This kale slaw with apples is the best kale salad! It has tons of crunch and the most amazing flavour. It's so easy to make in just minutes with apples, slivered almonds, kale and a sweet and tangy homemade dressing.
Why you will love this recipe:
- This crunchy kale apple salad is packed with flavour and perfectly dressed! The combination of sweet apples, crunchy almonds and tart kale all blend perfectly.
- It is really quick and easy to make and is ready in less than 15 minutes.
- This kale slaw is made with no cabbage, giving it such a unique flavour.
- The mayonnaise based dressing is so creamy and delicious with the perfect sweet and tangy flavour.
- I love how versatile this slaw recipe is. You can change the apples, switch the nuts, or even modify the homemade coleslaw dressing recipe to give it a unique flavour.
- It stores really well in the fridge so it's perfect for meal prep!
- This salad is healthy and is naturally gluten free and dairy free and can easily be made vegan, and paleo too.
- This kale coleslaw is simple enough for weeknights but delicious enough to serve for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter.
If you love delicious salads you will also love this easy Asian cucumber salad recipe.
Key ingredients and substitutions:
- Kale — You can't find a healthier crunch than fresh kale! Known as a superfood, kale is high in vitamins A, K, C, B1, B2, B3, and B6 plus manganese, calcium, copper, potassium, and magnesium. Even the small amount of fat in kale is healthy omega-3 fatty acids. If you think it's too bitter, be sure to rinse the leaves a few minutes before chopping. This breaks down the fibers and makes the flavor less intense. Also be sure to massage the kale as this helps make it less bitter.
- Slivered Almonds — To add a bit of crunch and even more flavour to this salad. Feel free to use other nuts like pecans or walnuts, too.
- Carrots — I love the natural sweetness of carrots. It's like adding candy to a salad! Be sure to use fresh carrots and not frozen carrots.
- Red Apples — You can use your favourite kinds of apples in this kale slaw from Honeycrisp to Pink Lady. If you want a little extra tang, throw in a Granny Smith apple!
- Mayonnaise — Nothing makes a creamier homemade salad dressing than mayo! You can use any type of mayo that you like, but I personally prefer using my homemade mayonnaise that takes less than a minute to make!
- Apple Cider Vinegar — apple cider vinegar gives the perfect amount of tartness to the dressing to help give it even more flavour. Instead of apple cider vinegar you can use lemon juice.
- Dijon Mustard — This adds the bit of bold flavour to the salad dressing to give this salad even more flavour.
How to make this recipe:
Step one:
First, rip or cut the kale into pieces, give it a massage, then rinse it and dry it. Once dry, add it to a large salad bowl along with the shredded carrots, cut apples and slivered almonds.
Step two:
In a small bowl or glass measuring cup mix together the dressing ingredients until smooth.
Step three:
Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well until everything is coated.
Step four:
Serve and enjoy!
Chef's tips:
- Don't forget to massage the kale! This helps make it less bitter.
- If you are serving a crowd feel free to double or triple this recipe.
Recipe variations:
- To make this a vegan kale salad: use a vegan mayonnaise and maple syrup to make the dressing.
- To make it paleo: use a paleo compliant mayonnaise.
- If you like a sweeter dressing, add an extra 1-2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup.
- You can use any type of red apple for this recipe. My personal favourites are Gala apples, Pink Lady apples, and Ambrosia apples.
- Feel free to add other nuts such as pecans or walnuts.
- Turn this into a kale slaw with cranberries by adding some fresh cranberries.
- To make it a complete meal, add some grilled chicken, beef, pork, or tofu!
How to store:
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
What to serve with this salad:
- Duck Burgers
- Honey lemon pepper chicken wings
- Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings
- Blueberry Mint Lemonade
- Gluten free burgers
Frequently asked questions:
A serving of this dressed kale and apple slaw has about 26g of carbohydrates per serving. It's not meant for low-carb or keto diets.
Absolutely. To do so, assemble the salad and make the dressing, but store them separately until you are ready to serve. When you want to serve, add the dressing and toss the slaw until everything is evenly coated.
Massage it! If you massage and cut your kale before rinsing it it will become softer and will taste less bitter. They key is to massage and cut kale before rinsing it rather than after rinsing.
Other recipes you will love:
- Healthy Broccoli Salad
- Sweet Potato Rice
- Asian Coleslaw
- Green Beans with Almonds
- Paleo Cornbread Muffins
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Recipe
Kale Slaw with Apples
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 bunches kale
- 1 cup slivered almonds
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 red apples, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (more or less to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (more of less to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (more or less to taste)
Instructions
- Rip or cut the kale into pieces and add to a bowl along with the shredded carrots, cut apples and slivered almonds.
- In a small bowl or glass measuring cup mix together the dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well until everything is coated.
Notes
- To make this salad vegan use a vegan mayonnaise.
- Store this slaw in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Feel free to add other nuts to give it a different flavour.
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