Vegetarian Pesto-Walnut Cabbage and Carrot Slaw
Crunchy, vibrant, and packed with fresh flavor, this slaw is anything but ordinary. Two kinds of shredded cabbage and grated carrot form the base, while a blended basil-walnut dressing does the heavy lifting — bringing all the herby richness of pesto straight into the bowl. Toasting the walnuts before adding them as a finishing layer is a small step that makes a big difference, coaxing out a deep, nutty warmth that plays beautifully against the bright lemon in the dressing. A short rest after tossing lets the cabbage soften just enough to soak up every bit of that garlicky, olive oil-laced coating. Nutritional yeast is optional but worth reaching for if you want a subtle savory depth without any dairy. The whole thing comes together with a blender and a skillet, making it an approachable dish whether you're feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week. Fresh parsley over the top adds a pop of color that makes it look 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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