Garlic scape pesto offers a twist on the traditional basil pesto by harnessing the fresh, mild garlic flavor of garlic scapes—the green shoots that grow from the bulbs of garlic plants before the bulbs fully mature. This pesto variant blends these tender, curly scapes with ingredients like nuts, cheese, and olive oil, creating a vibrant, green sauce that’s both versatile and aromatic.
Integrating garlic scape pesto into your cooking repertoire can elevate simple dishes with its unique blend of flavors. Perfect for spreading on sandwiches, stirring into pasta, or drizzling over grilled vegetables, this pesto captures the essence of early summer in every spoonful. Its seasonal nature makes it a sought-after delicacy for food enthusiasts looking to explore different pesto varieties.
1. Zesty Garlic Scape Pesto
Image and recipe by vanillaandbean
Elevate your summer dishes with this vibrant Garlic Scape Pesto! Blend together fresh garlic scapes, pine nuts, Parmesan, a splash of lemon juice, and a dash of sea salt and pepper. Slowly drizzle in extra virgin olive oil for a smooth, rich finish. Perfect for pastas, sandwiches, or as a dip, this pesto is a versatile gem. Store it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for a burst of flavor anytime.
2. Parmesan Cheese Garlic Scape Pesto
Image and recipe by karalydon
Transform your usual pesto with the vibrant twist of garlic scapes! This simple recipe blends garlic scapes, fresh basil, toasted walnuts, and Parmesan cheese into a deliciously unique pesto. A splash of lemon juice and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil bring it all together, creating a perfectly balanced and flavorful sauce. Ideal for pasta, sandwiches, or as a zesty dip, this garlic scape pesto is sure to elevate any dish.
3. Pine Nuts and Fresh Basil Garlic Pesto
Image and recipe by theproducepack
Give your dishes a vibrant twist with this zesty garlic scape pesto! Toasted pine nuts and fresh basil meld perfectly with the unique, mild flavor of garlic scapes. A hint of lemon juice brightens the mix, while parmesan adds a savory depth. Simply blend with extra virgin olive oil and store with an extra drizzle to keep it fresh and green. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip!
4. Simple And Easy Garlic Pesto
Image and recipe by lifeasastrawberry
Whip up a fresh and vibrant garlic scape pesto with just a few simple ingredients! Trimmed garlic scapes and a pinch of kosher salt are pulsed in a food processor, with good quality olive oil streamed in until smooth. This versatile pesto is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your dishes. Store it in the fridge for a week or freeze for up to three months.
“Did you know that garlic scapes are the curly shoots from garlic bulbs, and they are usually harvested to allow the bulbs to thicken? These scapes are perfect for making a vibrant and mildly spicy pesto, providing a fresher, greener flavor than the traditional garlic bulb.”
5. Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese Garlic Pesto
Image and recipe by nutmegnanny
Looking for a fresh twist on classic pesto? This zesty garlic scape pesto combines the vibrant flavors of garlic scapes, basil, and toasted pine nuts. Blended to perfection with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, lemon juice, and olive oil, it’s a creamy, tangy delight. Perfect for spreading on toast, tossing with pasta, or enhancing your favorite dishes!
6. Garlic Scape Pesto With Extra Virgin Oil
Image and recipe by sugarmaplefarmhouse
Get ready to elevate your meals with this zesty garlic scape basil pesto! Just blend 10-15 garlic scapes, 3 cups of fresh basil, 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil, ½-1 cup of parmesan cheese, ¾ cup of pine nuts, and a splash of lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper, and you’ve got a vibrant, flavor-packed pesto perfect for bread, pasta, fish, beef, or chicken. Store it in the fridge and let it warm up for 20 minutes before use for the best experience!
7. Walnuts And Garlic Pesto
Image and recipe by urbanfarmandkitchen
Transform your garlic scapes into a vibrant, flavorful pesto that’s perfect for any dish. Combine chopped scapes, walnuts, real Parmigiano-Reggiano, basil, and parsley in a food processor. Pulse with olive oil and fresh lemon juice until you reach a smooth consistency. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste, for a fresh, zesty twist on classic pesto. Enjoy this versatile sauce with pasta, on bread, or as a dip!
“Most people aren’t aware that garlic scapes are only available for a few weeks each year during early summer. Using them in pesto not only adds unique flavor but also makes a seasonal treat that many look forward to.”
