Name: Garlic Scape Pesto
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: ½ cup garlic scapes, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces; ½ cup fresh basil leaves; ¼ cup pine nuts or almonds, toasted; 1 medium lemon, zested and juiced; ½ cup extra virgin olive oil; ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Pinch of kosher salt

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Garlic Scape Pesto is one of my favorite ways to turn fresh garlic scapes into a vibrant, flavorful sauce. I combine tender garlic scapes with fresh basil, toasted nuts, Parmesan, lemon, and extra virgin olive oil for a pesto that tastes bright, savory, and pleasantly garlicky.

I love how quickly this pesto comes together. I can toss it with pasta, spread it on sandwiches, spoon it over grilled vegetables or meats, or use it as a simple dip. It is especially useful when I have fresh garlic scapes from a garden or farmers market and want an easy way to enjoy their unique flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

½ cup garlic scapes, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

½ cup fresh basil leaves

¼ cup pine nuts or almonds, toasted

1 medium lemon, zested and juiced

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pinch of kosher salt

Directions

I start by tasting a small piece of raw garlic scape. If the flavor is especially pungent, I put the chopped scapes in a colander and carefully pour boiling water over them to mellow their sharpness. I can skip this step when the scapes are mild.

I add the garlic scapes, fresh basil, toasted pine nuts or almonds, and a pinch of kosher salt to a food processor.

I pulse the ingredients until everything is finely chopped and evenly combined.

I add the lemon zest and lemon juice, then process the mixture again to distribute the citrus throughout the pesto.

With the food processor running, I slowly stream in the extra virgin olive oil. I continue processing until the pesto reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.

I transfer the pesto to a bowl and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.

I taste the pesto and adjust the salt or lemon juice as needed.

I serve the pesto immediately, or I transfer it to an airtight container for storage.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: approximately 187 kcal per serving

Servings: 8

Variations

Swap the Nuts:

I can replace the pine nuts with toasted almonds for a slightly heartier, nuttier flavor. Walnuts can also work when I want a more robust pesto.

Make It More Basil-Forward:

If I want a milder garlic flavor, I increase the amount of fresh basil slightly while reducing the garlic scapes. This creates a pesto closer to traditional basil pesto while still keeping the distinctive flavor of the scapes.

Add More Lemon:

For a brighter pesto, I add a little extra lemon zest or juice. I especially like this variation when I plan to serve the pesto with vegetables or use it in a pasta salad.

Adjust the Texture:

When I want a thick pesto for sandwiches or crostini, I use slightly less olive oil. For pasta, I prefer a looser consistency, so I can add a little extra olive oil or thin the pesto with a small amount of pasta cooking water when serving.

Parmesan Alternatives:

I can substitute another hard, finely grated cheese with a similar savory flavor when Parmesan is unavailable. The final flavor will vary slightly depending on the cheese I choose.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover Garlic Scape Pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I like to smooth the surface and add a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing the container, which helps limit its exposure to air. For the best quality, I use refrigerated pesto within several days.

For longer storage, I freeze the pesto in small portions so I can thaw only what I need. An ice cube tray or other small freezer-safe containers make portioning convenient. Once frozen solid, I can transfer the portions to a freezer-safe container.

This pesto usually does not need reheating. If I am serving it with pasta, I prefer to stir it directly into warm pasta rather than cook it over high heat. If necessary, I loosen it with a splash of warm pasta water until it coats the pasta evenly.

FAQs

What do garlic scapes taste like?

I find garlic scapes have a fresh, green garlic flavor. They can be milder than mature garlic cloves, although their intensity varies depending on their age and growing conditions.

Do I need to cook garlic scapes before making pesto?

I do not normally cook them first. If I taste a scape and find it too pungent, I briefly pour boiling water over the chopped pieces in a colander before adding them to the food processor. This helps mellow their flavor.

What can I use Garlic Scape Pesto for?

I use it in many of the same ways I use traditional pesto. I toss it with pasta, spread it onto sandwiches, spoon it over grilled or roasted vegetables, or serve it alongside savory dishes. I can also stir a small amount into soups or grain bowls for extra flavor.

Can I freeze Garlic Scape Pesto?

Yes. I like freezing it in small portions so it is easy to use later. After thawing it in the refrigerator, I stir it well before serving and adjust the texture with a little olive oil if necessary.

Can I make Garlic Scape Pesto without pine nuts?

Absolutely. I often substitute toasted almonds, and walnuts are another option. Each nut changes the flavor slightly, but the basic pesto preparation remains the same.

Conclusion

Garlic Scape Pesto is a quick and flavorful recipe I look forward to making when fresh garlic scapes are available. In just 10 minutes, I can turn a handful of simple ingredients into a creamy, vibrant sauce with fresh garlic, basil, Parmesan, toasted nuts, and bright lemon flavor.

I especially enjoy having this recipe available because I can use it in so many different ways. Whether I toss it with pasta, spread it on a sandwich, pair it with vegetables, or add it to another meal, it is an easy way for me to make the most of seasonal garlic scapes.

📖 Recipe:

Garlic Scape Pesto

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A vibrant, creamy pesto made with fresh garlic scapes, basil, toasted nuts, Parmesan, lemon, and extra virgin olive oil. It comes together in just 10 minutes for an easy seasonal sauce.