5 Minute Garlic Scape Pesto (with walnuts!) Recipe

If you’re looking for a flavor-packed way to celebrate garlic scape season, it doesn’t get any better—or faster—than this 5 Minute Garlic Scape Pesto (with walnuts!). This punchy, vibrant pesto whips up in practically no time but tastes like summer itself, bursting with garden-fresh basil, aromatic garlic scapes, and nutty Parmesan.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be surprised how just a handful of super-fresh, simple ingredients come together to build out all the boldness of this 5 Minute Garlic Scape Pesto (with walnuts!). Don’t skip any of these—they each play a starring role in flavor, texture, and luscious green color!

• Garlic Scapes: These curly green shoots add a vibrant garlicky zing that’s milder and sweeter than mature garlic, with a beautiful fresh-green hue.
• Basil: Classic pesto’s herbaceous edge, basil contributes brightness and that signature summer aroma—don’t skimp on this!
• Toasted Walnut Pieces: Walnuts give a wonderful earthy depth and creamy mouthfeel—you’ll want them lightly toasted for extra flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, savory richness that balances the sharpness of scapes and the nuttiness from walnuts.
• Lemon Juice: Just a bit lifts all the flavors and keeps the pesto tasting fresh (plus it helps keep that vivid color!).
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: The lush base that pulls it all together, helping to create the irresistible silky texture.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing every flavor into focus—taste and adjust right at the end!

Variations

The beauty of the 5 Minute Garlic Scape Pesto (with walnuts!) lies in its flexibility—you can swap in favorites or twist things up to fit your needs, all without fuss. Don’t be afraid to play, experiment, and make this pesto your own!

• Dairy-Free & Vegan: Replace Parmesan with a dairy-free alternative or a couple tablespoons of nutritional yeast for an umami kick.
• Different Nuts: Try pine nuts, almonds, pecans, or even sunflower seeds if walnuts aren’t your thing (or if you have allergies).
• Extra Herbs: Mix in a handful of parsley, cilantro, or baby spinach to add more complexity or to use up what you have on hand.
• Citrus Zest: Add the zest of your lemon for even bolder, perfumed citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with the scapes.

How to Make 5 Minute Garlic Scape Pesto (with walnuts!)

Step 1: Prep the Garlic Scapes

Start by trimming your garlic scapes just below the bulb and removing any tough, woody ends. Chop the tender green stems into one-inch pieces—this helps them break down quickly and evenly in your food processor or blender. Don’t skip this step, or your pesto may end up stringy!

Step 2: Pulse Scapes and Basil

Add the chopped garlic scapes and fresh basil to your food processor or blender. Give everything a few pulses until the mixture is coarsely chopped and combined—the aroma at this stage is simply mouthwatering!

Step 3: Add Walnuts and Blend

Toss in your toasted walnut pieces. Pulse again, stopping to scrape down the sides if needed, until the nuts are broken down and you start to see a rough pesto coming together. You’re building that signature nutty base now!

Step 4: Stream in the Olive Oil

With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This emulsifies the pesto, making it glossy and smooth. Your mixture should become creamy and cohesive—if needed, pause to scrape down the bowl to make sure nothing is left behind.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Lemon Juice

Add the Parmesan and lemon juice, then blend just until combined. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper. The pesto should be vivid green and spoonable—not runny, but definitely not dry.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Do a final taste and tweak! If it’s too thick, add a splash more oil or a teaspoon of water. Need more brightness? Add another squeeze of lemon. Love it extra cheesy or garlicky? Don’t be afraid to make it your own—this 5 Minute Garlic Scape Pesto (with walnuts!) is endlessly forgiving.

How to Serve 5 Minute Garlic Scape Pesto (with walnuts!)

Garnishes

A swirl of extra olive oil, a shower of fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of chopped walnuts, or even extra grated Parmesan turns this rustic pesto into something truly eye-catching. If you have edible flowers, a few petals on top make for an Instagram-worthy bowl.

Side Dishes

This 5 Minute Garlic Scape Pesto (with walnuts!) begs to be slathered over warm pasta, spooned onto grilled vegetables, or dolloped over toasted bread. For a meal, pair with a crisp green salad or alongside fresh tomatoes and burrata for a little Italian flair.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the pesto in a small jar tied with ribbon for a homey appetizer, swirl into deviled eggs for a springy twist, or drizzle over roasted potatoes for a simple side with serious personality. It’s also perfect as a pizza base sauce or folded into savory dips.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover 5 Minute Garlic Scape Pesto (with walnuts!) to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and vibrant for up to a week. To help keep the color bright, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing.

Freezing

Pesto freezes beautifully! I love portioning it into ice cube trays, freezing until solid, then transferring cubes to a freezer bag. That way, you can grab just a little at a time for adding instant flavor to any meal. It keeps frozen for up to six months.

Reheating

This pesto is best served at room temperature—it doesn’t need traditional reheating. If using from the fridge or freezer, let it sit out to warm, or gently stir into hot pasta or potatoes right before serving to preserve that pop of freshness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re yearning for a quick taste of spring, this 5 Minute Garlic Scape Pesto (with walnuts!) will win you over in a heartbeat. Each spoonful is bold, herby, and fresh—give it a whirl and let your kitchen overflow with garden magic. Happy pesto-making, friends!

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