Caffeine Free Pesto-Walnut Cabbage and Carrot Slaw
This vibrant slaw is a serious upgrade from the mayo-heavy versions you might be used to, built around crisp shredded cabbage, sweet grated carrot, and a bright, herbaceous pesto dressing that ties everything together. The dressing comes together in a blender using fresh basil, raw walnuts, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice — no store-bought shortcuts needed, and nothing that would sneak in an unwanted stimulant. Toasted walnuts scattered over the top add a warm, nutty crunch that makes each bite feel a little more special. A short rest at room temperature lets the cabbage soften just enough to soak up all that garlicky, lemony dressing without losing its satisfying texture. The optional nutritional yeast adds a subtle savory depth if you want it, but the slaw holds its own without it. It works beautifully as a side dish, piled onto a grain bowl, or tucked into a wrap — endlessly versatile and genuinely craveable.
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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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