This kale apple slaw recipe is the perfect side dish for any meal! It’s packed with crisp kale, sweet apples, and crunchy carrots, all tossed in a tangy maple dijon vinaigrette. Whether you’re meal prepping for the next day or whipping up a last-minute salad, this easy recipe is a great addition to any table.
Why You’ll Love It
Say hello to the easy kale apple salad of your dreams, ya'll!
If you think raw kale is too tough, let me introduce you to the magic of a good massage!
By rubbing fresh lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil into the leaves you transform dinosaur kale (aka lacinato kale) into soft, flavorful perfection.
The combination of crunchy apples, tangy dressing, and a hint of sweetness from maple syrup makes this healthy salad feel like a treat.
Plus, it’s a tasty kale salad that gets even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep.
You can customize this slaw with red cabbage (purple cabbage), green cabbage, or even swap in baby kale for a more tender bite.
Toss in some sunflower seeds or poppy seeds for an extra crunch, and boom—you’ve got a great salad that pairs well with any main dish.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here are the simple ingredients you need to make this apple kale slaw. I've also included some substitutions in case you don't like some of the ingredients.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This is the base of the homemade vinaigrette for that signature tangy kick. Swap with white wine vinegar if needed.
- Maple Syrup: Adds a subtle sweetness to the salad dressing but honey also works. Adding mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt can work for a creamy dressing twist.
- Dijon Mustard: A must for that perfect tangy dressing! Creamy honey mustard dressing would work too.
- Lacinato Kale (Dinosaur Kale): There are a few different types of kale to choose from. Tuscan kale (aka lacinato kale) is sturdy and flavorful and my go-to ingredient for the base of this easy kale apple slaw. But curly kale, baby kale, or even red kale work.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Helps soften the kale and enhances the flavors. Avocado oil, Canola oil or another neutral oil can be used instead.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens everything up. Bottled juice works in a pinch, but fresh is best!
- Red Apple: You can use whatever type of fresh apples you have. Try Fuji apples, or a Granny Smith apple, Honeycrisp apples, or Pink Lady apples for the best balance of sweet and tart.
- Carrots: Adds crunch and color. Try red onion, green onions, or even spring onion for a sharper bite.
- Candied Nuts: Optional, but they bring the great texture! Another great way to add crunch to this tasty salad is with sunflower seeds or poppy seeds.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Because seasoning matters and I think it's best to keep it fresh and simple.
- Optional Additions: Feel free to beef this salad up with thinly shaved fresh cabbage and other colorful veggies. Fresh fruit like blueberries, strawberries or even grapes would be a delicious addition to the tart apples. It's also delicious with some grilled chicken or even avocado tossed in.
How to Make It
MAKE THE MAPLE DIJON VINAIGRETTE: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
PREP THE KALE: Remove the tough stems with a sharp knife. Then slice the lacinato kale into thin ribbons and add them to a large bowl. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Using your clean hands, give it a good massage for 30 seconds to 1 minute until slightly softened.
ADD THE APPLES & CARROTS: Use a grater, sharp knife, julienne peeler, or food processor to create thin slices of crunchy apples and small pieces of carrot. Add them to the large mixing bowl.
TOSS & SERVE: Drizzle the homemade dressing over everything, toss well, and season with extra salt and pepper if needed. Finish with candied nuts before serving.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge. This great side dish keeps well for up to 2 days and tastes even better at room temperature after sitting for a bit.
What goes with Kale Salad?
If you're looking for the perfect accompaniment and more recipe ideas to pair with this kale apple slaw recipe, I got you!
- Quick & Easy Tortilla Pizza (Ready in 10 Minutes!)
- Viral Cottage Cheese Toast (Easy Sweet & Savory Ideas)
- One Pot Creamy Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe with Sour Cream
- Easy Classic Southern Deviled Eggs with Relish
- Prosciutto & Burrata Sandwich Sliders with Fig Jam & Arugula
And if you love the dressing in this kale apple slaw, you'll love this Maple Dijon Dressing on its own!
Recipe
Kale Apple Slaw with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Homemade Dressing
- 2 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 tablespoon Maple Syrup (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 pinch Kosher Salt
- 1 pinch Fresh Cracked Pepper
For the Kale Slaw
- 4 cups Lacinato Kale thinly shaved and packed
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- ½ large Lemon juiced
- 2 large Red Apples grated (about 3 cups)
- 2 large Carrots grated (about 1 cup)
- ¼ cup Candied Nuts of choice *optional
Instructions
For the Homemade Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, dijon, a hefty pinch of salt and a fresh cracks of fresh ground pepper. Set aside.
For the Kale Slaw
- Add shaved lacinato kale to a large bowl and drizzle with lemon juice, olive oil and salt. Massage the mixture with your hands for 30 seconds to one minute or until slightly softened.
- Add the grated apples and the shaved carrots on top then drizzle on the maple dijon vinaigrette. Toss everything together and season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Finish with a sprinkle of candied nuts before serving if desired.
Cari Lindsley says
I made exactly like the recipe said to except I was short one TB maple syrup so I put in one of honey. I used the chopper to chop the kale and carrots becuz it's too much for my hands. The walnuts turned out good. It all was delicious and very similar to the "Out of the Box" version. I will make again.