Pin it This vibrant, aromatic pesto is bursting with the fresh, unique flavor of garlic scapes. Perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on bread, or drizzling over roasted vegetables. Quick to prepare and incredibly versatile, it's a must-have for any kitchen.
I stumbled upon garlic scapes at the farmers market by accident, thinking they were just weird green onions, but the farmer insisted I take them home and blitz them.
Last summer, I made a double batch during a loud dinner party and everyone stopped talking just to inhale the bright, herbal aroma coming from the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Garlic scapes: These curly stems offer a milder garlic flavor that is perfect for raw sauces.
- Fresh basil: Adds sweetness and that classic pesto color we all love.
- Pine nuts: Toast them lightly beforehand to bring out a rich, buttery depth.
- Parmesan cheese: Use a wedge grated fresh for the best salty umami kick.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: A high quality oil makes the texture silky and luxurious.
- Lemon juice: A splash cuts through the oil and keeps everything vibrant.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to wake up all the flavors.
Instructions
- Blend the base:
- Toss the scapes, basil, nuts, cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper into the processor and pulse until the mix looks like a fine, gravelly texture.
- Emulsify:
- Keep the motor running and pour the olive oil in a slow stream to create a smooth, emulsified sauce.
- Season and store:
- Give it a quick taste test, fix the seasoning, then scoop it into a jar to keep it fresh.
Pin it My partner usually hates strong garlic, but they ate this pesto straight off the spoon with a smile, proving just how different scapes taste from bulbs.
Serving Ideas
Toss this with hot pasta for a simple dinner or slather it on toasted baguette slices for an instant appetizer.
Storage Solutions
Keep it in the fridge with a thin layer of oil on top to prevent browning, or freeze it in ice cube trays for later.
Making It Your Own
Swap out the pine nuts for walnuts to save money or use nutritional yeast if you need it to be dairy free.
- Try mixing in some fresh spinach for extra nutrients.
- Add a roasted red pepper for a smoky twist.
- Thin it out with more oil for a salad dressing.
Pin it I hope this bright green sauce brings a burst of joy to your table just as it has to mine.
Recipe FAQs
- → What are garlic scapes?
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Garlic scapes are the curly, green shoots that grow from the top of garlic plants. They have a mild, garlicky flavor and are perfect for making pesto.
- → Can I make this pesto vegan?
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Yes, simply substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free, vegan version.
- → How should I store garlic scape pesto?
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Transfer the pesto to an airtight jar or container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to a week.
- → What can I substitute for pine nuts?
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Walnuts or almonds work well as alternatives to pine nuts, adding a different twist to the flavor.
- → What dishes pair well with garlic scape pesto?
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This pesto is excellent on pasta, pizza, as a sandwich spread, or thinned with olive oil as a dressing. It also pairs beautifully with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc.
