Gluten Free Pesto-Walnut Cabbage and Carrot Slaw
Crunchy, vibrant, and loaded with fresh flavor, this slaw is the kind of side dish that quietly steals the show at any table. Two types of cabbage and grated carrot give it serious texture, while a blended basil-walnut dressing does the heavy lifting on flavor — bright from lemon juice, rich from olive oil, and deeply herby in a way that store-bought dressings never quite manage. The whole thing comes together without a single grain of gluten in sight, relying entirely on whole, naturally safe ingredients rather than any clever substitutions. Toasting the walnuts before scattering them over the top adds a warm, nutty crunch that makes every bite more interesting. A short rest after tossing lets the cabbage soften just enough to soak up that pesto dressing without losing its satisfying bite. Optional nutritional yeast in the dressing adds a subtle savory depth that rounds everything out beautifully. Finish with a little fresh parsley and you've got a slaw that looks as good as it tastes.
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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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