8. Charred Garlic Scape Pesto Magic
Image and recipe by rosscooksthings
This garlic scape pesto is a vibrant, smoky twist on the classic. Charred garlic scapes bring a deep, caramelized flavor, perfectly blended with fresh basil, raw walnuts, and a touch of lemon zest. The result is a zesty, nutty pesto that’s perfect for pasta or as a savory spread. Store it in the fridge with a layer of olive oil on top for up to five days or freeze for future culinary adventures.
9. Red Pepper Flakes garlic scape pesto
Image and recipe by beyondbuckthorns
Elevate your culinary game with this zesty garlic scape pesto! Blending garlic scapes, walnuts, fresh herbs, and a splash of lemon juice, this vibrant pesto is both creamy and flavorful. Perfect for spreading on warm crusty bread, tossing with pasta, or drizzling over grilled veggies. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist and let your taste buds dance!
10. Zesty Garlic Scape Pesto: A Flavor Explosion
Image and recipe by shelovesbiscotti
Discover the bold and vibrant flavors of our Zesty Garlic Scape Pesto! Toasted walnuts add a nutty depth, while fresh basil and parsley provide a fragrant herbal touch. The grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and freshly squeezed lemon juice create a perfect balance of tang and richness. Blend it all with extra virgin olive oil for a smooth, thick pesto that’s perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip. Enjoy this easy-to-make, irresistible recipe that brings a burst of summer freshness to your table.
11. Simple Garlic Scape Pesto Delight
Image and recipe by unicornsinthekitchen
This zesty garlic scape pesto is a game-changer for your kitchen! Blend fresh garlic scapes with basil, pine nuts, and parmesan for a burst of vibrant flavor. Add a touch of salt and olive oil to achieve your desired consistency. Perfect for pizzas, pastas, soups, or as a flavorful topping for chicken and salmon, this pesto will become your go-to for elevating any dish.
“Did you know you can swap out nearly half of the basil typically used in pesto with garlic scapes? This not only intensifies the garlic flavor but also adds a beautiful green hue and a subtle texture that’s unlike anything else.”
12. Garlic Scape Hummus
Image and recipe by keeneorganics
Elevate your hummus game with this unique twist! Blend together chickpeas, sesame seeds or tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh chopped garlic scapes until a thick, creamy paste forms. Add a pinch of salt and, for an extra kick, try mixing in your favorite curry spice. This zesty garlic scape hummus pesto is perfect for dipping or spreading on sandwiches!
13. Italian Parsley Garlic Scape Pesto
Image and recipe by stephaniesdish
If you’re craving a fresh twist on classic pesto, this Garlic Scape Pesto Pasta is your answer. Blending vibrant garlic scapes, pine nuts, and zesty lemon, this pesto bursts with flavor. Tossed with spaghetti, it makes a delightful, aromatic dish perfect for any summer meal. Don’t forget to save a splash of pasta water to achieve the perfect creamy consistency!
14. Cashews And Garlic Scape Pesto
Image and recipe by hereinthemidst
Elevate your dishes with this vibrant Garlic Scape Pesto. Combining fresh garlic scapes, basil, parsley, and cashews, this zesty blend is a breeze to whip up in a food processor. Drizzle it over pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or add a burst of flavor to grilled veggies, chicken, or pizza. It’s a versatile, mouth-watering addition to any meal!
15. Hemp Seeds And Garlic Scape Pesto
Image and recipe by frieddandelions
Try this zesty garlic scape pesto! Simply blend garlic scapes, fresh arugula, and hemp seeds with olive oil and a touch of salt. Adjust the consistency with water, and you’ve got a vibrant, flavorful pesto perfect for pasta, potatoes, or even as a sandwich spread. It’s a fresh and healthy take that’s sure to impress!
16. Garlic Scape And Pistachio Pesto
Image and recipe by crumbblog
Transform your pasta nights with this vibrant Garlic Scape Pistachio Pesto! Pulse garlic scapes and pistachios until finely chopped, then blend in parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for a creamy, flavorful pesto. Season with salt to taste, and enjoy this fresh, nutty twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for spreading, dipping, or mixing into your favorite dishes!
“Many don’t realize that garlic scapes are highly nutritious, offering a good dose of vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber. By incorporating them into your pesto, you’re not just enhancing flavor but also boosting the nutritional value of your dish.”
