Xanthan Gum Free Pesto-Walnut Kale and Brussels Sprout Slaw
This slaw is bold, bright, and packed with texture — shaved Brussels sprouts and ribboned lacinato kale get tossed in a punchy homemade pesto dressing that clings to every strand. The dressing comes together in a food processor using fresh basil, walnuts, Parmesan, garlic, and a generous hit of lemon juice and zest, so the flavor is vivid and clean without any thickeners or additives. That matters more than you might think, since many store-bought dressings and even some pestos sneak in stabilizers that can be hard to spot on a label. Here, every ingredient is whole and straightforward, making it genuinely easy to know exactly what you're eating. A quick massage of the greens softens them just enough to lose that raw, tough bite while keeping plenty of satisfying crunch. The reserved walnuts scattered on top add a toasty contrast, and a little extra Parmesan over the finished bowl makes it feel almost restaurant-worthy. It holds up well in the fridge, so it's just as good packed for lunch the next day as it is served fresh.
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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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