Get ready to fall head over heels for Garlic Scape Pesto (For Garlic Lovers!) – a seriously bold, vibrant twist on classic pesto that packs all the punchy goodness of sweet, zippy garlic scapes, luscious basil, and toasty nuts. If you crave unapologetic garlic flavor, this is the pesto you’ve been missing in your life! With every spoonful, you’ll marvel at its intoxicating aroma and jewel-green color. This recipe is surprisingly versatile, a cinch to whip up, and destined to jazz up everything from pastas to sandwiches and more. Once you try it, you’ll never look at store-bought pesto the same way again!

Garlic Scape Pesto (For Garlic Lovers!) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need just a handful of simple, quality ingredients to make this memorable Garlic Scape Pesto (For Garlic Lovers!). Each one brings something crucial to the party – from the punch of the scapes, the fresh lift of basil, and the rich body of olive oil, to toasty nuts and savory Parmesan.

Garlic Scapes: These are the tender green shoots from garlic plants, loaded with a milder, slightly sweet garlic flavor – trim off the tough ends before chopping.
Fresh Basil Leaves: Basil provides a classic herbal note and vibrant color, perfectly balancing the garlicky bite.
Pine Nuts or Almonds (Toasted): Toasting brings out a deep, warm nuttiness that gives your pesto dimension.
Medium Lemon (Zested and Juiced): Lemon adds cheerful brightness and a pop of acidity that makes each ingredient shine.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The good stuff coats everything in sumptuous, silky richness – don’t skimp!
Grated Parmesan: Savory, nutty cheese lends body and salinity, making every bite extra craveable.
Pinch of Kosher Salt: Just enough salt amplifies all those gorgeous flavors and ties them together.

How to Make Garlic Scape Pesto (For Garlic Lovers!)

Step 1: Taste Test the Garlic Scapes

Start by taking a daring nibble of a raw garlic scape. Their sharp, raw intensity is a signature, but if you find them a bit too bold, don’t worry! You can easily temper the punch by blanching: pop the chopped scapes into a colander and douse with boiling water. The heat mellows their bite, making them more friendly for mixing into your Garlic Scape Pesto (For Garlic Lovers!). Love them raw and vibrant? Skip this step and keep it unapologetically garlicky!

Step 2: Pulse the Base Ingredients

Toss your prepped (and, if necessary, blanched) garlic scapes into a food processor along with the fresh basil and your toasted nuts of choice. Blitz until finely chopped – aim for a confetti-like mix. This step can take a minute or two if the scapes are especially sturdy, but the aromatic cloud you’ll create is worth every second!

Step 3: Add Lemon and Olive Oil

Scrape down the sides so nothing goes to waste. Next, add the fragrant lemon zest and all that cheeky, juicy lemon juice. With the machine running, slowly pour in the extra virgin olive oil, letting it emulsify until your pesto is marvelously smooth, glossy, and unified. The citrus lifts the flavors, and the oil gives that lush, dreamy texture every good Garlic Scape Pesto (For Garlic Lovers!) should have.

Step 4: Stir in Parmesan and Season

Spoon your beautiful pesto into a bowl and stir in the grated Parmesan. This helps it stay fresh and vibrant, plus it gives you a chance to taste and adjust the salt exactly to your liking. At this point, your Garlic Scape Pesto (For Garlic Lovers!) is ready to dazzle – whether you’re spooning it onto pasta or simply diving in with a crusty slice of bread!

How to Serve Garlic Scape Pesto (For Garlic Lovers!)

Garnishes

Finish your Garlic Scape Pesto (For Garlic Lovers!) with a swirl of golden olive oil, a shower of extra Parmesan, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts. For a dash of color, scatter some torn basil leaves or paper-thin slices of garlic scape on top. The visual pop just adds to the anticipation!

Side Dishes

This pesto is a knockout tossed with pasta or gnocchi, but don’t stop there! It’s brilliant alongside grilled chicken, roasted seasonal veggies, or dolloped onto a summer grain salad. A spoonful with warm, crusty bread is heaven on earth, especially if you’re hosting and want a wow-worthy dip.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spreading Garlic Scape Pesto (For Garlic Lovers!) on flatbreads, stirred into risotto, or as an unexpected pizza sauce. Drizzle over grilled fish, spoon onto eggs, or fold into creamy yogurt for a sophisticated dip. For playful entertaining, fill a small jar and pair with a bundle of breadsticks as a fun edible gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Garlic Scape Pesto (For Garlic Lovers!) stores beautifully for up to one week in the refrigerator. Pack it into a jar and top with a thin layer of olive oil to keep it from oxidizing, which helps preserve that grassy green color and bold flavor.

Freezing

Yes, you can absolutely freeze Garlic Scape Pesto (For Garlic Lovers!) for future flavor emergencies! Spoon into ice cube trays or small containers, freeze solid, then pop the portions into freezer bags. They’re ready to drop into soups, quick pastas, or stews whenever a garlicky punch is needed.

Reheating

Since pesto is best enjoyed raw or gently warmed, there’s no need for aggressive reheating. If you’ve frozen your pesto, simply thaw in the fridge or on the countertop, then toss directly with hot cooked pasta or veggies to bring it back to temp. High heat can dull its freshness, so keep things gentle.

FAQs

Can I substitute other greens for the basil?

Absolutely! While basil gives authentic, aromatic flair, you can swap in baby spinach, arugula, or even parsley for a different twist – or mix them for an extra-herby Garlic Scape Pesto (For Garlic Lovers!).

What do garlic scapes taste like compared to garlic cloves?

Garlic scapes are milder, greener, and a little sweeter than the bulbs, with a lovely aromatic freshness. They’re less pungent when raw, making them perfect for a pesto that’s bold but not overwhelming.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

No food processor? No problem! A blender can work in a pinch, or you can go classic and chop everything very finely by hand, then mash with a mortar and pestle. It takes a little elbow grease, but the flavor reward is worth it.

Is this pesto vegetarian or gluten-free?

Garlic Scape Pesto (For Garlic Lovers!) is naturally gluten-free. For a vegetarian version, be sure to use a Parmigiano Reggiano substitute made without animal rennet.

Can I use other nuts instead of pine nuts or almonds?

Yes! Walnuts or cashews are fantastic alternatives, and even sunflower seeds can do in a pinch – just make sure to toast them first for that irresistible nutty flavor.

Final Thoughts

With its showstopping color, punchy flavor, and endless versatility, Garlic Scape Pesto (For Garlic Lovers!) is a game changer for garlic fans everywhere. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself putting it on everything! Let your creativity loose and discover new favorite ways to use this vibrant pesto in your kitchen.