Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this vibrant and refreshingly crunchy Kale Slaw! Merging the best attributes of a hearty kale salad and a classic coleslaw, this recipe delivers an unforgettable side dish that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Featuring tender ribbons of lacinato kale, crisp broccoli slaw, sweet apples, and tart dried cherries, all lovingly tossed in a bright, zesty honey lime dressing. This versatile dish is not only irresistibly delicious but also naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of dietary preferences. Plus, its robust nature makes it an ideal candidate for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy fresh, flavorful salads throughout your week!
There’s a special joy in a truly fresh salad, and an undeniable satisfaction in the hearty crunch of a well-made slaw. One day, a brilliant idea sparked: why not combine these two beloved culinary concepts? The result is this incredibly addictive kale slaw, a perfect fusion where the best elements of my favorite broccoli slaw and kale apple salad come together in a symphony of textures and flavors. I simply cannot get enough of it, and neither will you!
While many slaws are traditionally coated in creamy, mayonnaise-based dressings, this recipe takes a lighter, more refreshing approach. We embrace a sweet and citrusy honey lime dressing that elevates every ingredient, allowing their natural goodness to shine. This isn’t just any side dish; it’s a versatile culinary creation that brightens any meal, offering a vibrant burst of flavor that’s both memorable and surprisingly easy to prepare.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A Symphony of Freshness and Crunch: This kale slaw is a celebration of fresh, seasonal produce, offering a delightful crunch in every bite. It’s a texture lover’s dream, combining the best of crisp vegetables and chewy dried fruit.
- Zesty Honey Lime Dressing: Unlike heavy, creamy dressings, our sweet and tangy honey lime vinaigrette brightens the flavors without overpowering them. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory, making the vegetables truly sing.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: One of the standout features of this recipe is its amazing meal prep potential. Because kale and broccoli slaw are incredibly hardy, this salad won’t wilt easily, staying fresh and crisp for days in the refrigerator. Prepare a big batch and enjoy healthy lunches or quick dinners all week long!
- Quick, Easy, and Versatile: This isn’t a complicated recipe. With minimal prep time, you can have a vibrant and satisfying side dish ready in minutes. Its versatility means it pairs beautifully with almost any main course, from grilled proteins to hearty sandwiches.
- Dietary Friendly: Naturally gluten-free and vegan (when using a vegan honey substitute or maple syrup), this kale slaw caters to various dietary needs without compromising on flavor or satisfaction. It’s a healthy choice everyone can enjoy!
The Star Ingredients: What You’ll Need
This vibrant kale apple slaw is built on a foundation of readily available, wholesome ingredients. While the core components provide incredible flavor and texture, feel free to get creative and customize it with your favorite seasonal vegetables, fruits, and tasty mix-ins!
- Kale: The hero of our slaw! For this recipe, lacinato kale (also known as dinosaur kale or Tuscan kale) is highly recommended. Its tender leaves are less bitter and more pliable than curly kale, yet heartier than delicate baby kale, ensuring it holds up beautifully without wilting. While pre-chopped kale is convenient, many varieties include tough inner stems that are best removed for the ideal texture. Prepping your own ensures the best quality and a more enjoyable eating experience.
- Broccoli Slaw: This convenient, store-bought mix provides a fantastic crunch and an array of colors. If broccoli slaw isn’t available or you prefer an alternative, feel free to substitute it with your favorite finely chopped cabbage, a pre-packaged cabbage blend, or even shaved Brussels sprouts for a slightly different, yet equally delicious, twist.
- Radicchio: Added for its striking crimson color and distinctive bitter-peppery flavor, radicchio introduces a sophisticated depth to the slaw. If you don’t have radicchio on hand, finely shredded purple cabbage can offer a similar pop of color, or thinly sliced radishes can provide a delightful peppery kick.
