Crunchy kale, shredded cabbage, carrots, and sweet apples combine for a delicious twist to a classic BBQ favorite. This Kale apple slaw recipe is a lighter, healthier, and more nutritious version of traditional coleslaw. It’s paired with a refreshing, citrusy vinaigrette combining ingredients like lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of honey, creating a balanced, zesty dressing that is perfect for the slaw. The recipe is made with only 5 main ingredients and is ready in minutes!
This kale apple slaw is a delicious way to elevate your coleslaw while also adding a few extra nutrients to your diet. The best part is that It only takes 10 minutes to make and enjoy. I also like making kale apple slaw as a side dish, and I often meal prep it to use in various recipes during the week. There is nothing more satisfying to me than saving time during busy weeks by meal prepping and baby, this slaw is my meal prep hero!
Kale apple slaw is perfect for all occasions, but especially during spring and summer when the weather is hot and you want a cool and refreshing meal. Yes, the kale slaw is cookout ready! Whether you are serving this slaw alongside grilled meats, as a topping for sandwiches, or on its own, this offers a delicious, healthy choice year-round. I love adding kale slaw to recipes, such as Fish Tacos, burgers, stir fry, and topping soups. Kale slaw is very versatile, so try it today and discover many more delicious possibilities.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS KALE APPLE SLAW RECIPE
- Its nutrient-dense. Can you say macro? The slaw is full of them! We are talking vitamins A,C, K, fiber as well as a host of other nutrients and antioxidants. This slaw not only tastes good, but it’s also good for you too.
- Light citrusy dressing. No heavy dressing here! This coleslaw dressing is a light, refreshing, lemony vinaigrette making it the perfect backdrop for this crisp, crunchy slaw.
- Simple ingredients. The ingredients for this slaw recipe are few and very simple! Just chop and shred your veggies, make the dressing, and toss it all together.
- It’s oh-so versatile. This kale apple slaw is awesome on it’s own, but you can be sure that it can elevate other dishes including burgers, tacos, and so much more.
KALE APPLE SLAW INGREDIENTS LIST
Jump to the bottom of the recipe card below this post for full ingredient measurements and instructions.
Kale – Kale comes in many varieties including, pink, red, purple, Baby kale, dinosaur kale, Lacinato, Chinese kale, Curly kale, and so many more!
Cabbage – I use red cabbage shredded for its sweet, yet deep and sharp flavor.
Apple – Any apple and all apples work well here including Granny Smith, Fuji, Red Delicious, Pink Lady (my favorite), and Cosmic. All of these are yummy in the slaw, just make sure to place your shredded apples in a little bit of lemon water to keep from browning.
Carrots – Adds a sweet, crispness to the slaw.
Almonds – Sliced almonds add an earthy crunch to the slaw. Feel free to toast these on the stovetop or oven or just toss them right in!
THE KALE APPLE SLAW DRESSING
The salad dressing is deliciously simple, made with dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and fresh lemon juice. paired with kale, sweet apples, red cabbage, carrots, and almonds for the perfect amount of crunch and texture. It is easy, delicious, and can be used on any salad you can imagine. Try this delicious dressing today and get creative with all the yummy possibilities.
HOW TO MAKE KALE APPLE SLAW
Follow these steps to make this recipe:
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the dijon mustard, vinegar, honey, and lemon juice. While constantly whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and continue to whisk until combined. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
- Make the kale slaw: Thinly shred the cabbage, carrots, apples, and the kale and place in a large bowl. You can use a mandoline or vegetable slicer for more even shredding, or use a good knife and thinly slice.
- Add the dressing and toss: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the slaw, then toss well to combine.
PRO TIPS FOR MAKING THIS RECIPE
- Buy pre-chopped veggies. I enjoy prepping my veggies when I have the time, however, I am no stranger to pre-chopped and shredded store options. If you are short on time, consider checking for pre-chopped, ready-to-use veggies like carrots, apples, and cabbage. These are all great options to give yourself back a few minutes.
- Add dried fruit. Toss in dried cranberries, cherries, blueberries, or other fruit to add a sweet and tart flavor to the slaw.
- The nuts. I feel you can’t go wrong with the nuts you choose for kale apple slaw. If you want to swap the nuts here try pecan halves, walnuts, or chopped peanuts. I also love toasting the nuts on the stovetop for a few minutes to give them a bit more nutty flavor.
- Marinate the slaw. You can enjoy this tasty slaw right away, but my advice is to cover it once made and allow it to marinate for a few hours. This enhances the flavor of the slaw, making it downright addicting.
- Nut-free. To make this recipe nut-free, simply omit the almonds in this recipe.
Kale Apple Slaw
6
servings10
minutes5
minutes15
minutesCrunchy kale, shredded cabbage, carrots, and sweet apples combine to make a delicious twist to a classic BBQ favorite.
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Ingredients
2 cup kale, shredded
2 cup red cabbage, shredded
1 cup apple, cored and thinly sliced (about one medium apple)
1 cup carrots, shredded
1/4 cup sliced almonds
- Dressing
1/3 cup virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 Tbsp honey or granulated sugar
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
salt & pepper to taste
Directions
- Thinly shred the cabbage, carrots, apples, and the kale and place in a large bowl. Add the sliced almonds. If toasting, allow them to cool before adding to the coleslaw.
- Make the coleslaw dressing and drizzle over the salad. Toss well to combine.
- Coleslaw Dressing Directions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the dijon mustard, vinegar, honey, and lemon juice to combine.
- While constantly whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and continue to whisk until combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Nut-free. To make this recipe nut-free, simply omit the almonds in this recipe. If you are looking for a yummy replacement, add dried fruit.
- For best results allow the slaw to marinate for a few hours before serving.
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