We have been getting garlic scapes in our weekly CSA and it has been such a treat! I only started using garlic scapes a summer or two ago, but I have come to really enjoy them. I attempted making pesto with them for the first time this summer, and I came up with this delicious recipe for Walnut Garlic Scape Pesto that I hope you’ll enjoy!
What are Garlic Scapes?
I’m no expert here, so I will provide a brief explanation informed by the ever trusty wikipedia page for garlic! Garlic scapes–also called garlic spears, stems, or tops–are the flower stalk from the garlic plant. Apparently, they are removed so the bulb grows better. When they are picked early, they are tender and delicious! Garlic scapes are much milder than garlic from a bulb, so don’t be scared of using a lot!
How To make Walnut Garlic Scape Pesto
This Walnut Garlic Scape Pesto comes together very quickly! I don’t have a food processor, so I used my VitaMix and it worked just fine!
Add your chopped up garlic scapes and walnut pieces to a blender/food processor. Process them until there are no large chunks of scapes or nuts. Next add your olive oil and nutritional yeast and process until that is mixed in nicely. Finally, add the basil, salt, and lemon juice. I like adding the basil last because then I can control the texture and make sure there are tiny pieces of basil still visible!
If you don’t have garlic scapes, fear not! I have another recipe for a more traditional vegan pesto already on the bog!
What Part of the Garlic Scape Should You Use?
I’ve done a bit of reading on garlic scapes. The whole thing is edible, but you might not want to use all of it. Below you can see a picture of my partner holding a garlic scape — I recommend using the part in between his fingers. Chop a bit off the bottom because it can be a bit tough and also discard the bulb and the thin piece at the top of the bulb.
Other Delicious Summer Recipes:
- No-Churn Vegan Coffee Ice Cream with Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chips
- Fruity Summer Salsa
- Strawberry Rhubarb Gin and Tonic
- BBQ Jackfruit Tacos
If you make this recipe, let me know by tagging me on social media @theveganharvest or commenting below!
This vegan walnut garlic scape pesto is a delicious way to use garlic scapes! It's great on pasta, with vegetables, or spread on a sandwich!
- 1/3 cup chopped garlic scapes
- 1/2 cup walnut pieces
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 cup basil
- 1/2-3/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp lemon juice
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Add the chopped garlic scapes and walnut pieces to a blender or food processor. Blend/process until the scapes and walnuts are ground and releasing their oils.
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Add the nutritional yeast and olive oil. Blend/process until combined and there are no large chunks of scape or walnut.
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Finally, add the basil, salt, and lemon juice. Blend/process until you reach your desired consitency. I like having little pieces of basil visible with some texture from the scapes and walnuts still present.
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Add more salt and/or lemon juice to taste. Store in the fridge.
Pin this recipe for Walnut Garlic Scape Pesto!
I used pine nuts instead of the walnuts and it was delicious! My whole family loved it with prawns and pasta.
I’m glad you and your family enjoyed it!!
Remove the blossoms?!? THAT is the best part! 🤦🏻♀️
Feel free to use them!
This is a delicious recipe! I made it in the blender, had scapes and basil from my garden and all other ingredients on hand. This recipe is a keeper. Thank you
I’m so glad you like it! Thank you!