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    Urban Bliss Life » All Recipes » Dips, Sauces, Seasonings » Carrot Top Pesto

    Published: August 6, 2021 / Updated: September 23, 2021 by Marlynn Jayme Schotland · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Carrot Top Pesto

    65 shares
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    carrot top pesto with text overlay
    carrot top pesto with text overlay
    carrot top pesto with text overlay
    carrot top pesto with text overlay

    Carrot Top Pesto is easy to make, and it's a versatile recipe that is delicious as a sauce, salad dressing, and protein topping!

    carrot top pesto feature

    One of my favorite sights at the farmer's markets are the bright, vibrant greens against the blazing orange of farm fresh carrots plucked straight from the ground not long before they're out for sale.

    If you ever buy carrots that still have the leafy greens attached, save them to make a delicious and nutritious pesto!

    Jump to:
    • 🌱 Why carrot tops?
    • 🥕 Ingredient notes
    • ✅ Step-by-step instructions
    • 🌿 Ways to use pesto
    • Recipe FAQs
    • 🍳 Tools & Equipment
    • More pesto recipes
    • Carrot Top Pesto

    🌱 Why carrot tops?

    carrot tops

    It breaks my heart whenever I see someone discard carrot greens. They're perfect for pesto!

    Carrot tops are also packed with health benefits. They reportedly have 6 times more vitamin C than the carrot roots.

    Plus, they are full of healthy calcium, potassium, and phytonutrients.

    Carrot greens are said to boost the immune system, aid in digestion, and regulate blood pressure.

    And, because they are rich in Vitamin A, they are also said to help improve vision.

    🥕 Ingredient notes

    ingredients for carrot top pesto

    Carrot tops - This recipe calls for carrot greens from one whole bunch of carrots. Be sure to wash the carrot greens well in cold water. You can chop them in half or thirds before adding to the food processor if you like.

    Olive oil - use the best extra-virgin olive oil you can afford.

    Garlic - The recipe calls for two cloves, which gives it a really bright, sharp garlic flavor - which I love. Feel free to just use one garlic clove if you prefer.

    Lemon Juice - squeeze the juice from one lemon to add some nice acidity to balance the flavors.

    ✅ Step-by-step instructions

    carrot top pesto in food processor

    Making pesto truly is SO easy!

    1. Simply add all ingredients into a food processor.
    2. Pulse until it forms a nice paste. You may need to use a spatula to scrap down the sides once, then pulse again, to ensure all of the ingredients are evenly chopped.

    That's it!

    🌿 Ways to use pesto

    pan-seared salmon with almond basil pesto

    Pesto is such a versatile sauce/dip/topping that can be used with so many different dishes!

    • This carrot top pesto is an awesome flavor topping for Pan-Seared Salmon and other seafood.
    • Use as a pasta sauce, like this Steak Tortellini with Pesto.
    • Serve as a dip with cut veggies and crackers. It looks beautiful on a grazing table!
    • Spread onto toast for open-faced sandwiches, like these oh so yummy Pesto Caprese Tartines.
    • Use as pizza sauce, like in this Shrimp Pesto Pizza.

    Recipe FAQs

    What are other ways I can use up carrot tops?

    In addition to using the leaves for pesto, you could use them in smoothies. Or, chop some up to enjoy with your favorite salad. Because the tops are bitter, you'll want to make sure you balance the flavors with a little sweetness and some acidity.

    How do you preserve carrot tops?

    If you're not going to use the greens right away, you can separate them from the roots, then wrap in a damp paper towel. Refrigerate and use within a day or two.

    How long does pesto last in the fridge?

    If stored properly, pesto will stay fresh for up to 5 to 7 days.

    Can I eat carrot tops raw?

    Yes! Keep in mind that these greens are fairly bitter, which is why they're delicious when used in combination with some sweetness and acidity like in pesto. But you can also cook them to soften the bitterness.

    Can I freeze pesto?

    Absolutely! Freeze pesto in ice cube trays, then place the frozen cubes into a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pesto will keep for up to 6 months!

    🍳 Tools & Equipment

    carrot top pesto in food processor

    Food Processor - A food processor is the main thing you will need to make this pesto.

    You can also try using a high-powered blender, but I've found that a food processor is easier for pesto and other sauces.

    More pesto recipes

    • white scalloped bowl filled with mint pesto with mint leaves around the top of the bowl on a bright blue background.
      Mint Pesto
    • avocado pesto
      Avocado Pesto
    • spinach pesto pizza
      Easy Spinach Pesto
    • pan-seared salmon with almond basil pesto
      Pan-Seared Salmon with Almond Basil Pesto

    Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!

    carrot top pesto in a bowl with carrots.

    Carrot Top Pesto

    5 from 1 vote
    Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 0 minutes mins
    Total Time: 5 minutes mins
    Recipe by Marlynn Schotland
    Beautiful leafy carrot tops make fast, easy, delicious pesto!
    Servings: 1 cup
    Calories: 265kcal
    PRINT PIN RATE 🤍 SAVESaved!

    Equipment

    • Food Processor

    Ingredients

    • leafy carrot top greens from one bunch of carrots
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 tablespoon packed mint leaves
    • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions

    • Place all ingredients into a food processor and pulse until a coarse paste forms.

    Video

    Notes

    Storage: Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to one week. Glass containers, such as mason jars, are best, as the oils, colors, and flavors may seep into and stain some plastic containers. 
    Tried this recipe?Please leave a star rating and comment! Then snap a pic of your dish and share it on social media. Tag @UrbanBlissLife and #UrbanBlissLife!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 265kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Sodium: 1166mg | Potassium: 75mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 217IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.

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      Marlynn Jayme Schotland 2021 profile pic

      Hi! If you're looking for easy, fast, delicious family-friendly recipes, wine pairings, and travel tips, you've come to the right place! I'm Marlynn - a cookbook author, writer, photographer, and mom of two teenagers + a lovable lab retriever. I hold a WSET 2 with Distinction in wine, and am a member of Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA).

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