Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe: Making homemade garlic scape pesto is like discovering a secret summer treasure. Garlic scapes—the curly green shoots from garlic bulbs—pack a punch of garlicky goodness and a subtle grassy freshness.
If you’re lucky enough to spot them at a farmers’ market or grow your own garlic, this pesto is an absolute must-try. It’s vibrant, versatile, and incredibly easy to make.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to whip up a batch of garlic scape pesto that’ll leave everyone asking for more.
What Are Garlic Scapes?
Garlic scapes are the tender green shoots that emerge from hardneck garlic plants as they mature in early summer. Farmers usually trim these off to allow the garlic bulbs to grow larger underground. Instead of tossing them, people have discovered that these scapes are edible and absolutely delicious.
They have a mild garlicky flavor that’s less pungent than raw garlic cloves but still bold enough to bring serious flavor. Their unique texture—firm yet tender—makes them ideal for sauces, stir-fries, grilling, and of course, pesto.
You’ll recognize garlic scapes by their curly, whimsical shape, often forming loops or spirals. Their season is short, so they’re a bit of a seasonal delicacy. Catch them while you can!
Why Make Pesto with Garlic Scapes?
Sure, traditional basil pesto is delicious, but garlic scape pesto brings something new to the table. It’s creamy, sharp, and just a little wild—like the renegade cousin of classic pesto.
Here’s why it’s worth trying:
- Bolder Flavor: Garlic scapes give your pesto a garlicky kick that’s more mellow than raw garlic but stronger than cooked garlic.
- No Cooking Required: Just toss everything into a food processor or blender.
- Seasonal Special: Garlic scapes are only available in early summer, making this pesto a celebration of the season.
- Freezer-Friendly: You can make a big batch and freeze it for months.
If you’re a garlic lover—or just someone who likes experimenting in the kitchen—garlic scape pesto is a flavor-packed game changer.
Health Benefits of Garlic Scapes
Garlic scapes are not only tasty but also good for you. They contain many of the same health benefits as garlic bulbs, which are known for their immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.
Here are some benefits of garlic scapes:
- Rich in Antioxidants: They help fight oxidative stress in your body.
- Support Heart Health: May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Contain Allicin: A compound that has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- High in Vitamins A and C: Important for immune function and skin health.
- Low in Calories: Making them great for light, nutrient-dense meals.
Adding garlic scape pesto to your diet is a smart (and tasty) way to boost your nutrient intake.
How Does Garlic Scape Pesto Taste?
Think of garlic scape pesto as the slightly spicier, more herbal version of classic basil pesto. It’s garlicky but not overwhelmingly so. The texture is creamy thanks to the olive oil and nuts, while the cheese gives it a rich, savory finish.
If you love garlic, this pesto will be your new favorite spread, sauce, or dip. It’s bright green, super flavorful, and brings a sharp bite that pairs beautifully with carbs, proteins, and veggies.
List of Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather the goods. Here’s what you need to make the ultimate garlic scape pesto:
Fresh Ingredients
- 1 cup garlic scapes (trimmed and chopped)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil or parsley (optional for extra freshness)
- Juice of 1 lemon (for brightness)
Pantry Staples
- 1/2 cup nuts (pine nuts, walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds)
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: A dash of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need much to make this pesto. Just a few essentials:
- Food processor or high-speed blender
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- A jar or airtight container for storage
That’s it! If you have these on hand, you’re ready to roll.
How to Prepare Garlic Scapes for Pesto
Before you blend, it’s important to prep your garlic scapes properly. This ensures your pesto is smooth, flavorful, and free of any tough bits.
- Step 1: Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove dirt and debris.
- Step 2: Trim off the woody ends and flower buds (they can be tough).
- Step 3: Chop into 1–2 inch pieces to make them easier to blend.
Proper prep will make a huge difference in texture and taste. Don’t skip it.
Step-by-Step Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe
Step 1: Rinse and Trim Garlic Scapes
Start by rinsing your garlic scapes under cold running water. Trim off the flower heads and the tough ends. You’ll want only the tender green stalks for the smoothest pesto.
Chop them into small sections (about 1-2 inches) so they blend more easily.
Step 2: Roughly Chop the Scapes
This step might seem minor, but it helps a lot. Roughly chop the scapes before tossing them into your blender. It’ll reduce the blending time and give you a smoother final product.
Step 3: Blend the Ingredients
In a food processor, combine:
- Garlic scapes
- Nuts of choice
- Parmesan cheese
- Lemon juice
- A pinch of salt and pepper
Pulse until everything is finely chopped. Then, slowly drizzle in olive oil while the processor is running. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 4: Adjust Texture and Flavor
Give it a taste. Want it tangier? Add more lemon juice. Too thick? Add more olive oil. Needs a punch? More salt or a bit of red pepper flakes can do the trick.
Keep adjusting until it’s just right for you—creamy, flavorful, and bold.
Step 5: Store the Pesto Properly
Transfer your pesto to a jar or container. Smooth the top and drizzle a little olive oil over it to prevent browning.
Store in the fridge for up to one week or freeze in ice cube trays for long-term use.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Don’t have one of the ingredients? No problem! Garlic scape pesto is super flexible. You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have in your kitchen or your dietary needs. Let’s explore some creative substitutions:
- Nuts: Pine nuts are traditional, but they’re also expensive. Try walnuts, almonds, cashews, or even sunflower seeds for a budget-friendly option.
