Black Pepper Free Basil-Pesto Cabbage Slaw
This vibrant slaw is proof that bold, herbaceous flavor doesn't need a single crack of the pepper mill. Crisp green and red cabbage, sweet carrot, and fresh scallion greens form the base, while a blender pesto made from basil, garlic, lemon juice, and a warm hint of ginger and turmeric does all the heavy lifting. That golden-green dressing is genuinely stunning — bright, fragrant, and a little unexpected in the best way. For anyone navigating a sensitivity to black pepper, store-bought slaws and dressings are almost always off the table, but this one is built from scratch so you stay in complete control of every ingredient. The short rest before serving is worth it: the cabbage softens just enough to soak up the dressing without losing its satisfying crunch. It works beautifully as a cookout side, a taco topper, or piled onto a grain bowl when you want something fresh and punchy without the heat.
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
4 servings
For the slaw
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage, thinly shredded
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and julienned or coarsely grated
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced (green tops only)
For the pesto dressing
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley leaves (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, carrot, and scallion greens in a large mixing bowl and toss to mix.
- 2
Add the basil leaves, garlic, lemon juice, salt, ground ginger, and ground turmeric to a food processor or blender. Pulse 5–6 times until the herbs and garlic are roughly chopped.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!