![Roasted Carrots with Carrot Top Pesto](https://www.abeautifulplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/roasted-carrots-carrot-top-pesto-1-10-700x1050.jpg)
Vibrant Roasted Carrots with Carrot Top Pesto epitomize root-to-stalk cooking. Carrot halves are roasted until tender and lightly caramelized then tossed, warm out of the oven, with a bright and flavorful carrot top pesto.
In order to make this dish, you’ll need carrot bunches with fresh leafy greens attached. No bagged carrots for this preparation, please.
I love this dish because it reduces waste by using the entire vegetable. It is a fun and fantastic way to incorporate nutritious carrot tops into your cooking repertoire.
![](data:;base64,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 700 1050'></svg>” alt=”Roasted Carrot Halves” width=”700″ height=”1050″ data-pin-description=”Carrot halves are roasted until tender and lightly caramelized then tossed, warm out of the oven, with a bright and flavorful carrot top pesto. ” data-pin-title=”Roasted Carrots” data-lazy-srcset=”https://www.abeautifulplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/roasted-carrots-carrot-top-pesto-1-7-700×1050.jpg 700w, https://www.abeautifulplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/roasted-carrots-carrot-top-pesto-1-7-600×900.jpg 600w, https://www.abeautifulplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/roasted-carrots-carrot-top-pesto-1-7-1024×1536.jpg 1024w, https://www.abeautifulplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/roasted-carrots-carrot-top-pesto-1-7-scaled.jpg 1365w, https://www.abeautifulplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/roasted-carrots-carrot-top-pesto-1-7-150×225.jpg 150w” data-lazy-sizes=”(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px” data-lazy-src=”https://www.abeautifulplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/roasted-carrots-carrot-top-pesto-1-7-700×1050.jpg” /></figure>
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- Easy, Yet Fancy-ish – this dish is simple to prepare, but is a lovely way to jazz up roasted carrots and take advantage of their leafy tops. The carrot top pesto is light, bright, and tasty enough to eat by the spoonful.
- Low Waste – carrot tops are similar to parsley in appearance, texture, and versatility. They have an earthy and sweet carrot-like flavor. Sounds quite obvious, I know, but worth emphasizing! If you’ve never used carrot greens, this recipe is a great starting point.
- Crowd-Friendly – unlike traditional basil pesto or arugula pesto, this carrot top pesto doesn’t contain cheese, which makes this dish naturally gluten and dairy free. It would make a lovely addition to a holiday or potluck dinner table.
![](data:;base64,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 700 1046'></svg>” alt=”Ingredients for Roasted Carrots with Carrot Top Pesto” width=”700″ height=”1046″ data-id=”61973″ data-lazy-srcset=”https://www.abeautifulplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/roasted-carrots-carrot-top-pesto-1-700×1046.jpg 700w, https://www.abeautifulplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/roasted-carrots-carrot-top-pesto-1-600×897.jpg 600w, https://www.abeautifulplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/roasted-carrots-carrot-top-pesto-1-1028×1536.jpg 1028w, https://www.abeautifulplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/roasted-carrots-carrot-top-pesto-1-scaled.jpg 1371w, https://www.abeautifulplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/roasted-carrots-carrot-top-pesto-1-150×224.jpg 150w” data-lazy-sizes=”(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px” data-lazy-src=”https://www.abeautifulplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/roasted-carrots-carrot-top-pesto-1-700×1046.jpg” /></figure>
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![](data:;base64,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 700 1050'></svg>” alt=”Roasted Carrots on Sheet Pan” width=”700″ height=”1050″ data-id=”61965″ data-lazy-srcset=”https://www.abeautifulplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/roasted-carrots-carrot-top-pesto-1-3-700×1050.jpg 700w, https://www.abeautifulplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/roasted-carrots-carrot-top-pesto-1-3-600×900.jpg 600w, https://www.abeautifulplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/roasted-carrots-carrot-top-pesto-1-3-1024×1536.jpg 1024w, https://www.abeautifulplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/roasted-carrots-carrot-top-pesto-1-3-scaled.jpg 1365w, https://www.abeautifulplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/roasted-carrots-carrot-top-pesto-1-3-150×225.jpg 150w” data-lazy-sizes=”(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px” data-lazy-src=”https://www.abeautifulplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/roasted-carrots-carrot-top-pesto-1-3-700×1050.jpg” /></figure>
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- SHELLED PISTACHIOS: add richness and complement roasted carrots extremely well. I recommend toasting the pistachios to bring out additional flavor.
