7 Ways To Use Garlic Scapes In Recipes - The Spruce Eats

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Skip to Content 5 Ways to Use Garlic Scapes in Recipes By Cathy Jacobs

Cathy Jacobs A journalist and avid home cook, Cathy Jacobs has more than 10 years of food writing experience, with a focus on curating approachable menus and recipe collections. Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process Updated on 06/10/25 Close

Have you discovered garlic scapes yet? While many garlic growers cut off the scapes to encourage better bulb growth, these flower stalks - which grow on certain varieties of garlic - are becoming more popular with chefs and home cooks alike.

Garlic scapes (also referred to as garlic stalks) may not be that widely known as an ingredient, but they are as versatile, delicious, and easy to use as spring onions. Plus, they impart a delicate garlic flavor to whatever foods they're combined with, which helps to enhance the other flavors in a dish.

Are you curious about this crunchy, green, slightly garlicky tasting ingredient? Learn more about what fresh garlic scapes are, and how they are used.

Garlic scapes can be included, both cooked and raw, in a variety of delicious recipes, and we have collected our favorites here. From a delicious, nutty garlic scape pesto, to yummy soups, salads and side dishes, you will be absolutely delighted by all the ways you can start working inexpensive garlic scapes into your kitchen ingredient rotation.

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Greens With Green Garlic and Prosciutto

The Spruce / Molly Watson

Want to add something special to your same-old side dish of greens? A few chopped green garlic scapes add a springy sweetness to cooked collard greens, kale, spinach, or Swiss chard. This greens with green garlic and prosciutto recipe feature a salty, savory crunch. You can omit the meat, though, for a vegetarian and vegan-friendly side dish.
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Green Garlic Risotto

The Spruce

This addictive green garlic risotto recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the delicate flavor of garlic scapes in a comforting entree. Vegetarian-friendly when made with vegetable broth instead of chicken, you can put this warming, homey meal on the table in just 30 minutes from start to finish. Italian arborio rice is simmered down with butter, wine, and broth until it's creamy and tender. Then shredded Parmesan cheese is added for savory, cheesy goodness. It's springtime in Italy on a plate.
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Gluten-Free Garlic Scape Soup

The Spruce / Stephanie Kirkos

Looking for a gluten-free first-course recipe for your next dinner party, or a homey starter to family meals? Each ladle of this delicious gluten-free garlic scape soup is filled with the warmth and green of summer. Farm fresh garlic scapes are paired with plenty of green asparagus in this creamy, yet light, summertime soup recipe that has a hearty texture, thanks to grilled vegetables. Asparagus and garlic scapes are grilled with olive oil, salt, and pepper before blending with the soup base, to add a smoky, summer flavor to the finished soup.
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Garlic Scape Dressing

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Garlic scapes give this tasty dressing a light garlic flavor and beautiful green color. This super easy garlic scape dressing recipe is a great alternative to the usual Green Goddess dressing, and adds welcome pep to iceberg lettuce and tossed green salads.
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Pickled Garlic Scapes

Laura Reid / Getty Images

Pickled garlic scapes are an easy way to keep the lightly garlicky flavor of garlic scapes around a little longer. This "refrigerator pickle" recipe is easy to make and keeps for weeks. The pickles will get more tender over time, but their flavor will stay garlicky strong. This is a great condiment recipe that adds flavor to grilled meats, vegetable platters, or a classic relish tray.