Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe with Basil and Walnuts
Garlic scape pesto is a fresh, vibrant twist on classic pesto, made with garlic scapes, basil, walnuts, and Parmesan. Bright, nutty, and full of garlicky flavour, it's one of the best ways to enjoy garlic scape season.
Servings 1.25 Cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup garlic scapes (about 8–10 scapes) chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup walnut halves lightly toasted
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Optional
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1-2 tbsp additional olive oil as needed
- extra Parmesan cheese to taste
Instructions
- Add the garlic scapes, basil, walnuts, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the bowl of a food processor.
- Pulse several times until the ingredients are finely chopped and evenly combined.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth but still has a little texture.
- If using, add the lemon zest and pulse a few more times to combine.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, Parmesan, or lemon juice as needed.
- For a thinner consistency, blend in 1 to 2 tablespoons additional olive oil.
- Serve immediately or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
Use tender garlic scapes and trim away any tough or woody ends for the smoothest texture and best flavour.
Toast the walnuts first for a deeper, nuttier flavour that really makes the pesto shine.
Don't over blend. A little texture gives homemade pesto its rustic character and keeps it from turning pasty.
Taste before adjusting the lemon juice. Garlic scapes can vary in intensity, so a quick taste test helps keep the flavours balanced.
If the pesto feels too thick, add olive oil a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze in small portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Serving: 1Batch | Calories: 1456kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 129g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 31g | Monounsaturated Fat: 70g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 1600mg | Potassium: 321mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1338IU | Vitamin C: 57mg | Calcium: 832mg | Iron: 5mg
