Pistachio Free Vegan Garlic Scape Pesto
Pesto lovers, this one is about to become a new staple. Garlic scapes bring a mellow, grassy heat that's a little softer than raw garlic but still deeply savory, and paired with fresh basil and toasted pine nuts, the result is bright, herby, and incredibly aromatic. Nutritional yeast steps in to deliver that rich, cheesy depth you'd expect from a classic pesto — no dairy required, and it works beautifully. A hit of lemon juice and zest keeps everything tasting fresh and vibrant rather than heavy. Traditional pesto recipes often call for pistachios or a mix of nuts, which can make them off-limits for people avoiding certain tree nuts. Here, pine nuts are the only nut in the mix, toasted until golden and fragrant before they go into the food processor, which really amplifies their buttery flavor. The whole thing comes together in minutes — just pulse, stream in the olive oil, and adjust the texture with a splash of water if needed. Toss it with pasta, spread it on toast, or swirl it into soups for an instant flavor upgrade.
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!