Low FODMAP Vegan Garlic Scape Pesto
Garlic scapes are the curly green shoots harvested from hardneck garlic bulbs before the plant flowers, and they bring a mild, grassy garlic flavor that works beautifully in pesto without the digestive punch of garlic cloves. That swap is exactly what makes this sauce a smart fit for anyone following a low-FODMAP approach, since traditional pesto's reliance on garlic bulb is quietly off the table. Toasting the pine nuts first is a small step that pays off big — it deepens their buttery richness and gives the whole sauce a warm, nutty backbone. Nutritional yeast stands in for parmesan here, adding that savory, cheesy depth while keeping the recipe entirely plant-based. Fresh basil, bright lemon juice, and a touch of zest round everything out into a pesto that tastes vibrant and complex, not like a compromise. Blend it thick for a spread on toast or thin it slightly with a splash of water and toss it through pasta, zucchini noodles, or roasted vegetables. It comes together in one food processor in just a few minutes, which means a jar of something genuinely delicious is never far away.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- ⅓ cup pine nuts
- 6 oz garlic scapes (about 10–12 scapes), roughly chopped
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1–2 tbsp water, as needed
Instructions
- 1
Toast the pine nuts in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Watch closely, as they can brown quickly. Transfer immediately to a plate to cool.
- 2
Add the garlic scapes, basil, toasted pine nuts, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to a food processor. Pulse 8–10 times until the mixture is coarsely chopped and uniform.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!