There’s something undeniably refreshing about the crunch of a good slaw, especially when it combines textures and flavors harmoniously. Picture yourself at the end of a long day, longing for a vibrant dish that not only delights your palate but also fills you with wholesome goodness. That’s where my Kale Apple Slaw comes into play!
Imagine the satisfying bite of tender kale enveloping sweet, crisp apples, and the zesty kick of apple cider dressing bringing it all together. This isn’t just any side dish; it’s the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or a vibrant centerpiece for your next gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just someone wanting to escape the mundane cycle of fast food, this dish promises simplicity without sacrificing flavor.
So, let’s dive into the world of fresh ingredients and easy preparation. Get ready to transform your meals with a slaw that’s both nutritious and tantalizing—because enjoying healthy food doesn’t have to be boring!
Why is Kale Apple Slaw a Must-Try?
Vibrant Colors: The striking green kale and colorful apple slices make this slaw a feast for the eyes, perfect for impressing guests.
Crunchy Texture: Enjoy a delightful crunch with every bite, thanks to the combination of fresh kale, cabbage, and optional jicama.
Zesty Flavor: The tangy apple cider dressing balances the sweetness of the apples, creating a flavor explosion that’s refreshingly unique.
Versatile Side: This Kale Apple Slaw pairs wonderfully with everything from grilled meats to hearty turkey burgers, making it an essential part of your meal rotation.
Quick and Easy: Whip it up in just a few minutes—healthy eating has never been so simple!
Transform your dining experience and elevate your meals with this delicious slaw, perfect for any occasion!
Kale Apple Slaw Ingredients
For the Slaw
- Kale – a medium bunch, stems removed, providing a nutrient-rich base for your slaw.
- Green Cabbage – ½ small head, thinly sliced, adds a crisp texture and fiber to your salad.
- Apple – 1 (honeycrisp, granny smith, or gala), cut into short, thin strips for a burst of sweetness.
- Green Onion – 1, sliced (about 3 tablespoons), which adds a mild, savory flavor to balance the sweetness.
- Jicama – thinly sliced (optional), bringing a satisfying crunch that enhances the overall texture.
For the Dressing
- Apple Cider Vinegar – ⅓ cup, providing a tangy kick that complements the sweetness of the apples.
- Apple Cider – ⅓ cup (can also use apple juice), which sweetens and brightens the dressing.
- Plain Greek Yogurt – 3 tablespoons, adding creaminess while keeping it lighter than mayo.
- Pure Maple Syrup – 1 ½ tablespoons, a natural sweetener to marry the flavors beautifully.
- Dijon Mustard – ½ teaspoon, lending a subtle zing that really elevates the dressing.
- Celery Seed – ¼ teaspoon, offering an earthy note that deepens the flavor profile.
- Kosher Salt – ½ teaspoon, essential for enhancing the overall taste of the slaw.
- Black Pepper – ¼ teaspoon, providing just the right amount of warmth to round out the flavors.
Create your delicious Kale Apple Slaw with these wholesome ingredients and indulge in a refreshing treat!
How to Make Kale Apple Slaw
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Slice the Kale: Begin by thinly slicing the kale leaves. Place them in a large mixing bowl, ensuring the stems are removed—this will provide a tender base for your slaw.
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Add the Cabbage: Take a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife to slice the green cabbage into thin strips. Once done, add this to the bowl with the kale for added crunch and fiber.
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Incorporate the Apple: Cut your chosen apple into short, thin strips that are similar in size to the kale and cabbage pieces. Slice the green onion, and toss both the apple and onion into the bowl before mixing everything together.
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Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk together the dressing ingredients: apple cider vinegar, apple cider, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper. This dressing is the key to your Kale Apple Slaw’s zesty flavor.
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Combine and Marinate: Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and stir to coat all the ingredients evenly. Let your slaw sit in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure every bite absorbs the dressing.
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Serve and Enjoy: Your Kale Apple Slaw is now ready! Serve it chilled or at room temperature as a delightful side dish or even on top of apple turkey burgers.
Optional: Garnish with additional apple slices or chopped nuts for a bit of extra flair!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Kale Apple Slaw?
A fresh, crunchy slaw is a wonderful way to elevate your meal, adding both flavor and vibrancy to your plate.
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Grilled Chicken: The smoky, charred flavor of grilled chicken perfectly complements the tangy, refreshing elements of the slaw.
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Apple Turkey Burgers: Place this slaw right on top of your turkey burger; the sweet and savory notes will harmonize beautifully.
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Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon dressing highlights the crunch and freshness of the slaw while offering more protein and fiber.
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Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with the tartness of the apple and vinegar in the slaw.
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Pork Tenderloin: Juicy, herb-marinated pork tenderloin will create a delicious contrast with the slaw’s crunch and zesty flavor.
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Seared Salmon: The buttery richness of seared salmon provides a luxurious backdrop, allowing the vibrant slaw to shine through on the plate.
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Sparkling Water with Lime: A refreshing drink like sparkling water with a twist of lime enhances the flavors without overpowering them.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: For a simple dessert, classic chocolate chip cookies deliver warmth and sweetness, making for a delightful end to your meal.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can cleanse the palate after the savory main dishes, completing your meal with a burst of freshness.
Enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and textures by pairing your Kale Apple Slaw with these delicious options!
Expert Tips for Kale Apple Slaw
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Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select vibrant kale and firm apples. Fresh ingredients enhance the flavors and overall texture of your Kale Apple Slaw.
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Prevent Sogginess: Avoid letting the slaw sit in the dressing for too long before serving. Allow it to marinate for just a few minutes to absorb flavor without getting mushy.
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Customize Crunch: Add more jicama or incorporate nuts for extra crunch. Experimentation can elevate your Kale Apple Slaw to the next level.
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Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter slaw, feel free to increase the maple syrup slightly. Taste as you mix to achieve your perfect balance.
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Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The slaw is best enjoyed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
Make Ahead Options
These Kale Apple Slaw preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can wash and slice the kale, cabbage, and apple up to 24 hours in advance; just keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Prepare the dressing and store it separately in the fridge for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, simply toss the prepped veggies with the dressing and let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the zesty flavors. This ensures your Kale Apple Slaw remains crisp and delicious, making meal prep a breeze and freeing up your evenings for more relaxation!
Kale Apple Slaw Variations
Feel free to make this recipe your own with these exciting twists that add both flavor and flair!
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Vegan: Substitute Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt or silken tofu blended until smooth. You’ll still enjoy the creaminess without the dairy!
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Spicy Kick: Add 1 finely diced jalapeño to the slaw for an extra layer of heat. The heat beautifully contrasts with the sweetness of the apples.
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Nutty Delight: Toss in ¼ cup of toasted walnuts or pecans for added crunch and a hint of nuttiness. They’re a delightful surprise in every bite!
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Citrus Zing: Replace apple cider vinegar with fresh lime or lemon juice for a vibrant, sunny flavor. The acidity will brighten your slaw like a warm summer day.
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Fruit Medley: Mix in a handful of shredded carrots or slices of pear for an exciting texture and flavor combination. Each bite will be a new journey!
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Herby Freshness: Incorporate a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to elevate the freshness of the slaw. Their bold flavors will dance harmoniously with the veggies.
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Creamy Twist: Use a creamy dressing base like tahini or cashew cream instead of Greek yogurt for a richer taste. This adds a lovely creaminess that’s simply irresistible!
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Sweet and Savory: Drizzle with a bit of honey or agave syrup if you crave a touch more sweetness. This will create a delightful and harmonious balance in your slaw.
How to Store and Freeze Kale Apple Slaw
Fridge: Store your Kale Apple Slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keeping it sealed helps retain its crispness and flavor.
Room Temperature: If serving, try to enjoy your slaw within 1-2 hours at room temperature to maintain freshness. It’s best served chilled or slightly cool.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the kale and apple may become mushy upon thawing. Enjoy it fresh for the best experience.
Reheating: This slaw is best served cold or at room temperature. If needed, briefly chill in the fridge before serving any leftovers to enhance the flavors.
Kale Apple Slaw Recipe FAQs
What type of kale should I use for Kale Apple Slaw?
Absolutely! When selecting kale, look for a medium bunch that is vibrant in color with firm, crisp leaves. Lacinato (also known as dinosaur kale) has a milder flavor and is easy to chew, making it a popular choice for slaw. Avoid kale that shows dark spots or wilting, as this indicates ripeness issues.
How should I store leftover Kale Apple Slaw?
I recommend transferring any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerating them. Your Kale Apple Slaw will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Just remember, the longer it sits, the more the kale will begin to lose its crisp texture, so it’s best to enjoy it promptly!
Can I freeze Kale Apple Slaw?
While it might be tempting, I wouldn’t recommend freezing Kale Apple Slaw. The kale and apples lose their delightful crunch and turn mushy once thawed. Instead, enjoy your slaw fresh to capture the vibrant flavors and textures!
What should I do if my slaw is too soggy?
If you find your Kale Apple Slaw is soggy, it may have marinated too long in the dressing. In the future, try allowing it to sit for just 5-10 minutes before serving. If it’s already too watery, you can drain any excess liquid gently with a mesh strainer or add a bit more cabbage to absorb the moisture.
Is Kale Apple Slaw suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Very! All the ingredients in this Kale Apple Slaw are naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions. Just check the labels on your apple cider and maple syrup to ensure there are no hidden gluten-containing ingredients.
Can pets eat any ingredients from this slaw?
While kale and apples can be safe for pets in moderation, make sure to avoid feeding them the slaw dressing due to ingredients like vinegar and mustard, which may upset their stomachs. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your pets!
Kale Apple Slaw: Crunchy, Sweet, and Totally Refreshing Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by thinly slicing the kale leaves, ensuring the stems are removed, and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Slice the green cabbage into thin strips and add it to the bowl with the kale.
- Cut the chosen apple into short, thin strips and slice the green onion; toss both into the bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients: apple cider vinegar, apple cider, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and stir to coat all ingredients evenly, then let it marinate for a few minutes.
- Serve your Kale Apple Slaw chilled or at room temperature.