Hazelnut 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 cabbage and grated carrots form the base, but the real magic is the blended basil-walnut dressing that coats every strand in a bright, herby pesto. Walnuts pull double duty here — blended into the creamy dressing and toasted whole for a satisfying crunch on top — so you get layers of texture in every bite. The dressing comes together in about 30 seconds in a blender, making this far easier than it looks. A short rest lets the cabbage soften just enough to soak up all that garlicky, lemony goodness without going limp. For anyone navigating tree nut concerns around hazelnuts specifically, this recipe leans entirely on walnuts, so there's no ambiguity about what's in the bowl. Finish it with a scatter of fresh parsley and a final squeeze of lemon, and you've got a slaw that's anything but ordinary.
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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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