MSG Free Basil-Pesto Cabbage Slaw
Crunchy, colorful, and loaded with fresh herb flavor, this cabbage slaw is the kind of side dish that quietly steals the show at any table. The dressing is a vibrant, blender-made pesto built entirely from whole, recognizable ingredients — fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a warm hint of ginger and turmeric that makes it feel a little unexpected in the best way. Because everything is made from scratch, there are no seasoning packets, no bottled dressings, and no hidden additives to second-guess — just clean, real food you blended yourself. The combination of green cabbage, red cabbage, carrot, and scallion greens gives you great texture and a pop of color that looks as good as it tastes. A short rest after tossing lets the cabbage soften just enough to soak up all that bright green dressing without going limp. It works beautifully alongside grilled proteins, tucked into wraps, or served straight from the bowl as a light lunch.
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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.
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