the carrot tops to good use

I know it seems wild that you can eat the green tops of carrots like you would any other herb. They have a super fresh, zesty flavor. I used to be a baby carrot girl all the way, until I discovered the versatility of whole carrots. Easy to cut up and add to dishes for a beautiful orange color, sweet flavor and added vitamins. I hope this is giving you lots of ideas of how to use the green leafy part of the carrots. This Carrot Top Pesto is a wonderful way to brighten up any dish like soups, salads, sandwiches, the limit does not exist.

Every pesto starts with the basics Herbs, nuts, olive oil, citrus, and cheese. Throw all the ingredients into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. You can also be a hero and use a mortar and pestle, with a little muscle the pesto will go from a chunky mixture to a beautiful green creamy paste.  

Just like any pesto this carrot top pesto can be modified to fit your dietary needs. Take out the cheese or nuts if your body doesn’t agree with them. Make the Pesto vegan by substituting the cheese with nutritional yeast. Also, any leafy greens you enjoy can be a fantastic addition to the carrot top pesto, spinach, arugula, kale, this is also a terrific way to bulk up the pesto with more nutrients and flavor. 

Ingredients you will need to make carrot top pesto

• Carrot Tops 

• Favorite Herbs (parsley, cilantro, dill, oregano)

• Lemon juice and zest

• Favorite Nuts (walnuts, pistachios, cashews, pine nuts) 

• Hard cheese (parmesan) 

• Garlic clove 

• Salt and Pepper 

• Olive Oil 

how to make carrot top pesto step by step

Step 1: Prep- Gather the carrot tops and chop as close to the carrot as possible. Clean carrot tops thoroughly in cold water. Gather additional herbs. 

Step 2: Add carrot tops, additional herbs, garlic clove, lemon juice and zest, toasted nuts, cheese and salt and pepper to the blender or food processor. If your blender or food processor has an opening on top, hold off on adding the olive oil until you start blending. If your blender or food processor does not have an opening on top add the olive oil in with the rest of your ingredients. 

Step 3: Begin by pulsing your blender or food processor 4 to 5 times to get the mixture to break down. Then blitz for a minute and add olive oil slowly if you haven’t already added the oil. Blend until smooth. If you are not using it right away, then cover with a lid and store in the refrigerator. 

notes for success

For the equipment needed a food processor or blender will work great. I prefer a food processor, but they are a pain to clean and sometimes I am lazy and use my small ninja single serve blender. Either will work great and give you similar results. Feel free to use substitutions. This recipe is super adaptable and can be modified to fit your taste and dietary needs! It is really difficult to mess this pesto up, measuring it is not necessary and ingredients can be added to taste. Before you pour the carrot top pesto into a bowl be sure to take a taste and add ingredients as needed. The carrot top pesto like any sauce will develop more flavor the longer it has time to sit and develop.

storage

Your carrot Top Pesto will keep in the fridge for 6 days in a sealed airtight container or jar. The pesto can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just note, the pesto may not be as vibrant as the day you made you after freezing. To thaw, place in the fridge or countertop for a few hours. 

Now give yourself a pat on the back because you just prevented waste and now have a fabulous herbaceous addition to compliment your future meals. Congrats my friends. Trust me, this pesto is the besto. 🙂

Lastly, if you make the Carrot Top Pesto, be sure to leave a comment and leave a rating for the recipe. I appreciate the support and feedback and I will always try and respond to each and every comment!