This Easy Garlic Scape Pesto is a fresh twist on a classic sauce. With vibrant garlic scapes, nuts, and olive oil, it’s perfect for pasta or spreading on bread!
I love how quick it is to whip up. Just blend everything together, and you’ve got a flavorful treat ready in minutes. Who knew healthy could taste this good? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic Scapes: These green stalks pack a milder garlic flavor than bulbs. If you can’t find scapes, consider using young garlic or a small amount of minced garlic cloves. It will alter the flavor slightly, but still be delicious.
Nuts: I love using pine nuts for their buttery flavor, but walnuts and almonds also work well. If you’re looking for a nut-free version, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are great alternatives. Just toast them lightly for added flavor!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan brings a salty, rich taste to the pesto. If you’re vegan or dairy-free, nutritional yeast can replace the cheese and give it a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best for giving the pesto a rich texture. For a lighter taste, you can blend it with avocado oil or even use a mix of oils.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the pesto. If you don’t have it, vinegar can substitute, but use less to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
How Do You Get a Smooth Pesto Consistency?
Achieving the perfect pesto consistency can be tricky. Here’s how to make it smooth and spreadable:
- Chop the Ingredients: Chop garlic scapes before processing to ensure even blending.
- Pulse Gradually: Start by pulsing the garlic scapes and nuts first until coarsely ground, then gradually add the rest of the ingredients.
- Drizzle Olive Oil: With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This helps emulsify and create a creamy texture.
- Check Texture: If it’s too thick, add a little more olive oil or even a splash of water to loosen it up.
With these tips, you’ll have a delightful pesto ready to use on pasta, sandwiches, or veggies! It’s all about balancing those ingredients for the best flavor and consistency.
Easy Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe for Fresh Flavor
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup garlic scapes, chopped
- 1/2 cup nuts (pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds work well)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time. It’s a quick and easy process! Just blend and enjoy your fresh garlic scape pesto right away.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Garlic Scapes:
Start by rinsing the garlic scapes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Then, chop them roughly into smaller pieces. This will make blending much easier!
2. Blend the Base:
In a food processor, combine the chopped garlic scapes and your choice of nuts. Pulse several times until the mixture is coarsely ground. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula if needed.
3. Add Cheese and Lemon:
Next, add in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with the lemon juice. Pulse again until everything is combined. The lemon juice adds a bright flavor to the pesto.
4. Incorporate Olive Oil:
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Keep blending until the pesto reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more oil or even a splash of water to thin it out.
5. Season to Taste:
Now it’s time to taste your creation! Add salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Pulse once or twice to mix the seasoning in.
6. Serve and Store:
Your delicious garlic scape pesto is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it immediately tossed with your favorite pasta, spread on fresh bread, or used as a tasty topper for roasted vegetables. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze portions in ice cube trays and transfer them to a freezer bag.
This garlic scape pesto is vibrantly green and packed with fresh, garlicky flavor. It’s a wonderful seasonal way to use the curly, tender garlic scapes before they bloom!
FAQ for Easy Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe
Can I Use Garlic Instead of Garlic Scapes?
Absolutely! If you can’t find garlic scapes, you can use 1-2 garlic cloves instead. Just keep in mind that raw garlic is much stronger, so start with less and adjust to taste.
What Nuts Can I Substitute?
If you’re allergic to nuts or just don’t have any on hand, you can replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. They provide a nice texture without changing the flavor too much. Feel free to toast them lightly for added depth!
How Long Does This Pesto Last in the Fridge?
This garlic scape pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you notice any discoloration, just give it a quick stir before using!
Can I Freeze Garlic Scape Pesto?
Yes! Freezing is a great option if you want to keep it longer. Portion the pesto into ice cube trays, freeze until solid, and then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This way, you can easily use just the amount you need later!
