Easy Kale and Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe (2024)

The heat of the summer has arrived. We have reached peak summertime and it is a beautiful time to head to the farmers’ market and a great time to make a delicious summer salad or easy pasta dish. While our backyard garden is happily growing, there are so many things to see, learn and eat at the farmers’ market. And, this kale and garlic scape pesto recipe is just one of the amazing things we made after visiting the market.

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So, yesterday morning we jumped on our bikes and the whole family rode down to our local farmers’ market. As we toured around we simply could not resist the curly-cued garlic scapes. Garlic scapes are the thick, green shoots that sprout out of a garlic plant. According to the farmer, removing the scape produces larger garlic bulbs. The garlic scape tastes very garlicky (is that a word?). I was immediately inspired to make a garlic scape pesto. July is also a great time for picking kale…the kale at the market was green and crisp and fresh. We’ve made pesto out of many different greens…so, why not use kale and why not use garlic scapes?

Kale and Garlic Scape Pesto

2 garlic scapes – about 1/4 cup of chopped garlic scapes

kale – about 2 cups chopped

2 tbsp parmesan cheese

1 tbsp chopped almonds

1/4 cup of olive oil – may need more

1/4 tsp salt and pepper – to taste

First up, place the roughly chopped garlic scape in the food processor, and process until finely chopped. I used a mini food processor and this pesto was easy to make in it.

Next, add the roughly chopped kale, in small batches…process until finely chopped and totally incorporated with the garlic scapes.

Now add the grated parmesan cheese, almonds and salt…process until everything is chopped together.

Finally, pour in the olive oil…this is where personal taste comes into play…if you like a loose pesto, add more oil – if you like a tight pesto, add less oil.

Pesto can be stored in an air-tight jar for up to one week. Pesto can also be easily frozen in an ice cube tray, to defrost just pop it into warm pasta or soups. We served our pesto…or “kesto” (kale-pesto) as my daughters nicknamed it…with freshly grilled steak, roasted potatoes, beets and a green salad. The pesto melted into the steak and made a fabulous dip for the potatoes. Kale and garlic are such nutrient-rich foods, I just love packing them both into this easy-to-make and kid-friendly dish.

Related Posts

Check out our other delicious summertime recipes in this collection of summer salads

Learn how to make a kale salad with pesto dressing

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