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Homemade Pesto with Garlic Scapes

Homemade Pesto with Garlic Scapes

A vibrant and flavorful pesto made with fresh garlic scapes, basil, and toasted pine nuts. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, dips, and more!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 1.5 cups
Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: American, Italian Inspired
Calories: 0.15020014

Ingredients
  

Pesto Ingredients
  • 2 cups garlic scapes trimmed and roughly chopped
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves packed
  • 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil plus more if needed
  • 1 lemon zest and juice of half
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground, or to taste

Method
 

Instructions
  1. If your pine nuts are not already toasted, spread them on a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. In a food processor, combine the chopped garlic scapes, basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, and grated Parmesan cheese.
  3. Pulse the mixture several times until coarsely chopped.
  4. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the pesto is smooth but still has some texture. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add more olive oil if a thinner consistency is desired.
  5. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Pulse a few more times to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  6. Transfer the pesto to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days, or freeze it for longer storage.

Notes

Garlic scapes are the flowering stalks of the garlic plant, offering a milder, sweeter garlic flavor than mature garlic cloves. They are typically available in late spring and early summer. If you can't find them, you can substitute with 2-3 cloves of fresh garlic or a combination of garlic and chives.
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