- Dried Cherries: These little gems contribute a wonderful tart sweetness and a delightful chewy texture that complements the crisp vegetables. Dried cranberries are an excellent substitute, offering a similar flavor profile. For a different kind of sweetness and chewiness, consider chopped dates or figs. You can also omit them entirely if preferred, but they truly add a special touch.
- Almonds: Sliced almonds bring a lovely nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch. Marcona almonds are another fantastic option that require no additional prep. If you have a nut allergy, sunflower seeds or pepitas (pumpkin seeds) are excellent alternatives that maintain the desired textural contrast. Lightly toasting the almonds beforehand enhances their flavor significantly!
- Apples: Crisp, sweet, and slightly tart apples provide a refreshing counterpoint to the kale and other vegetables. They add a natural sweetness and a juicy crunch that truly elevates the slaw. Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples are all excellent choices.
- Green Onion: Sliced thinly on the bias, green onions offer a mild oniony bite and a fresh, vibrant color. They are an essential aromatic that ties all the flavors together.
- Honey Lime Dressing: This is the secret weapon of our kale slaw! The citrusy bright notes from fresh lime juice, combined with the subtle sweetness of honey, create a dressing that’s incredibly balanced and makes all the flavors in the kale apple slaw truly shine. The addition of Dijon mustard helps emulsify the dressing and adds a touch of savory depth, while salt and freshly ground black pepper bring everything into harmony.
For the precise measurements of each ingredient, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located below.
Crafting the Perfect Kale Slaw: Step-by-Step
This kale slaw recipe is designed for simplicity and speed, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The process is straightforward: a quick toast for the almonds, minimal prep for the fresh ingredients and the dressing, followed by a simple assembly. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this vibrant dish comes together!
Pro tip: To make this recipe even faster, prepare and chop all your vegetables and toast your almonds ahead of time. This will significantly cut down on assembly time when you’re ready to serve!
For complete and detailed instructions, refer to the full recipe card below.
- Prepare the Kale: Begin by thoroughly washing your lacinato kale. To remove the tough, fibrous stems, place each kale leaf top-side down on a cutting board. Carefully cut alongside each side of the central stem. Once de-stemmed, stack several leaves on top of each other. Roll them tightly, like a cigar, and thinly slice them crosswise to create beautiful, uniform kale ribbons. This method makes quick work of chopping and ensures a pleasant texture.
- Toast the Almonds: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spread the sliced almonds in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast them in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and release a fragrant, nutty aroma. Keep a close eye on them, as nuts can burn quickly. Once toasted, remove from the oven and let them cool completely.
- Assemble the Slaw Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared kale ribbons, thinly sliced radicchio, broccoli slaw mix, chopped apple, sliced green onion, and dried cherries. Gently toss these ingredients together to ensure an even distribution of colors and textures. This forms the vibrant base of your kale apple slaw.
- Prepare the Honey Lime Dressing: Gather all the ingredients for your honey lime dressing: extra virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Place all these ingredients into a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid. Alternatively, you can use a small bowl and a whisk.
- Emulsify the Dressing: Secure the lid on the mason jar and shake vigorously for about 30-60 seconds, or until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the dressing is emulsified. If using a bowl, whisk continuously until smooth. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, honey, or lime juice to suit your preference.
- Dress and Serve: Pour the desired amount of honey lime dressing over the assembled slaw ingredients in the large bowl. Gently toss until all the components are evenly coated. You may not need all of the dressing; start with about half and add more to your liking. Top the dressed slaw with the cooled, toasted almonds just before serving to maintain their crispness. Serve immediately and savor the fresh, crunchy flavors!
Frequently Asked Questions About Kale Slaw
This kale slaw recipe is incredibly versatile and serves as a delightful accompaniment to a wide array of dishes. It pairs wonderfully with grilled or roasted meats like chicken, pork, or beef, and seafood such as salmon or shrimp. It also makes an excellent fresh side for heartier meals like sandwiches, burgers, or even comforting soups and chilis, adding a vibrant crunch and zesty flavor that cuts through richness.
