Capsaicin 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 silky kale ribbons get tossed in a bright, garlicky pesto dressing built from fresh basil, toasted walnuts, Parmesan, and a generous hit of lemon — and the result is bold, nutty, and deeply satisfying. Massaging the greens and letting the whole thing rest for a few minutes is the secret move here, coaxing the vegetables into something tender and almost silky rather than tough or bitter. The walnuts pull double duty, blended into the dressing for body and scattered on top for crunch, so every bite has real texture and depth. For anyone avoiding capsaicin, the recipe already flags the red pepper flakes as optional, making it easy to leave them out entirely without losing anything essential — the pesto carries more than enough flavor on its own. It works beautifully as a side for a weeknight dinner or as a make-ahead lunch that actually holds up in the fridge overnight.
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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)
Can be omittedred pepper flakes
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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