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Fresh Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe with Toasted Pine Nuts and Parmesan Made Easy

fresh garlic scape pesto - featured image

A vibrant and nutty pesto made from fresh garlic scapes, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and lemon juice. Perfect for summer meals and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh garlic scapes, chopped
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
  • 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 (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Rinse the garlic scapes, pat dry, and chop into 1-inch pieces.
  3. In a food processor, combine chopped garlic scapes, cooled pine nuts, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of salt. Pulse a few times to start breaking down the ingredients.
  4. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to emulsify the pesto. Scrape down the sides as needed to blend evenly.
  5. Add fresh lemon juice and pulse a few more times. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired.
  6. Check the consistency; if too thick, add a teaspoon of water or olive oil to loosen.
  7. Serve immediately tossed with pasta, spread on toast, or dolloped over grilled vegetables. Store in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

Toast pine nuts gently to avoid bitterness. Use fresh garlic scapes for best flavor and make pesto within 1-2 days of purchase. Add olive oil slowly to create a smooth emulsion. Store pesto with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning. For dairy-free, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. Nut substitutions like toasted walnuts or almonds work well.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic scape pesto, pesto recipe, garlic scapes, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan pesto, summer sauce, easy pesto, green sauce