Every spring, nature offers a fleeting gift—the curly, vibrant green stalks of garlic scapes. These whimsical offshoots of hardneck garlic bulbs are not only beautiful but deeply flavorful, making them ideal for a unique and seasonal twist on traditional pesto. In this in-depth guide, you’ll discover how to make an Easy Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe that celebrates fresh, local ingredients with bold flavor, versatile use, and nourishing simplicity.
Inspired by American farm-to-table traditions, this pesto combines rustic charm with modern culinary flexibility. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, spreading it on toast, or freezing it for later, this recipe will become a perennial favorite in your spring kitchen.
Table of Contents
What Are Garlic Scapes?
Garlic scapes are the flowering shoots of hardneck garlic plants, typically harvested in late spring or early summer before they bloom. These slender, curling stalks are trimmed to allow the garlic bulbs to grow larger underground. Instead of discarding them, savvy cooks use them in a variety of dishes, with pesto being one of the most popular.
The flavor of garlic scapes is distinct—think of it as a hybrid between green onions and garlic cloves. It’s bright, punchy, and slightly grassy, with a garlicky zing that mellows when blended. Their unique taste and texture make them ideal for sauces, sautés, and compound butters.
Why Make Garlic Scape Pesto
There are countless reasons to make this Easy Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe, but here are the top benefits:
- Seasonal cooking: A great way to celebrate and utilize a short-season ingredient.
- No food waste: Puts to use a part of the garlic plant that is often discarded.
- Quick and simple: Ready in 10 minutes with minimal equipment.
- Nutrient-rich: Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats.
- Versatile: Use as a pasta sauce, spread, marinade, or dip.
- Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy it year-round.
Ingredients
This recipe serves 6 and yields approximately 1½ cups of pesto.
- 1 cup chopped garlic scapes (about 8–10 scapes)
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts (walnuts or almonds also work well)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley for herbal depth
Equipment You’ll Need
- Food processor or high-powered blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Skillet (for toasting nuts)
Instructions
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
1. Prepare the Garlic Scapes
Rinse the garlic scapes under cool water. Trim off any woody ends and chop the scapes into 1-inch pieces. This helps them break down more easily in the processor.
2. Toast the Nuts
In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for 2–3 minutes, stirring often until they’re golden and fragrant. Let them cool slightly before using.
3. Combine Ingredients
In the bowl of a food processor, add the garlic scapes, toasted nuts, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
4. Blend and Stream in Oil
Pulse the mixture a few times, then run the processor while slowly drizzling in the olive oil until the pesto becomes smooth and creamy. You can adjust the texture by adding more oil if desired.
5. Taste and Adjust
Taste your pesto. Add more salt, lemon juice, or cheese to balance flavors. For a milder, more herbaceous version, add fresh basil or parsley and blend again.
How to Use Garlic Scape Pesto
This Easy Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe is incredibly adaptable. Here are a few creative and delicious ways to use it:
1. Pasta
Toss with freshly cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water for a quick, satisfying dinner. Try spaghetti, penne, or orecchiette.
2. Sandwich Spread
Use it as a bold spread on turkey sandwiches, grilled cheese, or veggie wraps.
3. Grilled Meats and Fish
Spoon over grilled chicken, steak, or salmon for a bright, garlicky finish.
4. Pizza Base
Use instead of tomato sauce on flatbread or pizza dough for a unique flavor twist.
5. Eggs
Drizzle over poached or scrambled eggs, or blend into a frittata.
6. Roasted Vegetables
Toss with roasted potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for added zing.
How to Use Garlic Scape Pesto
This pesto is incredibly versatile. You can use it to enhance your creamy pesto pasta dishes or spoon it over grilled chicken or vegetables. It also shines when paired with pesto-packed dinner ideas like tortellini or gnocchi.
For springtime freshness, try tossing your pesto with sautéed vegetables and pasta, similar to easy spring vegetable pasta recipes. It’s also a fantastic spread for sandwiches and wraps.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 185
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Storage and Freezing Tips
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight jar for up to 5 days. Add a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation and browning.
Freezer
Spoon the pesto into ice cube trays and freeze. Once solid, transfer cubes to a freezer bag. Use within 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator before use.
Recipe Variations
This Easy Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe is highly customizable:
Vegan Option
Replace Parmesan with ¼ cup nutritional yeast for a cheesy, dairy-free flavor.
Nut-Free
Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead of nuts for allergy-friendly pesto.
Spicy Kick
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a slice of fresh jalapeño for some heat.
Herbaceous Blend
Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro, dill, or tarragon for regional twists.
The Springtime Ritual
For many home gardeners and seasonal cooks, garlic scapes represent a kind of culinary rite of passage. Their short window of availability makes them a true delicacy. Each spring, I remember my grandmother gathering garlic scapes by the handful, tossing them into a basket alongside chives and mint. She never measured—just blended and tasted until it was just right.
This recipe honors that spirit of intuitive, seasonal cooking. It’s a dish that asks you to connect with the present moment, with what’s growing right now, and to trust your palate.
Easy Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe
This easy garlic scape pesto recipe is a springtime favorite—fresh, bold, and perfect for pasta, toast, and more. Quick, vibrant, and seasonal.
- Food Processor
- Skillet
- Cutting board
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped garlic scapes ((about 8–10 scapes))
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts ((or walnuts))
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- Salt (to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley ((optional))
Rinse and trim the garlic scapes. Cut into 1-inch pieces for easier blending.
Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Let cool.
Add garlic scapes, toasted nuts, cheese, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt into a food processor.
Blend while slowly streaming in the olive oil until smooth and creamy. Scrape down sides as needed.
Taste and adjust salt or lemon. Add herbs for a more mellow flavor, if desired.
This pesto freezes well. Store in an ice cube tray and transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Use on pasta, toast, or as a marinade.
FAQs About Garlic Scape Pesto
Can I eat garlic scapes raw?
Yes. Garlic scapes are safe and delicious raw, especially when blended into pesto where their sharpness is mellowed by oil, nuts, and cheese.
How do I know if my garlic scapes are still fresh?
Fresh garlic scapes should be firm, vibrant green, and slightly glossy. Avoid limp or yellowing stalks.
Can I make this pesto without cheese?
Absolutely. Use nutritional yeast, miso paste, or a touch of tahini for a dairy-free alternative.
What’s the best oil for pesto?
Extra virgin olive oil is traditional and offers great flavor, but avocado oil can be used for a lighter, buttery profile.
How long do garlic scapes stay fresh?
Stored in a sealed bag in the fridge, they’ll last up to 2 weeks. You can also blanch and freeze them for longer storage.
Is garlic scape pesto spicy?
It’s not hot, but it has a strong garlicky flavor. You can mellow it with fresh herbs or by adding more cheese.
Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?
Yes, but it may take more scraping down and additional oil. Chop the scapes smaller before blending.
Can I can or preserve garlic scape pesto for long-term storage?
This pesto is not safe for canning due to its low acidity. Freezing is the recommended method for preservation.
Conclusion
This Easy Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe is a culinary celebration of spring. It transforms an often-forgotten garden treasure into a flavorful, versatile sauce that adds brightness and depth to any dish. With just a few simple ingredients and ten minutes of your time, you can bring this fresh, garlicky goodness to your table.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, a curious home cook, or just someone looking to try something new, garlic scape pesto offers an accessible, delicious way to embrace seasonal eating. Make a batch while scapes are in season—you won’t regret it.
