Radicchio pesto

If you are looking for an autumn pesto, our radicchio-based version is the right recipe for you. Prepared raw, it is excellent for pasta and croutons.

Radicchio and walnut pesto is a very simple and quick condiment to prepare. Perfect for lovers of the more classic version with basil, this autumnal variant is prepared in a similar way using raw radicchio. The choice is yours whether to use walnuts, taking advantage of an already widely tested combination, or whether to opt for other dried fruit such as almonds and pine nuts.

Chioggia radicchio is ideal for appreciating the slightly bitter flavor of this vegetable. We often use it to season pasta , diluted with just a little of the pasta cooking water, but keep in mind that it is also excellent for making delicious croutons or for filling vol-au-vents.

How to prepare the radicchio pesto recipe

1. To prepare the pesto with radicchio and walnuts, start by washing the radicchio under cold water. Cut it into strips (you don't need to be too precise) and leave it in soak for about an hour in cold water to eliminate the bitterness. After this time, drain the radicchio and dry it.
2. Transfer it into the mixer or blender jug. Add the olive oil , garlic , grated Parmesan , walnuts and a pinch of salt.
3. Blend until you obtain a creamy and smooth pesto. If needed, you can adjust the consistency by adding more oil but we advise you to thin it out with a little pasta water.

Our favorite combination is radicchio and walnuts but you can also use just pine nuts , as in traditional pesto, or opt for almonds . Garlic is needed, but if you don't like it you can also omit it.

We also leave you a short video (but there is nothing complicated in this recipe) to see the final consistency your pesto should have.

Furthermore, if you are looking for another idea to make a different pesto than usual then we recommend our broccoli pesto .

Conservation

The radicchio pesto will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Simply cover the surface with a little oil to prevent it from spoiling.