This Easy Garlic Scape Pesto is fresh and bright, making it perfect for spring! It features garlic scapes, which are the tasty shoots of garlic plants, blended with nuts and cheese.
You won’t need to search for basil here; the garlic scapes bring a unique twist! I love drizzling this pesto over pasta or spreading it on sandwiches. It’s so easy; you’ll make it all season long!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic Scapes: These are the star of the pesto! Look for firm, green scapes in the spring. If you can’t find them, you can substitute with more regular garlic cloves. Just use about 1-2 cloves for a milder flavor.
Nuts: I love using pine nuts for their buttery taste, but walnuts or almonds work too. If you have nut allergies, you can try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead for a similar crunch.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If you want a vegan option, consider using nutritional yeast. It adds a cheesy taste without dairy.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is great as it adds depth. However, you could use avocado oil or any light-flavored oil if needed.
How Do I Make Sure My Pesto Is Well-Blended?
Getting the right texture in your pesto can be a bit tricky! Here’s how to make it perfectly blended:
- First, chop the garlic scapes into smaller pieces. This makes them easier to blend.
- When toasting nuts, keep an eye on them—they can burn quickly! Just stir often and remove them once fragrant.
- In the food processor, add the garlic scapes, nuts, and Parmesan before blending. Pulse it a few times to start breaking it down, but don’t overdo it.
- Drizzle in the olive oil while the processor runs to achieve a smooth consistency. You can adjust the amount based on your thickness preference. If you want a thinner pesto, add more oil gradually.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end. You can add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
Using these tips will help you make a great pesto every time!
Easy Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe for Spring
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup garlic scapes, chopped into pieces
- 1/2 cup nuts (such as pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious garlic scape pesto takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You won’t need any time for cooking, just blending and mixing! Plus, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, so you can enjoy it whenever you want.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Garlic Scapes:
Start by washing the garlic scapes under cool water to remove any dirt. Once clean, chop them into roughly 1-inch pieces to make them easier to blend later.
2. Toast the Nuts:
In a dry skillet, add your choice of nuts over medium heat. Stir them frequently for about 3 to 5 minutes, until they’re fragrant and slightly golden. Keep an eye on them—burned nuts don’t taste good! Once done, remove them from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
3. Blend the Ingredients:
In a food processor, toss in the chopped garlic scapes, cooled toasted nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse the mixture several times until it starts breaking down into smaller pieces.
4. Add the Olive Oil:
While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. This helps blend everything into a smooth pesto. You can adjust the amount of oil to get the desired thickness, adding more if you like it thinner.
5. Season to Taste:
If using lemon juice, add it now! Sprinkle in some salt and freshly ground black pepper. Pulse again a few times to mix everything well. Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
6. Serve or Store:
Your garlic scape pesto is ready! You can serve it immediately over pasta, spread it on toasted bread, or use it as a dip. If you’re not using it right away, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to 5 days.
Enjoy this fresh and vibrant pesto that captures the bright flavors of spring!
FAQ for Easy Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe
Can I Use Regular Garlic Instead of Garlic Scapes?
Yes, you can! If garlic scapes aren’t available, substitute them with 1-2 garlic cloves for a milder flavor. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference, as raw garlic can be quite potent.
How Can I Store Leftover Pesto?
Store any leftover garlic scape pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To help prevent browning, you can drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing the container.
Can I Freeze This Pesto?
Absolutely! Garlic scape pesto freezes very well. Portion it into ice cube trays or small containers, then freeze. Once solid, transfer the cubes to a zip-top bag to save space. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months!
What Else Can I Use Pesto For?
This garlic scape pesto is versatile! Use it as a pasta sauce, spread it on sandwiches, drizzle over roasted vegetables, or use it as a dip for crackers and bread. Get creative with it!
