This Easy Garlic Scape Pesto is a fresh twist on the classic sauce! With vibrant green scapes, garlic, nuts, and olive oil, it’s perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or dressings.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic Scapes: These long green shoots sprout from garlic bulbs and have a milder garlic flavor. If you can’t find them, you can use fresh garlic cloves, but start with a smaller amount since they’re stronger.
Nuts: I love using pine nuts for that classic pesto taste, but walnuts or almonds work just as well. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are great alternatives!
Parmesan Cheese: While Parmesan adds a lovely salty flavor, you can skip it for a vegan version or use nutritional yeast for that cheesy taste. It’s great to add some umami without dairy!
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Opt for high-quality olive oil as it enhances the flavor of the pesto. If you’re looking for a different taste, try avocado oil or even a nut oil for added richness.
How Do You Blend the Perfect Pesto?
Making pesto may seem simple, but getting that perfect texture is key! Here are some tips:
- Start with a clean food processor or blender to avoid any residue that might affect the flavor.
- Chop the garlic scapes into smaller pieces to help them blend evenly without getting stuck.
- When adding the olive oil, drizzle it in slowly while blending. This helps emulsify the ingredients, giving the pesto a creamy consistency.
- Remember, you can always adjust the thickness! If it’s too thick, just add more olive oil or a splash of water until you love the texture.
By keeping an eye on these steps, you’ll create a delicious, vibrant pesto every time! Enjoy experimenting with it!
Easy Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe for Beginners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup garlic scapes, chopped (about 8–10 scapes)
- 1/2 cup nuts (pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for vegan, omit or substitute nutritional yeast)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a beginner cook like you! Once you’ve blended all the ingredients, you can serve it right away or store it for later.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Garlic Scapes:
Rinse the garlic scapes under cold water to clean them. Then, chop them into 1-2 inch pieces. This makes it easier to blend them smoothly later on.
2. Toast the Nuts:
In a dry skillet over medium heat, add your choice of nuts. Toast them for about 3-5 minutes, shaking the skillet occasionally, until they become fragrant. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning! Once done, set them aside to cool a bit.
3. Blend the Ingredients:
In a food processor or blender, combine the chopped garlic scapes, your toasted nuts, and the grated Parmesan cheese, if you’re using it. Pulse a few times until everything is broken down into smaller pieces but not entirely smooth yet.
4. Add the Olive Oil:
While blending, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. Continue to blend until the mixture reaches a smooth but slightly chunky texture. Then, add in the fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor. Blend again to combine everything well.
5. Adjust the Consistency:
Stop the blender to scrape down the sides and make sure everything is blended evenly. Give it a taste! If it’s too thick, you can add a little more olive oil or a splash of water until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. Serve the Pesto:
Your garlic scape pesto is ready to enjoy! Toss it with pasta, spread it on bread, or use it as a dip for veggies. The flavors are fresh and vibrant!
7. Store Leftovers:
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Enjoy your garlicky goodness whenever you like!
Have fun with this easy and delicious garlic scape pesto — a great addition to any meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Regular Garlic Instead of Garlic Scapes?
Yes, you can substitute regular garlic cloves for garlic scapes! Start with 1-2 cloves, as they have a much stronger flavor. Adjust to taste depending on how garlicky you want your pesto to be.
Can I Make This Pesto Vegan?
Absolutely! Just omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with nutritional yeast, which gives a cheesy flavor without the dairy. This pesto will still be rich and delicious!
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 prolong its freshness, you can also freeze it in ice cube trays, then transfer the cubes to a zip-top bag for long-term storage.
What Are Some Ways to Use Garlic Scape Pesto?
Garlic scape pesto is incredibly versatile! Use it to toss with pasta, spread on sandwiches, drizzle over grilled vegetables, or as a dip for crackers and veggies. Get creative and enjoy its fresh flavor!
