Kale salad and coleslaw collide in this crunchy, addictive Kale Slaw! Ribbons of kale are combined with broccoli slaw, apples, dried cherries and tossed in a sweet, tangy honey lime dressing. It’s gluten-free, vegan and great for meal prep!

Kale slaw in a white bowl with honey lime dressing

I love fresh salads and crunchy slaws equally, so one day I had the genius idea to merge the two. My favorite broccoli slaw and kale apple salad collide in this crunchy, addictive Kale Slaw, and I simply cannot get enough.

Normally I toss slaws in my creamy coleslaw dressing, but this recipe has a fresher take with a sweet, citrusy honey lime dressing.

The dressing makes all of the flavors pop for one memorable side dish, and I just love its versatility!

Kale apple slaw with honey lime dressing in a white bowl

Why you’ll love this recipe:

  • Kale slaw is fresh, crunchy and packed with nutritious ingredients.
  • It’s tossed in a sweet, tangy honey lime dressing that makes the flavors shine.
  • This dish may be prepped entirely in advance as it won’t wilt down.
  • It’s a healthy gluten-free, vegan side dish and is great paired with your favorite protein.

Recipe ingredients

This kale slaw recipe is packed with nutritious ingredients that can be customized with your favorite veggies, fruits and mix-ins.

Kale slaw with honey lime dressing ingredients

Ingredient notes

  • Kale. Lacinato kale is best for this recipe as it’s a lot more tender than curly kale and hardier than baby kale so it won’t wilt down on you. Pre-chopped kale may be used, but most contain the tough inner stems so I prefer to prep my own.
  • Broccoli slaw. Broccoli slaw may be substituted with your favorite chopped cabbage or cabbage blend. Shaved brussels sprouts are also a great substitution.
  • Radicchio. I added radicchio for color and flavor. If you don’t have any on hand, you may substitute it with purple cabbage or even sliced radish.
  • Dried cherries. The dried cherries add tart sweetness and a chewy texture to this recipe. They may be substituted with dried cranberries, dates, figs or omitted altogether.
  • Almonds. I’ve used sliced almonds in this recipe, but I also love marcona almonds as well, and they don’t require any prep. If you have a nut allergy, use sunflower seeds or pepitas.
  • Dressing. The citrusy sweet flavors of the honey lime dressing really make the flavors in this kale apple slaw shine, but other great options include my tangy lemon vinaigrette, balsamic vinaigrette dressing, or your favorite store bought dressing.

How to make kale apple slaw

This recipe is extremely easy to make. Simply toast the almonds, prep the ingredients and the dressing, and assemble.

Pre-chopped kale may be used as a time saver, but I prefer to prep my own as most prepped kale includes the tough inner stems.

Pro tip: Prep the ingredients ahead of time to make this recipe go even more quickly!

Full recipe instructions may be found in the recipe card below.

Prepare the honey lime dressing

How to make honey lime dressing collage
  • Place the dressing ingredients in a jar.
  • Secure the lid, and shake vigorously until emulsified.

Prepare the kale slaw

How to make kale slaw collage
  1. Wash the kale and blot dry. Place kale top side down and cut alongside each side of the tough stems to remove.
  2. Stack the kale leaves on top of each other and cut into thin ribbons.
  3. Toast the almonds in a 350 degree oven for 6-8 minutes or until browned and fragrant.
  4. Place the kale apple slaw ingredients in a large bowl and toss with the desired amount of honey lime dressing.
Kale slaw tossed with honey lime dressing in a glass bowl

FAQs

What is kale slaw made of?

Kale slaw is a combination of nutritious lacinato kale and broccoli slaw. Chopped radicchio and green onion are added for color and flavor, along with crisp apple, dried cherries and toasted almonds for texture and crunch. It’s all tossed in a sweet, tangy honey lime dressing that makes all the flavors shine.

What goes well with kale slaw?

This kale slaw recipe is extremely versatile and pairs well with meats and seafood, and is also a great side dish for sandwiches, soup and chili.

How long does kale slaw last in the fridge?

Kale slaw will keep undressed in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It will keep dressed for 2-3 days.

Serving suggestions

There are numerous ways to serve this kale apple slaw because it’s so versatile. It’s perfect for any occasion because it pairs well with anything that’s being served.

Recipe notes

  • Pro tip: Prep the ingredients ahead of time to make this recipe go even more quickly!
  • Nutrition information includes all of the dressing, but you will probably only need half.  Leftover dressing will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  • Kale slaw is great for meal prep!  Store undressed salad in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and toss with dressing just before serving to maintain crispness.
  • The broccoli slaw may be substituted with chopped cabbage, your favorite pre-chopped cabbage blend, or even shaved brussels sprouts.
Kale slaw with honey lime dressing in a white bowl

More healthy side dishes you’ll love:

Did you try this recipe?  If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram

Kale slaw in a white bowl with honey lime dressing

Kale Slaw with Honey Lime Dressing

Kale salad and coleslaw collide in this crunchy, addictive Kale Slaw! Ribbons of kale are combined with broccoli slaw, apples and sweet, tangy honey lime dressing. It's gluten-free, vegan and great for meal prep!
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Ingredients

  • 1 bunch lacinato kale tough stems removed and cut into 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
  • 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 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the almonds on a rimmed baking sheet and toast for 5-10 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
    1/2 cup sliced almonds
  • Place the kale, radicchio, broccoli slaw, apple, green onion, and dried cherries in a large bowl and set aside.
    1 bunch lacinato kale, 6 ounces broccoli slaw, 1 medium apple, 1 green onion, 1/3 cup dried cherries, 1/2 head radicchio
  • Place all dressing ingredients in a mason jar and secure the lid. Shake vigorously until emulsified and adjust the 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
  • Toss the salad with enough dressing to coat (you won't need it all), and top with the toasted almonds. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Pro tip: Prep the ingredients ahead of time to make this recipe go even more quickly!
  • Nutrition information includes all of the dressing, but you will probably only need half.  Leftover dressing will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  • Kale slaw is great for meal prep!  Store undressed salad in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and toss with dressing just before serving to maintain crispness.
  • The broccoli slaw may be substituted with chopped cabbage, your favorite pre-chopped cabbage blend, or even shaved brussels sprouts.

Nutrition

Calories: 274kcal, Carbohydrates: 19g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 21g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 14g, Trans Fat: 1g, Sodium: 108mg, Potassium: 433mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 3673IU, Vitamin C: 65mg, Calcium: 112mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.

Did you try this recipe?Be sure to tag @flavorthemoments with the hashtag #flavorthemoments on Instagram so I can see what you made!

**This recipe was originally published in February 2015. The photos have been updated to include step by step photos, and the text has been modified to include more recipe information.

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