Description

Garlic Scape Pesto delivers a rich, nutty flavor that elevates any dish. With fresh garlic scapes, basil, and cheese, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for enhancing pasta or spreading on sandwiches for a healthy and delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup garlic scapes, chopped
½ cup fresh basil
⅓ cup parmesan cheese, grated
⅓ cup walnuts or pine nuts, toasted
½ cup olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Rinse the garlic scapes under cold water and pat them dry. Trim off tough ends and chop into 1-2 inch pieces.
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts or pine nuts for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant.
Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
In a food processor, combine the chopped garlic scapes, fresh basil, toasted nuts, and parmesan cheese. Pulse until finely chopped but not completely smooth.
While running the food processor, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency—smooth yet slightly textured.
Add lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Blend again for 10-15 seconds to combine. Adjust seasoning if necessary by adding more salt, lemon juice, or olive oil.
If the pesto is too thick, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil or water and blend until smooth and spreadable.
Serve immediately with pasta, or store in an airtight container. For maximum freshness, drizzle olive oil over the top before storing.

Notes

For a more intense flavor, use aged parmesan cheese.
Pesto can be frozen for later use; simply thaw in the refrigerator before using.
If you have leftovers, use them as a sandwich spread or in a salad dressing.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 120
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 5mg