BHA & BHT 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. Paper-thin Brussels sprouts and ribboned lacinato kale get tossed in a bright, garlicky pesto dressing built entirely from scratch — fresh basil, lemon juice, Parmesan, olive oil, and dry-roasted walnuts blended right in your food processor. Every ingredient is whole and recognizable, which matters a lot when you're avoiding the synthetic preservatives that sneak into so many bottled dressings and pre-packaged salad kits. Making the pesto yourself means you control exactly what goes in, and nothing here needs a stabilizer or shelf-life extender to taste incredible. A quick massage of the dressed greens softens them just enough to turn what could be a tough, chewy salad into something genuinely tender and craveable. The reserved walnuts scattered on top add crunch and a nutty richness that ties the whole bowl together. It's the kind of recipe you'll come back to again and again, especially when you want something that feels indulgent but is built on nothing but clean, real food.
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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
- 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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