Caffeine Free Basil-Pesto Cabbage Slaw

Total time30 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time0 min

4.5

(19)

This vibrant slaw is proof that a simple side dish can steal the whole show. Crisp green and red cabbage, sweet carrot, and fresh scallion greens get tossed in a blender-made pesto dressing that's punchy, herby, and completely homemade. The dressing comes together in under a minute — basil, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch each of ginger and turmeric blended into something bright and boldly flavored. There's no coffee, tea, or hidden stimulants lurking anywhere in this recipe, so it's a genuinely easy fit for anyone keeping their diet clean and calm. A short rest on the counter lets the cabbage soften just enough to soak up all that gorgeous green dressing without losing its satisfying crunch. Serve it alongside grilled proteins, pile it onto a sandwich, or eat it straight from the bowl — it holds up beautifully and gets even better as it sits.

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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.

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