Garlic Scape Pesto is a delightful twist on traditional pesto, bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make sauce brings out the fresh, vibrant taste of garlic scapes, making it a unique addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, drizzling it over grilled vegetables, or spreading it on sandwiches, this pesto elevates your meals effortlessly. Enjoy the freshness of summer flavors all year round!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Scape Pesto

Garlic scape pesto is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile.

Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Unique Flavor: The mild yet flavorful garlic scapes offer a unique taste that sets this pesto apart from traditional basil versions.
Versatile Use: Pair it with pasta, use as a dip, or drizzle over roasted veggies and grilled meats.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with healthy fats from olive oil and nutrients from spinach and nuts.
Vegan-Friendly Option: Easily made vegan by omitting Parmesan or substituting with nutritional yeast.

Tools and Preparation

To make your garlic scape pesto efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Food processor
Measuring cups
Zester
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Food processor: This is key for blending ingredients smoothly and quickly into a uniform pesto.
Measuring cups: Ensures you get the right quantities for a balanced flavor in your garlic scape pesto.

Ingredients

Pair this easy and flavorful garlic scape pesto with everything, from pasta to roasted vegetables and grilled meat.

For the Pesto

5 garlic scapes
1 medium lemon
1/2 ounce Parmesan cheese (about 1/4 cup grated)
1/4 cup raw or roasted, salted, shelled pistachios
1 packed cup baby spinach (1 1/2 ounces)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

How to Make Garlic Scape Pesto

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Begin by trimming the ends from 5 garlic scapes. Coarsely chop them. Next, finely grate the zest of 1 medium lemon until you have about 1 teaspoon. Juice the lemon until you have approximately 2 tablespoons. Finally, finely grate 1/2 ounce of Parmesan cheese, which is about 1/4 cup packed.

Step 2: Blend Base Ingredients

In a food processor fitted with the blade attachment, combine chopped garlic scapes, 1/4 cup pistachios, and 1 packed cup baby spinach. Process until finely chopped; this should take about 15 seconds.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Then add lemon juice and zest, grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Process again until you form a uniform paste; this will take around another 15 seconds.

Step 4: Emulsify with Olive Oil

With the motor running on the food processor, slowly stream in 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil. Scrape down the sides as needed and continue blending until everything is fully emulsified and uniform in texture—this should take about an additional 5 seconds.

Now your homemade Garlic Scape Pesto is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Garlic Scape Pesto

Garlic scape pesto is a versatile sauce that can elevate many dishes. Its unique flavor makes it an excellent choice for pairing with various foods. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious garlic scape pesto.

Pasta Dishes

Toss cooked pasta with garlic scape pesto for a quick and flavorful meal.
Use as a sauce on cold pasta salads for summer gatherings.
Mix into creamy risottos to add a burst of flavor.

Grilled Vegetables

Drizzle garlic scape pesto over grilled zucchini and bell peppers for a fresh side.
Coat asparagus in pesto before grilling for a tasty vegetable dish.
Use it as a marinade for mushrooms before grilling.

Sandwiches and Wraps

Spread garlic scape pesto on sandwiches instead of mayonnaise for extra flavor.
Add it to wraps with fresh veggies and protein for a satisfying lunch.
Use as a dip alongside crusty bread or crackers.

Pizza Topping

Use garlic scape pesto as the base sauce on your homemade pizza.
Drizzle over store-bought frozen pizzas to enhance the flavor.
Pair with mozzarella and fresh tomatoes for a delightful topping combo.

How to Perfect Garlic Scape Pesto

Creating the perfect garlic scape pesto is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to ensure your pesto shines.

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic scapes, lemon, and spinach enhance the overall flavor of your pesto.
Adjust consistency: If the pesto is too thick, add more olive oil until you reach your desired texture.
Taste as you go: Always taste your pesto during preparation to adjust seasoning according to your preference.
Experiment with nuts: While pistachios work great, try walnuts or almonds for different flavors and textures.
Store properly: Keep leftover pesto in an airtight container in the fridge. A layer of olive oil on top helps preserve freshness.
Freeze for later: Freeze portions of garlic scape pesto in ice cube trays, then transfer to bags for easy use later.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Scape Pesto

Garlic scape pesto pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. These options will complement its rich flavors perfectly.

Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes drizzled with garlic scape pesto make a hearty side dish.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil topped with garlic scape pesto create a refreshing salad.
Quinoa Salad: Mix cooked quinoa with vegetables and toss in garlic scape pesto for a nutritious side.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Brush corn with garlic scape pesto before grilling for an irresistible summer treat.
Garlic Bread: Spread garlic scape pesto on toasted baguette slices for an aromatic twist on classic garlic bread.
Fried Rice: Stir-fry rice with vegetables and mix in garlic scape pesto for added flavor in this comforting dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making garlic scape pesto, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes that can affect your final dish.

Skipping the seasoning: Failing to add enough salt can lead to a bland pesto. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Not using fresh ingredients: Using old or wilted garlic scapes will diminish the flavor. Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best results.
Overprocessing the mixture: Blending too long can turn your pesto into a paste rather than a sauce. Stop processing as soon as you achieve a uniform consistency.
Ignoring oil quality: Using low-quality olive oil affects the taste of your garlic scape pesto. Opt for extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
Neglecting storage tips: Improper storage can spoil your pesto quickly. Store it in airtight containers and consider freezing for longer shelf life.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store garlic scape pesto in an airtight container.
It will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Instructions

Freeze garlic scape pesto in ice cube trays.
Once frozen, transfer cubes to a zip-top bag for up to three months.

Reheating Instructions

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place pesto in an oven-safe dish and heat until warm, about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals (15-20 seconds), stirring in between until warm.
Stovetop: Gently heat on low in a saucepan, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding garlic scape pesto answered for your convenience.

What is Garlic Scape Pesto?

Garlic scape pesto is a vibrant, flavorful sauce made primarily from garlic scapes, nuts, cheese, and olive oil. It offers a unique twist on traditional pesto.

How can I use Garlic Scape Pesto?

You can pair garlic scape pesto with pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or use it as a dip for veggies. Its versatility makes it perfect for various dishes!

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic Scape Pesto?

Yes! Feel free to substitute nuts or cheese based on your preferences or dietary restrictions while maintaining the core elements of the recipe.

Is Garlic Scape Pesto vegan?

The traditional recipe includes Parmesan cheese; however, you can easily make it vegan by omitting the cheese or using nutritional yeast instead.

Final Thoughts

Garlic scape pesto is not just easy to make; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it with pasta, grilled meats, or even as a dip. Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe by adding different nuts or herbs according to your taste!