Seed Oil 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 bright, homemade pesto dressing built entirely on extra-virgin olive oil — no canola, no vegetable oil, no mystery blends hiding in a bottle. That single swap is exactly what makes this recipe work so well for anyone avoiding industrially processed seed oils, because every drop of fat here comes from whole-food sources: the olive oil, the walnuts, and the Parmesan. The pesto itself is blended fresh from basil, garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest, so the flavor is punchy and alive in a way that no store-bought dressing can match. A quick massage of the dressed greens softens them just enough to lose that raw, fibrous bite while keeping plenty of satisfying crunch. Toasted walnuts scattered on top add richness and texture, and a little extra Parmesan ties the whole thing together. It's the kind of side that disappears fast — and tastes even better after a short rest in the fridge.
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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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