- Cheese: Parmesan adds a salty richness, but pecorino romano or asiago also work well. For a dairy-free version, use nutritional yeast or skip the cheese entirely.
- Greens: Add spinach, parsley, kale, or arugula to mellow the garlicky intensity and boost the nutrient content.
- Lemon Juice: No lemons? A splash of apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can add similar brightness.
- Oil: Olive oil is classic, but avocado oil or grapeseed oil will work in a pinch.
You can also spice it up with red pepper flakes, roasted garlic, or sun-dried tomatoes to give your pesto a unique twist.
Serving Ideas for Garlic Scape Pesto
One of the best things about garlic scape pesto is how versatile it is. It’s not just for pasta! Here are some delicious ways to use it:
Pasta
Toss it with freshly cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water for a quick and satisfying meal. Top with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper.
Sandwiches
Spread it on bread instead of mayo or mustard. It adds bold flavor to grilled cheese, turkey sandwiches, or veggie wraps.
Grilled Vegetables
Use it as a finishing sauce on grilled zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, or bell peppers. The fresh, garlicky flavor pairs beautifully with charred veggies.
Pizza Base
Ditch the tomato sauce and use pesto as your pizza base. Add mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a gourmet pie.
Salads
Drizzle it over salads or mix it with a bit of yogurt or sour cream to create a creamy, flavorful dressing.
Protein Boost
Spoon it over grilled chicken, salmon, or steak for an instant flavor upgrade. It’s also great with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based protein dish.
Storage and Shelf Life Tips
Fresh pesto doesn’t last forever, but a few smart storage tricks can keep it vibrant for longer.
- Fridge: Store your pesto in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator. Add a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning. It will stay fresh for about 5–7 days.
- Avoid Metal: Don’t store pesto in metal containers—it can react with the acid in the lemon and alter the flavor.
- Use Clean Utensils: Always use a clean spoon when scooping out pesto to avoid contamination.
Label your container with the date so you don’t forget when you made it. Trust me, it goes quickly!
Can You Freeze Garlic Scape Pesto?
Absolutely! Freezing garlic scape pesto is a great way to enjoy this seasonal gem all year round.
Here’s how to do it right:
- Use Ice Cube Trays: Pour pesto into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, pop out the cubes and store them in a zip-top bag or airtight container.
- Portion for Convenience: Each cube is about one tablespoon—perfect for tossing into soups, pastas, or dressings.
- No Cheese? Better for Freezing: If you’re planning to freeze your pesto, consider leaving out the cheese. Add it fresh when you’re ready to serve for best flavor.
Frozen pesto lasts for up to 6 months, so go ahead and stock up while garlic scapes are in season!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a simple recipe like garlic scape pesto can go wrong if you’re not careful. Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Using Tough Scapes: Always trim off the woody ends and flower buds—they’re too fibrous and can ruin the texture.
- Skipping the Acid: Lemon juice balances the garlicky bite. Don’t skip it, or your pesto might taste flat.
- Over-Blending: Blend just enough to combine. Over-blending can heat the oil and make it taste bitter.
- Under-seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust the salt. Parmesan is salty, but you may need a pinch more.
- Bad Oil: Use good-quality olive oil. Cheap or old oil can turn the whole pesto bitter or greasy.
A little attention goes a long way in making sure your garlic scape pesto is bold, balanced, and totally addictive.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Scape Pesto Every Time
Want to make pesto like a pro? Keep these expert tips in mind:
- Toast Your Nuts: Toasting nuts adds depth and richness. Just a few minutes in a dry skillet makes a big difference.
- Add Oil Slowly: Drizzle olive oil in slowly while blending for a smooth, emulsified texture.
- Balance the Flavors: Garlic scapes are bold. Lemon juice, salt, and cheese balance their sharpness.
- Chill Before Serving: Let your pesto sit in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Double the Batch: Trust me, you’ll wish you made more. It goes fast!
These tips will help you get consistently creamy, flavorful pesto every time you make it.
Garlic Scape Pesto Nutritional Info
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per 2-tablespoon serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Total Fat | 13g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Vitamin C | 8% DV |
| Calcium | 6% DV |
Note: Values can vary depending on the ingredients and their quantities. If you’re counting macros, use a recipe calculator with your exact ingredients.
FAQs about Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe
1. Can I use garlic cloves instead of scapes for this pesto?
You can, but the flavor will be much more intense. Garlic scapes have a milder, greener taste compared to raw garlic cloves.
2. Is garlic scape pesto spicy?
Not exactly spicy, but it does have a sharp garlicky bite. You can mellow it out with lemon juice, basil, or a splash of cream.
3. How long does garlic scape pesto last in the fridge?
It will keep for about 5–7 days in an airtight container. Add a layer of olive oil on top to help preserve its color and freshness.
4. Can I make it vegan?
Yes! Just skip the cheese or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
5. What can I do if my pesto is too thick?
Add a little more olive oil, lemon juice, or even water—just a tablespoon at a time—until you reach the desired consistency.
Conclusion
Garlic scape pesto is a seasonal treat that packs bold flavor, vibrant color, and surprising versatility into one simple recipe. Whether you spread it on toast, swirl it into pasta, or dollop it on grilled meats or veggies, this pesto will instantly upgrade any meal. Plus, it’s easy to freeze, fun to customize, and even better when you make it with your own twist.
So the next time you spot those wild curly garlic scapes at your local market—or in your garden—grab them and get blending. You’re in for a garlicky, green, flavor-packed adventure.
