Gut Friendly Basil-Pesto Cabbage Slaw
Crunchy, vibrant, and loaded with fresh herb flavor, this slaw is the kind of side dish that makes the whole table lean in for a closer look. The homemade pesto dressing comes together in a blender with fresh basil, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch each of ground ginger and turmeric — ingredients that have long been celebrated for their soothing, anti-inflammatory qualities. Using only the green tops of scallions keeps things gentle on digestion, which is a small but meaningful swap for anyone who finds alliums tricky. Cabbage itself is a fiber-rich powerhouse, and when it's shredded fine and given a few minutes to soften in the dressing, it becomes tender enough to eat comfortably without feeling heavy. The bright lemon and fresh basil cut through any bitterness, so the whole bowl tastes clean and lively rather than medicinal. It's the kind of recipe that proves eating with your gut in mind doesn't mean sacrificing anything on the flavor front.
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!