Cashew Free Basil-Pesto Cabbage Slaw
Bright, herby, and loaded with crunch, this cabbage slaw is the kind of side dish that steals the show at any table. The dressing is a vibrant, nut-free pesto built entirely from fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil — no pine nuts, no cashews, no compromise on flavor. A pinch of ground ginger and turmeric give it a subtle warmth that sets it apart from any pesto you've had before. Shredded green and red cabbage, julienned carrot, and sliced scallion greens create a colorful base that holds up beautifully once coated in that glossy green dressing. The short rest time before serving is key — it lets the cabbage soften just enough to soak up every bit of flavor without losing its satisfying bite. It all comes together in a blender or food processor, making cleanup as easy as the prep. Whether you're serving it alongside grilled proteins, tucking it into wraps, or eating it straight from the bowl, this slaw is genuinely hard to put down.
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!