Nitrate & Nitrite 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 shredded cabbage and grated carrot form the base, while a blender pesto made from fresh basil, raw walnuts, olive oil, and lemon juice ties everything together in a way that feels far more exciting than a standard creamy dressing. Toasted walnuts scattered on top add a warm, nutty crunch that makes each bite genuinely satisfying. For anyone navigating processed-meat preservatives or packaged dressings loaded with additives, this recipe is a breath of fresh air — every single ingredient is whole and unprocessed, straight from the produce aisle and pantry. There are no cured components, no bottled condiments with hidden preservatives, and no reason to squint at a label. The pesto dressing comes together in about 30 seconds in a blender, and a short rest lets the cabbage soften just enough to soak up all that garlicky, herby goodness. A finishing touch of fresh parsley keeps the flavors bright and clean all the way to the last forkful.
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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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