Eggless Pesto-Walnut Cabbage and Carrot Slaw
This slaw is a serious upgrade from the mayo-heavy versions that show up at every backyard cookout — bright, herby, and packed with crunch in all the right ways. The dressing is a blender pesto built from fresh basil, raw walnuts, olive oil, and lemon juice, which means it's completely plant-based and naturally free of eggs without any substitutions required. Two kinds of shredded cabbage and coarsely grated carrots give you that satisfying texture, while toasted walnuts scattered on top add a warm, nutty depth that makes each bite feel a little more special. A short rest lets the cabbage soften just enough to soak up all that garlicky, lemony dressing without going limp. Nutritional yeast is optional, but if you have it on hand, it adds a subtle savory richness that rounds out the pesto beautifully. This is the kind of dish that works as a side, a topping for grain bowls, or honestly just eaten straight from the bowl while you're still standing at the counter.
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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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