Easy Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe: Fresh and Flavorful

This easy garlic scape pesto recipe brings vibrant, garlicky goodness to your table. It’s a simple, quick way to elevate everything from pasta to sandwiches. Packed with fresh flavors, this pesto is perfect for meal prep and a delightful way to embrace seasonal ingredients.

What are Garlic Scapes?

Flavor Profile of Garlic Scapes

Garlic scapes are the flower stalks of garlic plants, offering a milder garlic flavor with a hint of sweetness. Their tender texture and fresh, grassy notes make them an exciting addition to sauces and dishes. When blended, they create a creamy, vibrant green pesto that’s both aromatic and delicious.

When to Find Garlic Scapes

You can typically find garlic scapes in farmers’ markets or grocery stores from late spring to early summer. These unique vegetables are often a seasonal treat, so keep an eye out for them during their short growing season.

Ingredients for Easy Garlic Scape Pesto

Key Pesto Components

This easy garlic scape pesto recipe requires just a handful of ingredients to achieve its delightful flavor:

• 1 bunch or 10-13 garlic scapes (bulb and woody ends removed, chopped into 1-inch pieces)
• 1/2 cup packed basil
• 1/2 cup toasted walnut pieces
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have walnuts, you can easily substitute them with pine nuts or pecans for a different flavor. This pesto is versatile, so feel free to tweak the ingredients based on your personal preference or what you have on hand.

Equipment Needed for Pesto Making

To make this garlic scape pesto, you will need a food processor or a high-speed blender. These tools help blend the ingredients into a smooth, creamy texture, making the process efficient and easy.

How to Make Garlic Scape Pesto

Prepping Your Garlic Scapes

Start by trimming the garlic scapes just below the bulb and removing any woody ends. Chop the remaining stems into 1-inch pieces to ensure even blending.

Blending the Pesto Base

In your food processor, combine the chopped garlic scapes and basil. Pulse them together until they’re roughly mixed. Then, add the toasted walnuts and pulse again until combined, scraping down the sides as needed.

Emulsifying with Olive Oil

As you blend, slowly stream in the extra-virgin olive oil. This step is crucial for emulsifying the mixture, creating a luscious texture that’s perfect for spreading or tossing with your favorite dishes.

Finishing Touches and Seasoning

Finally, add the parmesan cheese and lemon juice to the blended mixture. Blend until everything is well combined, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the flavors as needed to reflect your preferences.

Tips for the Best Garlic Scape Pesto

Enhancing Walnut Flavor

To elevate the nutty flavor of your pesto, lightly toast the walnuts before adding them. This step enhances their aroma and adds a depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

Preventing Bitterness

Avoid over-blending your pesto to prevent any bitterness from the olive oil or basil. If your pesto tastes a bit bitter, try adding more basil or parmesan cheese to balance the flavors.

Achieving the Right Consistency

If your pesto seems too thick, feel free to add a bit more olive oil or even a splash of water. This will help you achieve the perfect consistency for drizzling or tossing with pasta.

Storing Your Garlic Scape Pesto

Refrigerator Storage

You can refrigerate your garlic scape pesto in an airtight container for up to one week. This makes it a great option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its fresh flavors throughout the week.

Freezer Storage

For longer storage, freeze your pesto in ice cube trays. Once solid, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag or container, where they can be stored for up to six months. This way, you can enjoy fresh pesto even after the garlic scape season has ended.

FAQs

Related Recipes to Try

• Pesto Chicken Tortellini
• Pesto Chicken
• Lemon Garlic Chicken
• Roasted Vegetable Chicken Sausage Sheet Pan Pasta
• Cashew Chicken
• Teriyaki Chicken

Conclusion

This easy garlic scape pesto recipe is a fantastic way to celebrate fresh flavors in your cooking. Whether drizzled over pasta or spread on sandwiches, it adds a burst of deliciousness. For more inspiration, check out our recipes on Pinterest to explore creative ways to use pesto in your meals.

Easy Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe: Fresh and Flavorful

Whip up a vibrant and flavorful pesto using fresh garlic scapes, basil, walnuts, and Parmesan cheese. This easy recipe is perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip, and comes together in minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Sauce

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8 cup

Equipment

• food processor
• high-speed blender

Ingredients

  

• 1 bunch garlic scapes (bulb and woody ends removed, chopped into 1-inch pieces)
• ½ cup basil packed
• ½ cup walnut pieces toasted
• ½ cup parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Trim garlic scapes below the bulb and woody ends, then chop the remaining stems into 1-inch pieces.
• Combine the chopped garlic scapes and basil in a food processor or blender and pulse until roughly chopped.
• Add the toasted walnuts and pulse again until combined, scraping down the sides of the processor as needed.
• With the machine running, slowly stream in the olive oil until the mixture is emulsified and has a uniform consistency.
• Add the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, then blend until just combined.
• Season the pesto with salt and pepper to your taste.

Notes

Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze in ice cube trays for up to six months. Toast walnuts for enhanced flavor and avoid over-blending to prevent bitterness.

Keyword easy pesto recipe, fresh pesto, garlic scape pesto, homemade pesto