- GARLIC: for that signature punch.
- LEAFY CARROT TOPS: it is very important to seek out fresh, vibrant carrot top leaves (avoid and discard any bruised leaves or stems) for this recipe. A farmer’s market or local produce stand tends to sell the freshest and most flavorful carrots. Be sure to wash the leafy tops extremely well as they can be quite dirty and gritty. Carrot tops don’t store well for extended periods in the fridge, so I recommend preparing the carrot top pesto in advance if needed. See storage instructions below.
- LEMON: we’ll use both freshly grated zest and juice! I love the brightness and punch of acid they lend to the sweet roasted carrots.
- OLIVE OIL: use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.
![](data:;base64,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 700 1050'></svg>” alt=”How to Make Carrot Top Pesto in Food Processor” width=”700″ height=”1050″ data-pin-description=”Carrot halves are roasted until tender and lightly caramelized then tossed, warm out of the oven, with a bright and flavorful carrot top pesto. ” data-pin-title=”How to Make Carrot Top Pesto” data-lazy-srcset=”https://www.abeautifulplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/roasted-carrots-carrot-top-pesto-1-5-700×1050.jpg 700w, https://www.abeautifulplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/roasted-carrots-carrot-top-pesto-1-5-600×900.jpg 600w, https://www.abeautifulplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/roasted-carrots-carrot-top-pesto-1-5-1024×1536.jpg 1024w, https://www.abeautifulplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/roasted-carrots-carrot-top-pesto-1-5-scaled.jpg 1365w, https://www.abeautifulplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/roasted-carrots-carrot-top-pesto-1-5-150×225.jpg 150w” data-lazy-sizes=”(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px” data-lazy-src=”https://www.abeautifulplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/roasted-carrots-carrot-top-pesto-1-5-700×1050.jpg” /></figure>
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- Prep the Carrot Tops: Trim the leafy tops from the carrots, leaving roughly ¼-inch stem attached to tops of each carrot. Pick through and set aside 1 packed cup of carrot tops (leaves along with small tender stems!), discarding any tough or bruised leaves and stems. Wash in a salad spinner several times to remove any dirt and grit, then dry well. Set aside a few leaves for garnishing. NOTE: This quantity yields a generous amount of pesto. Feel free to double or triple the recipe if you have leftovers and wish to use them.
- Combine the pistachios and garlic in the bowl of a large food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Add the carrot tops, lemon zest and juice, a large pinch of kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Pulse several times, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.
- Add the olive oil and roughly 2 tablespoons warm water – this helps thin the pesto to make it easier for tossing – and process until mostly smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
How to Store Carrot Top Pesto:
Transfer pesto to an airtight container, cover with a thin layer of extra virgin olive oil, and cover. Refrigerate for 3 to 4 days or freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before using.
![Roasted Carrots with Carrot Top Pesto](https://www.abeautifulplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/roasted-carrots-carrot-top-pesto-1-14-700x1050.jpg)
How to Serve:
This carrot side dish would be a great pairing to grilled or roasted meat or seafood. Leftover carrot top pesto can be used as a spread or dip, tossed with pasta or hearty grains, or served on top of seafood, meat, or other vegetables.
More Vegetable Side Dish Recipes:
If you enjoyed this dish, try these other flavorful vegetable side dish recipes next.