Turmeric Free Pesto-Walnut Cabbage and Carrot Slaw
Crunchy, vibrant, and packed with fresh flavor, this slaw is the kind of side dish that steals the show at any table. Two kinds of cabbage and grated carrot give it serious texture, while a blended basil-walnut dressing brings a rich, herby depth that feels anything but ordinary. Toasting the walnuts before adding them is a small step that makes a big difference — they turn nutty and golden, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite. The pesto-style dressing comes together in about 30 seconds in a blender, so there's no fuss, just bold flavor. Avoiding turmeric can be trickier than it sounds with store-bought dressings and slaws, since it sneaks into spice blends and pre-made sauces all the time — here, every ingredient is straightforward and easy to verify. A short rest lets the cabbage soften just enough to soak up all that garlicky, lemony dressing before the walnuts go on top. Finish it with a scatter of fresh parsley and you've got a stunning, crowd-pleasing dish that's as good alongside grilled proteins as it is on its own.
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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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