Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This garlic scape pesto captures the essence of summer with its fresh, garlicky flavor and smooth, creamy texture. The slight sharpness from the scapes is balanced perfectly by the nuttiness of pine nuts (or walnuts), the tang of lemon, and the richness of Parmesan cheese. It’s not just a great addition to pasta; it can be used on roasted vegetables, as a topping for grilled meats, or even swirled into soups. This pesto is easy to make, and its bold flavor profile will elevate any dish it touches.
Ingredients
- 1 cup garlic scapes, chopped (about 6–8 scapes)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts for variation)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley for added herb flavor
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the garlic scapes by trimming off the woody ends and chopping the remaining portion into smaller pieces for easier blending.
- In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the garlic scapes, Parmesan, and nuts. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
- Slowly add the lemon juice and olive oil while continuing to process the mixture until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor as needed to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Season the pesto with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If using fresh basil or parsley, add it during this step and blend until incorporated.
- Adjust the texture of the pesto by adding a tablespoon of water or more olive oil for a thinner consistency if needed.
- Transfer the pesto to a clean jar or airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week. You can also freeze portions for later use.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 1 cup (4 servings)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Nut-Free Version: Swap the pine nuts or walnuts for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to create a nut-free pesto.
- Vegan Version: Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a cheesy, dairy-free alternative.
- Herb Variations: Add fresh basil, parsley, or cilantro to the pesto to soften the sharpness of the scapes and introduce fresh layers of flavor.
- Spicy Pesto: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped chili to the pesto for a kick of heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the garlic scape pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Cover the surface with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent oxidation.
- Freezing: For long-term storage, freeze pesto in ice cube trays, then transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen pesto lasts up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before using.
FAQs
What are garlic scapes, and where can I find them?
Garlic scapes are the long, curly flower stalks of the garlic plant. They have a mild, herbaceous flavor compared to mature garlic cloves. You can typically find them at farmers’ markets or specialty grocery stores during garlic season (usually late spring to early summer).
Can I use regular garlic cloves instead of scapes?
While you can use regular garlic cloves in this recipe, garlic scapes offer a milder, fresher flavor that’s more delicate and herbaceous. If you substitute with garlic cloves, use less, as they can be much stronger.
How do I make the pesto smoother?
For a smoother pesto, use a high-speed blender instead of a food processor. You can also add more olive oil or a little water to adjust the texture as needed.
Can I add cheese to the pesto after freezing?
Yes, if you prefer to freeze your pesto without cheese, simply add the Parmesan or your cheese of choice once you’ve thawed the pesto. This ensures the best flavor and texture.
Can I use a different type of oil in this pesto?
Yes, you can experiment with different oils like walnut or avocado oil for a unique flavor. However, extra virgin olive oil remains the most common oil for its flavor and smoothness.
How can I use this pesto besides pasta?
This pesto is incredibly versatile. Try using it as a topping for roasted vegetables, a marinade for grilled meats, a spread on crusty bread, or even stirred into soups for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Garlic Scape Pesto is the perfect way to celebrate the vibrant flavors of summer. With its fresh, garlicky taste, creamy texture, and versatility, it’s a sauce you’ll want to keep on hand for everything from pasta to sandwiches to roasted vegetables. This pesto is a creative way to use seasonal produce, reduce food waste, and elevate your meals with a bold, herbaceous kick. Whether you make it fresh or freeze it for later, garlic scape pesto will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the bright, fresh flavors of summer year-round!
Garlic Scape Pesto – Bold & Fresh Summer Sauce
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup (4 servings)
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Garlic Scape Pesto is a bold and fresh twist on the classic pesto, made with garlic scapes, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of lemon juice. This vibrant summer sauce adds a rich, garlicky flavor to pasta, sandwiches, roasted vegetables, and more. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the garlic harvest season and a healthier alternative to traditional pesto, offering a creamy texture and a zesty punch in every bite.
Ingredients
1 cup garlic scapes, chopped (about 6–8 scapes)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts for variation)
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley for added herb flavor
Instructions
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Prepare the Garlic Scapes: Trim the woody ends and chop the scapes into smaller pieces for easier blending.
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Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine garlic scapes, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until finely chopped.
-
Add Liquids: Slowly add lemon juice and olive oil while blending until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor if needed.
-
Season: Adjust the taste with salt and black pepper. For extra herb flavor, add fresh basil or parsley and blend again.
-
Adjust Texture: If the pesto is too thick, add a tablespoon of water or more olive oil to reach your desired consistency.
-
Store: Transfer the pesto to a jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
Storage: To prevent oxidation, cover the surface of the pesto with a thin layer of olive oil before refrigerating. Freeze in ice cube trays for up to 6 months.
Texture Adjustment: Use a high-speed blender for a smoother texture or add more olive oil or water as necessary.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Condiment, Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian, Vegan