One of the best qualities of this kale slaw is its excellent shelf life. When stored undressed in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the salad ingredients will remain crisp and fresh for up to 5 days. For optimal texture and flavor, we recommend dressing individual portions just before serving. Once dressed, the kale slaw will still be delicious for 2-3 days, though the vegetables may soften slightly over time.
Absolutely! While our sweet and tangy honey lime dressing is a star, this kale slaw can certainly accommodate other dressings to suit your palate. For a more traditional coleslaw experience, you could try my go-to creamy coleslaw dressing. Other fantastic homemade options include a zesty lemon vinaigrette, a rich balsamic vinaigrette dressing, or even your favorite quality store-bought dressing for ultimate convenience. Experiment to find your perfect combination!
Serving Suggestions for Your Kale Slaw
The versatility of this kale coleslaw is truly remarkable, making it suitable for countless occasions and pairings. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight meal, a festive barbecue, or a hearty game day spread, this dish seamlessly integrates and elevates any menu.
- Effortless Meal Prep: Prepare a generous batch of the undressed salad components at the beginning of the week. Store it in an airtight container, and simply dress individual portions as needed for quick and healthy lunches or dinners throughout the week. This ensures maximum crispness and freshness.
- Backyard Barbecue Essential: This vibrant slaw is the quintessential side dish for any barbecue. Its refreshing crunch beautifully complements grilled favorites such as juicy hamburgers, succulent grilled BBQ chicken, or tender ribs.
- Game Day Winner: Elevate your game day spread by serving this slaw alongside crowd-pleasers like crispy air fryer chicken wings or a cheesy focaccia bread pizza. It adds a fresh, vibrant contrast to heavier appetizers.
- Quick & Healthy Main Course: Transform this side dish into a complete and satisfying meal by topping it with your favorite protein. Think perfectly seasoned grilled shrimp, tender shredded chicken, or even grilled halloumi for a vegetarian option.
- Hearty Soup & Chili Companion: Pair the crispness of the slaw with the comforting warmth of a hearty bowl of soup or chili. It’s especially delicious alongside a robust white bean turkey chili or a flavorful Italian sausage kale soup, offering a refreshing contrast in both temperature and texture.
- Potluck Favorite: Bring this colorful and flavorful slaw to your next potluck! It’s sure to be a hit and stands out amongst other popular sides like a classic three-bean salad or a comforting German potato salad, completing any festive spread.
Expert Tips and Recipe Notes
- Maximize Efficiency with Prep-Ahead: As highlighted earlier, preparing your ingredients in advance is a game-changer for this recipe. Wash and chop your kale, radicchio, apple, and green onion, and store them separately. Toast your almonds and let them cool. Having these components ready to go means you can assemble and dress your slaw in mere minutes when hunger strikes.
- Dressing Control for Optimal Nutrition and Flavor: The nutrition information provided accounts for the entire batch of honey lime dressing. However, you will likely only need about half of it to adequately coat the slaw, depending on your preference. Starting with less dressing and adding more as desired allows you to control the calories and fat content, while ensuring the slaw is perfectly moist and flavorful without being oversaturated.
- Smart Storage for Meal Prep Success: This kale slaw is genuinely excellent for meal prepping. To maintain its vibrant crispness, always store the undressed salad components in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply scoop out a portion and toss it with the desired amount of dressing. Any leftover dressing can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, ready for your next batch of slaw or another salad.
- Broccoli Slaw Substitutions: If you don’t have broccoli slaw on hand, or simply wish to try something different, there are several great alternatives. You can substitute it with finely chopped green or purple cabbage, a pre-packaged blend of various cabbages (such as coleslaw mix), or for a slightly peppery and crunchy addition, thinly shaved Brussels sprouts work wonderfully.
