Barley Free Pesto-Walnut Cabbage and Carrot Slaw
This vibrant slaw brings together two shades of cabbage, sweet grated carrot, and fresh scallion greens in a way that feels anything but ordinary. The real star is the homemade pesto dressing — blended from fresh basil, raw walnuts, olive oil, and bright lemon juice — which coats every shred in something deeply savory and herbaceous. Toasting the walnuts before scattering them on top adds a warm, nutty crunch that makes the whole bowl feel considered and satisfying. A short rest after tossing lets the cabbage soften just enough to soak up all that garlicky green dressing without losing its bite. For anyone navigating grain sensitivities, this one is naturally built around whole vegetables, nuts, and fresh herbs — no grains, no fillers, nothing to second-guess on the label. It works equally well as a bold side dish or a base for something heartier, and the optional nutritional yeast gives the dressing a subtle cheesy depth that takes it over the top.
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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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