Garlic scapes are the curly, vibrant green shoots that grow from hardneck garlic bulbs in early summer, and they are a true seasonal treasure. Making a batch of Garlic Scape Pesto is the ultimate way to capture their unique, mild garlic flavor and bright color before the season ends. This versatile sauce is a must-have for anyone looking to elevate their summer cooking with a fresh, garden-to-table twist.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
If you enjoy traditional basil pesto, you are going to fall in love with this version. Garlic Scape Pesto offers a more robust, earthy flavor profile that is less sharp than raw garlic cloves but more complex than standard herbs. It is incredibly easy to whip up in a food processor in under ten minutes, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights. Plus, it is a fantastic way to preserve a short-lived seasonal ingredient so you can enjoy the taste of summer even when the weather turns cold.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped garlic scapes (about 10-12 scapes, flower buds removed)
- 1/2 cup pine nuts or walnuts (toasted for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the garlic scapes by washing them thoroughly and trimming off the woody ends and the flowery bulb at the top. Cut the remaining tender green stalks into 1-inch pieces.
- Place the chopped garlic scapes and the nuts into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse several times until the mixture is finely minced and well-combined.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the food processor. Pulse a few more times to incorporate the ingredients.
- While the food processor is running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil through the feed tube. Continue processing until the pesto reaches your desired consistency, whether you prefer it slightly chunky or completely smooth.
- Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Transfer the pesto to a clean jar or use it immediately in your favorite dish.
Expert Tips / Pro Tips
To achieve the best results with your Garlic Scape Pesto, consider the following professional advice. First, if you find the raw flavor of scapes too pungent, you can blanch them in boiling water for 60 seconds and then shock them in ice water before blending; this mellows the “bite” significantly. Second, always use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil, as its flavor will shine through in the finished sauce. Lastly, for the best texture, toast your nuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they are fragrant and golden brown before adding them to the processor.
Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is highly adaptable based on what you have in your pantry. If you don’t have pine nuts, walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds make excellent substitutes. For a vegan or dairy-free version, replace the Parmesan cheese with two tablespoons of nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative. You can also experiment with flavor by adding a handful of fresh basil leaves or baby spinach to the mix for a more traditional green color and a softer texture.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Scape Pesto is incredibly versatile and can be used far beyond just a pasta sauce. Toss it with hot linguine or gnocchi for a quick meal, or use it as a flavorful base for a homemade white pizza. It also works beautifully as a spread for sandwiches and wraps, a topping for grilled chicken or salmon, or even swirled into a bowl of hummus or Greek yogurt for an easy vegetable dip. For a simple appetizer, spread a thin layer over toasted baguette slices and top with a slice of fresh tomato.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
To store in the refrigerator, place the pesto in an airtight container and pour a thin layer of olive oil over the top to prevent oxidation; it will stay fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, this recipe freezes beautifully. Spoon the pesto into ice cube trays, freeze until solid, and then transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag for up to six months. When you are ready to use it, simply thaw a cube in the fridge overnight or toss it directly into hot pasta. Avoid reheating the pesto over high heat for long periods, as this can dull the bright green color and alter the delicate flavor of the cheese.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (approx. 2 tbsp) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 145 kcal |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 3g |
FAQ
What do garlic scapes taste like?
Garlic scapes have a flavor that is a cross between a green onion and a mild clove of garlic. They are crisp and fresh, providing a garlicky punch without the intense heat of raw garlic bulbs.
Can I make this without a food processor?
Yes, you can use a high-speed blender, though you may need to stop and scrape down the sides more often. Alternatively, for a more rustic texture, you can use a mortar and pestle to grind the ingredients into a paste.
Why is my pesto bitter?
Bitterness can sometimes occur if the olive oil is over-processed at high speeds or if the scapes were particularly old. To fix this, add a tiny bit more salt or a squeeze of honey to balance the flavors.
When are garlic scapes in season?
Garlic scapes are typically available in late spring and early summer, usually for only a few weeks in June or July, depending on your local climate.
Garlic Scape Pesto
Ingredients
Method
- Wash the garlic scapes and trim off the tough woody ends and the flowery tips.
- Roughly chop the scapes into 1-inch pieces to help the food processor blend them evenly.
- Place the chopped garlic scapes and toasted pine nuts into a food processor and pulse until finely minced.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then pulse a few more times to combine.
- With the food processor running on low, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice if needed.