17. Garlic Scape And Pumpkin Seeds Pesto
Image and recipe by theeastcoastkitchen
This garlic scape pesto is a vibrant twist on the classic! Packed with the peppery punch of garlic scapes, fresh basil, and the nutty goodness of parmesan, this pesto is a flavor explosion. Blend everything up with some lemon juice, pumpkin seeds, and olive oil for a creamy, delicious sauce perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a zesty dip. Store in the fridge or freeze in portions to savor this green gold year-round!
18. Slivered Almonds And Garlic Scape Pesto
Image and recipe by adishofdailylife
Craving a twist on traditional pesto? This Garlic Scape Pesto will be your new favorite! Combining fresh basil, chopped garlic scapes, and slivered almonds, this vibrant sauce bursts with flavor. Blend in olive oil and lemon juice, then finish with Parmesan cheese for a savory kick. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a zesty dip—it’s a versatile addition to your kitchen repertoire!
19. Pumpkin Seeds And Garlic Pesto
Image and recipe by theroamingkitchen
Elevate your pesto game with this vibrant Garlic Scape Pesto! Featuring the fresh, bold flavors of garlic scapes and basil, combined with nutty Parmesan and crunchy pumpkin seeds, this zesty blend is brightened up with lemon juice and zest. A few pulses in the food processor, and you’ve got a smooth, delicious pesto perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip. Simple, fresh, and utterly delightful!
20. Pecans And Garlic Pesto
Image and recipe by artofnatureliving
Transform your pesto game with this vibrant Garlic Scape Pesto! Blend fresh garlic scapes, basil, and your favorite nuts with a touch of lemon zest and a sprinkle of salt. Drizzle in olive oil until it’s beautifully smooth, then stir in grated Parmesan for that perfect cheesy finish. A burst of flavor that’s sure to elevate any dish!
21. Garlic Scape Walnut Pesto
Image and recipe by theseasonalhomestead
Brighten up your dishes with this zesty garlic scape walnut pesto! Simply toast garlic scapes and walnuts until fragrant, then blend with fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper, and optional parmesan cheese. As the food processor whirls, slowly drizzle in olive oil for a creamy, dreamy consistency. This vibrant pesto is perfect for spreading, dipping, or tossing with your favorite pasta.
“Did you know that roasting garlic scapes before blending them into pesto can mellow their sharpness? This technique allows the pesto to maintain a robust garlic flavor without overpowering other ingredients like Parmesan and pine nuts.”
22. Garlic Scape And Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
Image and recipe by cookingchatfood
Transform your pasta with this vibrant garlic scape pesto! Coarsely chopped garlic scapes blend with kale, extra virgin olive oil, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a flavorful twist. Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese adds a rich, creamy texture, while toasted seeds provide a delightful crunch. Perfect for a quick and tasty dinner, this pesto is a must-try for any garlic lover!
23. Garlic Scape And Pine Nuts
Image and recipe by tasteofhome
This vibrant garlic scape pesto is a fresh twist on the classic recipe. Blend together garlic scapes, Parmesan cheese, basil, and a hint of salt for a burst of flavor. Add pine nuts for a rich, nutty undertone, and drizzle in olive oil until smooth. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a zesty dip, this pesto can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for a year of deliciousness.
FAQS
1. What are garlic scapes?
Garlic scapes are the tender, curly flower stalks that grow from the bulb of hardneck garlic plants. They have a milder taste compared to garlic cloves and are usually harvested to promote better bulb growth.
2. When are garlic scapes in season?
Garlic scapes are typically in season in late spring to early summer. The exact timing can vary based on your geographic location and the weather conditions each year.
3. How do you prepare garlic scapes for pesto?
To prepare garlic scapes for pesto, wash them thoroughly and cut off the bulbous flower end and any tough parts of the stalk . Chop the tender parts into smaller pieces to make them easier to blend.
4. What are the basic ingredients for garlic scape pesto?
The basic ingredients for garlic scape pesto include garlic scapes, nuts (like pine nuts, almonds, or walnuts), cheese (such as Parmesan or Pecorino), olive oil, and sometimes lemon juice and salt for extra flavor.
5. Can garlic scape pesto be frozen?
Yes, garlic scape pesto can be frozen in a freezer. It’s a great way to preserve the fresh flavor of the scapes. Pesto freezes in an airtight container or in ice cube trays for smaller portions that are easy to thaw.
6. What are some variations of garlic scape pesto?
You can vary the nuts used, such as substituting traditional pine nuts with almonds, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free version. Adding different herbs like basil leaves, cilantro, or parsley can also give a unique twist to the flavor.
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