Beef Free Pesto-Walnut Kale and Brussels Sprout Slaw
This slaw is the kind of dish that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about raw greens. Shaved Brussels sprouts and ribboned lacinato kale get tossed in a vibrant homemade pesto dressing built from fresh basil, lemon, garlic, Parmesan, and walnuts — and the result is bold, bright, and deeply satisfying. The trick is in the massage: working the dressing into the greens by hand softens their natural toughness and lets every strand soak up that garlicky, citrusy flavor. A short rest at room temperature takes it even further, turning what could be a chewy salad into something genuinely tender and craveable. Crunchy toasted walnuts scattered on top add texture and a nutty richness that ties the whole thing together. It works beautifully as a standalone lunch or as a side that easily holds its own next to anything else on the table — and it keeps well in the fridge if you want to get ahead on meal prep.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the slaw
- 8 oz brussels sprouts, tough outer leaves removed, very thinly sliced
- 4 cups lacinato kale, stems removed, very thinly sliced
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the pesto dressing
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- ½ cup dry-roasted walnuts, divided
- 1 oz parmesan, finely grated, plus more for serving
Chef's tipChoose a vegan parmesan in the form the recipe uses - grated for sprinkling and sauces, a firm wedge for shaving or melting. - 1 clove garlic, peeled
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Using a box grater, mandoline, or sharp chef's knife, shred the Brussels sprouts as thinly as possible — aim for paper-thin slices. Stack the kale leaves, roll them tightly, and slice into thin ribbons. Combine both in a large mixing bowl.
- 2
In a food processor, combine the basil, ¼ cup of the walnuts, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Pulse 8–10 times until the mixture is coarsely chopped and uniform.
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