- Massage Your Kale (Optional but Recommended): For an even more tender kale slaw, consider briefly massaging your kale ribbons with a tiny amount of olive oil (a teaspoon or less) and a pinch of salt before adding the other ingredients. Gently rub the kale between your hands for 1-2 minutes until it slightly softens. This breaks down the tough fibers, making the kale more palatable and easier to digest. Rinse briefly if you massaged with salt.
- Apple Varieties Matter: Choose a crisp, firm apple variety that holds its shape well and offers a balance of sweetness and tartness. Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith (for extra tartness) are all excellent choices that will contribute delightful texture and flavor to your slaw.
More Irresistible Slaw Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed this delightful Kale Slaw, you’re in for a treat! Explore more of our favorite coleslaw variations that are sure to become staples in your kitchen. Each recipe offers a unique flavor profile and fresh twist on this classic side dish:
- Fennel Apple Slaw: A sophisticated and aromatic slaw featuring the crisp, licorice-like notes of fresh fennel combined with sweet apples.
- Curry Coleslaw: An exotic and flavorful take on coleslaw, tossed in a creamy dressing infused with aromatic curry spices.
- Creamy No-Mayo Broccoli Slaw: A lighter, yet still incredibly satisfying, broccoli slaw salad dressed in a rich and creamy, mayonnaise-free dressing.
- Classic Vinegar Coleslaw: A tangy and refreshing coleslaw, perfect for those who prefer a vibrant, vinegar-based dressing over creamy alternatives.
Did you try this recipe? If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram so I can see your delicious creations!
Kale Slaw with Honey Lime Dressing
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Equipment
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Glass Mixing Bowl Set
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Weck Mini Tulip Jars
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Weck Keep Fresh Plastic Lids
Ingredients
- 1 bunch lacinato kale (tough stems removed and cut into ribbons)
- 1/2 head radicchio (sliced into ribbons, about 2 cups)
- 6 ounces broccoli slaw (about 2 cups)
- 1 medium apple (chopped)
- 1 green onion (sliced thinly on the bias)
- 1/3 cup dried cherries (substitute with dried cranberries if desired)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (substitute with marcona almonds or pepitas if desired)
Honey Lime Dressing
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 large limes)
- 1.5 tablespoons honey
- 1.5 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Place the sliced almonds on a rimmed baking sheet and toast for 5-10 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning. Let cool completely before adding to the slaw.1/2 cup sliced almonds
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared kale (stems removed and cut into ribbons), sliced radicchio, broccoli slaw mix, chopped apple, thinly sliced green onion, and dried cherries. Set this mixture aside.1 bunch lacinato kale, 1/2 head radicchio, 6 ounces broccoli slaw, 1 medium apple, 1 green onion, 1/3 cup dried cherries
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To prepare the honey lime dressing, place all dressing ingredients (extra virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey, dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper) in a mason jar. Secure the lid tightly. Shake vigorously for about 30-60 seconds until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1.5 tablespoons honey, 1.5 teaspoons dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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Pour the desired amount of dressing over the prepared salad ingredients in the large bowl (you won’t need all of it, start with about half). Toss gently to ensure all vegetables and fruits are evenly coated. Finally, top the slaw with the cooled toasted almonds just before serving. Enjoy this fresh and crunchy kale slaw!
Notes
- Pro tip: For ultimate convenience, prep all your ingredients ahead of time! This will significantly reduce your assembly time when you’re ready to serve this delicious slaw.
- Nutrition information includes all of the dressing, but typically you will only use about half to dress the entire slaw. Adjust quantities to your preference. Leftover dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- This kale slaw is fantastic for meal prep! Store the undressed salad components in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Dress individual portions just before serving to maintain maximum crispness and freshness.
- The broccoli slaw can be easily substituted with other chopped vegetables like green cabbage, purple cabbage, a pre-packaged coleslaw mix, or even thinly shaved Brussels sprouts for a slight variation in flavor and texture.
- To make this recipe completely vegan, substitute honey with an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar in the dressing.
Nutrition
Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes. Individual results may vary.
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