Beet green pesto

Beet green pesto is a vibrant, earthy twist on traditional Italian pesto, made by blending beet greens (the leafy tops of beetroot) with nuts, garlic, cheese, and olive oil. It's a resourceful way to use the entire beet plant, creating a flavorful sauce or spread with a slightly more robust, mineral-rich taste than classic basil pesto.

🍳 View the full Beet green pesto recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This pesto is a good source of healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, along with plant-based protein and fiber. It provides key nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamins A and K from the beet greens, with a typical serving containing around 150-200 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	180 kcal
Protein	4 g
Carbs	8 g
Fat	15 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	3 g
Sodium	320 mg
Vitamin K	350 mcg
Vitamin A	4500 IU
Vitamin C	25 mg
Potassium	380 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Calcium	120 mg
Magnesium	45 mg
Folate	110 mcg

Per 1/2 cup (120 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it embodies the 'root-to-stem' cooking philosophy, minimizing food waste by utilizing a part of the plant often discarded. Nutritionally, beet greens are surprisingly nutrient-dense, offering even more iron and calcium than the beetroot itself.