High Fructose Corn Syrup 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. The dressing is a clever homemade pesto built from basil, raw walnuts, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice — meaning you control every single ingredient that goes into it. That matters more than people realize, because bottled dressings and store-bought slaws are notorious for sneaking in sweeteners that have no business being in a vegetable dish. Here, the brightness comes entirely from lemon juice and fresh herbs, and the richness from good olive oil and toasted walnuts. Shredded green and red cabbage give you that satisfying crunch, while the grated carrots add a pop of color and natural sweetness that needs zero enhancement. A short rest lets the cabbage soften just enough to soak up all that herby, garlicky dressing without going limp. It's the kind of clean, wholesome recipe you'll find yourself making on repeat all season long.
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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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