Fresh and vibrant Garlic Scape Pesto is a delicious flavour explosion that takes only minutes to prepare. If you’ve got scapes on hand, you have to try this on pasta, as a dip, on sandwiches, you name it.

What are Garlic Scapes?

Garlic scapes are thin, green, and curly plants–the stem and flower bud that grows atop hardneck garlic bulbs. They are part of the garlic plant and are trimmed to encourage flavor development in the bulb. Also, they’re delicious and edible!

As you might imagine, it has a garlicky flavour, but it’s a little more fresh and vegetal than a garlic bulb would be. You can sauté them, fry them, blend them, and more! They’re a true summer delicacy as they’re only available in the early summer months (think June-July).

You can usually find them at farmer’s markets, Asian grocery stores, and specialty produce stores. If you see them, stock up because the season is short! You can also chop and freeze them to use throughout the year or even pickle them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ve probably had your fair share of basil pesto made with pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, olive oil, and parmesan cheese (if you’re not vegan). While it’s absolutely delicious and popular, I just had to share another version of pesto with you!

You won’t believe how simple and flavorful this easy Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe is. It’s a one-step recipe where all you need to do is add your ingredients into a food processor or blender and season to taste. That’s it! The resulting pesto perfectly accompanies sandwiches, pasta, and so much more! It has all the 

This recipe is really easy to modify, and if you don’t have scapes on hand, you can use other greens or try this Pea Shoot Pesto instead.

Ingredient Notes

You’ll need only 7 ingredients to make this dreamy sauce.

• Garlic scapes: You can usually find them at farmers markets, Asian grocery stores, and specialty produce stores during summer. They have a lovely garlic flavor that is unmatched!
• Pistachios: You can also swap this for another kind of nut- walnuts, cashews, or pine nuts work well. 
• Nutritional yeast: This is a cheesy, nutty substitute for parmesan cheese. 
• Lemon juice
• Extra virgin olive oil: Use more or less depending on the desired consistency. 
• Basil: This is optional. You can leave it out to let the garlic scapes shine if desired.
• Salt
• Black pepper

Instructions for How to Make Garlic Scape Pesto

Step 1: Blend together pesto ingredients in the bowl of a food processor, drizzling in additional EVOO as you blend. Use the pulse function until the desired consistency is reached. Scrape down the sides in between blending with a rubber spatula. Season to taste, then use!

How to Serve Garlic Scape Pesto

This pesto is so versatile and can be enjoyed as a spread, sauce, dip, or by the spoonful. Here are some fun ways to eat it:

• Pasta. Mix in with your favourite pasta to create a super flavourful sauce.
• Pizza. Swap out the red sauce for this green, garlick-y spread instead, like this Pea Shoot Pesto Pizza!
• Sandwiches. Hold the mayo and go pesto. My Cucumber and Tempeh Sandwich would be delightful with a generous schmear.
• By the spoonful. Or veggies-ful. This makes an amazing dip to serve with crudité, bread, or other snacky items of choice. 
• Salad. You know what to do–use this bold pesto as a dressing for your greens and vegetables, or try this Pesto Power Salad.

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. 
• If you’re not going to enjoy your pesto within a few days’ time, store the pesto in a freezer-safe, airtight container and pop it into the freezer for up to 3 months. 
• When ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the fridge and dig in. It’s a great way to enjoy all the garlic scape flavor year round.
• Another option is to freeze the garlic scape pesto in ice-cube trays, then pop the frozen cubes into a freezer bag and use them when needed. I love this because they’re perfectly portioned! 

Frequently Asked Questions

More Vegan Dinner Ideas

Corn Risotto with Roasted Shallots

Asparagus, Ricotta & Pea Shoot Pesto Pizza 

High Protein Tempeh Mushroom Bolognese 

Creamy Corn Chowder

7-Ingredient Sweet & Spicy Noodles

If you make this recipe, be sure to let me know what you think with a comment below! Follow me on Instagram for more delicious recipes!