Artificial Food Coloring Free Pesto-Walnut Cabbage and Carrot Slaw
Crunchy, vibrant, and packed with fresh flavor, this slaw is the kind of side dish that quietly steals the show at any table. Two kinds of shredded cabbage and grated carrots form the base, while a blender pesto made from fresh basil, raw walnuts, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic ties everything together in a creamy, herbaceous coating. Every single ingredient here is whole and recognizable — no bottled dressings, no pre-mixed seasoning packets, no reason to squint at a label wondering what "color added" actually means. For anyone navigating a diet free from synthetic dyes, that kind of ingredient transparency is genuinely refreshing, especially in a dish where store-bought slaws and dressings are notorious offenders. Toasting the walnuts before scattering them over the finished slaw adds a warm, nutty crunch that makes the whole bowl feel more intentional and satisfying. A short rest lets the cabbage soften just enough to soak up the dressing without losing its bite. It's the kind of recipe you'll come back to all season long.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the slaw
- 3 cups green cabbage, thinly shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage, thinly shredded
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and coarsely grated
- 3 scallions (green tops only), thinly sliced
- ½ cup raw walnuts
For the dressing
- ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- ¼ cup raw walnuts
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)
For serving
- 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Toast the 1/2 cup raw walnuts in a dry small skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden, about 4–5 minutes. Watch closely, as they can brown quickly. Transfer to a cutting board, let cool for 2 minutes, then roughly chop and set aside.
- 2
Make the pesto dressing: combine the basil, 1/4 cup raw walnuts, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast (if using) in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides once, about 30 seconds.
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