If you’ve never cooked with garlic scapes, oh wow—you’re missing out on one of summer’s freshest, most flavorful gems. These curly green shoots are basically garlic’s younger, wilder cousin. They look like swirly green beans, smell like a garden dream, and taste like mild garlic with a dash of oniony brightness. The best part? You can use them in almost anything.
So if you’ve picked up a bunch at the farmers market or had them pop up in your CSA box and are thinking now what?, you’re in the right place. Let me walk you through 15 ridiculously easy and insanely good garlic scapes recipes that’ll wake up your summer menu.
1. Garlic Scape Pesto
Ingredients: Garlic scapes, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, nuts (walnuts or pine nuts), lemon juice, salt.
This pesto is bold, green, and zesty. The garlic scapes give it a mellow bite that’s more playful than harsh. Swirl it into pasta or smear it on crusty bread—either way, your taste buds will high-five you.
2. Sautéed Garlic Scapes with Lemon
Ingredients: Garlic scapes, olive oil, lemon zest, sea salt, black pepper.
A quick sauté in olive oil turns these into silky, garlicky ribbons with a bit of crunch. Add a squeeze of lemon zest at the end for brightness—it’s simple, summery, and crazy good.
3. Garlic Scape Hummus
Ingredients: Chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic scapes, olive oil.
Skip the raw garlic and blend in garlic scapes instead. The result? A smooth, creamy hummus with a gentle green kick and herby flair. Perfect for dipping fresh veggies or pita chips.
4. Grilled Garlic Scapes
Ingredients: Garlic scapes, olive oil, salt, pepper.
Throw those twisty beauties straight onto the grill. They char up beautifully, getting smoky, tender, and slightly sweet. A sprinkle of flaky salt makes them downright addictive.
5. Garlic Scape and Potato Soup
Ingredients: Garlic scapes, potatoes, onions, veggie broth, cream or milk, thyme.
This soup is silky and comforting, but with a summer twist. The garlic scapes lend a subtle garlicky undertone that plays perfectly with the creamy potatoes.
6. Garlic Scape Butter
Ingredients: Garlic scapes, softened butter, lemon juice, salt.
Blend it all together and slather it on everything. I’m talking grilled corn, steaks, baked potatoes, even toast. It keeps in the fridge for weeks—if it lasts that long.
7. Pickled Garlic Scapes
Ingredients: Garlic scapes, vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, chili flakes.
Crisp, tangy, and just the right amount of heat. These pickled scapes are a killer topping for sandwiches, burgers, or charcuterie boards.
8. Garlic Scape Frittata
Ingredients: Eggs, garlic scapes, feta cheese, spinach, salt, pepper.
This frittata is fluffy, savory, and loaded with green goodness. The garlic scapes add a fresh zing that’s perfect for brunch—or dinner when it’s too hot to cook much.
9. Pasta with Garlic Scapes and Mushrooms
Ingredients: Pasta, garlic scapes, mushrooms, olive oil, Parmesan, white wine.
Earthy mushrooms meet bright, garlicky scapes in this fast, flavorful pasta. It’s cozy yet summery—my favorite kind of in-between.
10. Garlic Scape Flatbread
Ingredients: Pizza dough, garlic scapes, ricotta, mozzarella, herbs.
Think pizza, but lighter and fresher. The garlic scapes get melty and sweet in the oven, while creamy ricotta gives it a dreamy texture. Pair it with a glass of crisp white wine.
11. Garlic Scape Aioli
Ingredients: Egg yolk, garlic scapes, lemon juice, oil, salt.
This aioli is smooth, punchy, and perfect for dunking fries, veggies, or grilled shrimp. It’s like mayo leveled up—big time.
12. Stir-Fried Garlic Scapes with Tofu
Ingredients: Garlic scapes, tofu, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, scallions.
A super quick stir-fry that brings bold umami flavors with minimal effort. The scapes stay snappy, the tofu soaks up the sauce, and you’ll feel like a kitchen genius.
13. Garlic Scape and Herb Compound Butter
Ingredients: Garlic scapes, parsley, dill, chives, butter, salt.
This is your secret weapon for summer. Put a slice on hot grilled chicken, seafood, or even corn on the cob. It melts into herby, garlicky magic.
14. Garlic Scape and Tomato Bruschetta
Ingredients: Garlic scapes, cherry tomatoes, basil, olive oil, baguette.
This is summer on toast. The juicy tomatoes pair beautifully with the garlicky crunch of the scapes. Serve it at your next gathering, and don’t expect leftovers.
15. Cold Garlic Scape Noodle Salad
Ingredients: Rice noodles, garlic scapes, cucumbers, sesame dressing, carrots.
Cool, crisp, and full of flavor. The scapes give this refreshing salad a garlicky twist, while the sesame dressing ties it all together. Perfect for hot days.
Final Thoughts
Garlic scapes are like that surprise ingredient you didn’t know your summer cooking needed—but once you try them, you can’t stop. From bright pestos to creamy soups, these curly green beauties bring a mellow garlic note and fresh texture that’s perfect for warm-weather meals.
