Pin to board This vibrant garlic scape pesto is a quick, easy-to-make sauce with a fresh, unique flavor. Blend garlic scapes, basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or drizzling over roasted vegetables. Adjust seasonings to taste and store in an airtight container for up to a week.
One early summer, I found a tangle of curly green garlic scapes at the market and decided to turn them into something special.
I remember blending the first batch on my back porch, watching the neighbor's cat chase butterflies while the processor hummed.
Ingredients
- Garlic Scapes: These provide a fresh, mild garlic flavor that is less pungent than cloves.
- Fresh Basil: Adds sweetness and a classic herbal aroma.
- Pine Nuts: Offer a buttery texture, though walnuts work nicely too.
- Parmesan Cheese: Gives a salty, savory depth to the sauce.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Creates a silky smooth consistency.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavors and prevents browning.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing the overall taste.
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients:
- Roughly chop the garlic scapes and measure out the basil and nuts.
- Blend the Base:
- Pulse the scapes, basil, nuts, cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor until finely chopped.
- Add the Oil:
- With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
- Season and Store:
- Taste the pesto and adjust salt or pepper if needed, then transfer to a jar.
Pin to board This pesto quickly became a staple for impromptu picnics and quick weeknight dinners.
Serving Suggestions
Toss this vibrant sauce with hot pasta for a simple yet impressive meal.
Storage Tips
Keep the pesto in an airtight jar with a thin layer of oil on top to preserve freshness.
Making It Your Own
Feel free to experiment with different nuts or hard cheeses based on what you have.
- Try swapping pine nuts for sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
- Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan twist.
- Stir a spoonful into mayonnaise for a flavorful sandwich spread.
Pin to board I hope this recipe brings a burst of summer flavor to your kitchen table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What are garlic scapes?
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Garlic scapes are the curly, green shoots that grow from garlic bulbs. They have a mild garlic flavor and are perfect for making pesto.
- → Can I use other nuts instead of pine nuts?
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Yes, walnuts or almonds work well as substitutes for pine nuts in this pesto.
- → How do I make this vegan?
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Replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free, vegan version.
- → How long does this pesto last?
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- → What dishes pair well with garlic scape pesto?
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It’s great on pasta, pizza, sandwiches, or as a dressing for salads and roasted vegetables.
