Garlic Scape Pesto Pasta Salad

Garlic Scape Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe: A Flavorful Summer Delight

Are you looking for a unique and delicious pasta salad recipe to elevate your summer meals? Look no further! This Garlic Scape Pesto Pasta Salad is the perfect combination of fresh flavors and vibrant colors, making it a standout dish at any gathering. This recipe is easy to make and packed with the summer delight of garlic scapes, basil, and other wholesome ingredients. Discover how to make this delightful pasta salad that will impress your guests this summer!

Why Garlic Scape?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about garlic scapes. Garlic scapes are tender green shoots that grow from garlic bulbs and are a summer delicacy. These curly, vibrant stalks have a mild garlic flavor and are typically available in late spring and early summer. They add a unique twist to traditional pesto, making it a perfect ingredient for a summer pasta salad! You can also use them to make a delish butter flavour or infused oil!

Tips for the Perfect Pasta Salad

• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, fresh garlic scapes and basil. Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in taste. Summer is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of farmers markets for your ingredients!
• Chill Before Serving: Letting the pasta salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour enhances the flavors and makes it even more refreshing.
• Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or artichoke hearts to the salad. You can also use different types of pasta to suit your preferences.

Equipment Needed

Food Processor

A high-quality food processor is a must-have for making garlic scape pesto. This versatile kitchen appliance will help you blend the garlic scapes, basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, olive oil, and lemon juice into a smooth, flavorful pesto. Look for a food processor with a powerful motor and sharp blades to ensure a consistent texture.

Top Picks:

• Cuisinart
• Breville

Large Pot

To cook the pasta perfectly, you’ll need a large pot that can hold enough water for the pasta to move around freely while it cooks. A pot with a capacity of at least 6 quarts is ideal for boiling pasta without overcrowding.

Top Picks:

• All-Clad
• Calphalon

Colander

A colander is essential for draining the cooked pasta. Choose a colander with sturdy handles and a stable base to make the draining process easy and safe. A stainless steel colander is durable and easy to clean.

Top Picks:

• OXO
• Amazon

Mixing Bowl

A large mixing bowl is necessary for combining the pasta with the garlic scape pesto and other salad ingredients. Opt for a mixing bowl that is large enough to allow you to toss the pasta and pesto together without spilling.

Top Picks:

• Pyrex
• OXO

Chef’s Knife

A sharp chef’s knife is crucial for chopping garlic scapes, basil, and other vegetables for the pasta salad. A well-balanced knife with a comfortable grip will make the preparation process more efficient and enjoyable.

Top Picks:

• Wüsthof
• Victorinox

Cutting Board

Pair your chef’s knife with a sturdy cutting board. Choose a cutting board that is large enough to accommodate all your chopping needs and made from a material that is easy on your knife’s blade, such as wood or plastic.

Top Picks:

• John Boos
• OXO

Lemon Juicer

A lemon juicer will help you extract fresh lemon juice with ease, adding a zesty brightness to your garlic scape pesto. Manual juicers are simple to use and clean.

Top Picks:

• Zulay
• OXO

Grater

A grater is needed for finely grating Parmesan cheese. A microplane grater is particularly effective for achieving a fine, even grate that blends seamlessly into the pesto.

Top Picks:

• Microplane
• Cuisipro

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Accurate measurements are key to perfecting your garlic scape pesto. Invest in a reliable set of measuring cups and spoons to ensure you get the right proportions of each ingredient.

Top Picks:

• OXO
• KitchenAid

Serving Bowl

Once your Garlic Scape Pesto Pasta Salad is ready, a beautiful serving bowl will make it look even more appetizing. Choose a bowl that complements the vibrant colors of the salad and is large enough to hold the entire dish.

Top Pick:

• Viral Wooden Salad Bowl

Watch the Recipe Video

Garlic Scape Pesto Pasta Salad

Transform your summer meals with this vibrant Garlic Scape Pesto Pasta Salad! This easy-to-make dish combines the unique flavor of garlic scapes with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and lemon juice for a zesty pesto!

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Yields: 6

Ingredients

Garlic Scape Pesto

• 3 handfuls basil
• 1/3 cup pine nuts
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 lemon juiced
• 1 handful spinach
• 1 cup garlic scapes halved
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• salt & pepper

Pasta Salad

• 1 lb. pasta of choice I used orecchiette
• 1 cup mozzarella pearls
• 1 cup spinach chopped
• 1 handful of asparagus sliced in 3
• 1 cup snap peas chopped
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1 lemon juiced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• salt & pepper
• 1 handful of mint chopped

Instructions

• Cook pasta in salted water and set aside once cooked. In a food processor or blender, combine all ingredients for pesto. Process until combined and set aside.
• Once pasta is cooked, let cool completely and add to a large bowl. Heat a medium-sized saucepan over med-high heat and add in olive oil. Add in chopped asparagus and season with lemon juice, olive oil, salt & pepper. Cook until soft (6-7 minutes). Once asparagus is cooked, set aside.
• Assemble pasta salad with all ingredients that are prepped. Add mozzarella pearls, and fresh mint and dress the salad with garlic scape pesto. Top with black pepper and mix until pasta is evenly cooked. Serve and enjoy!