Kale Apple Slaw is a fresh, flavorful twist on classic coleslaw. This vegan, gluten-free recipe works beautifully as a bright summer side, at backyard BBQs, or piled onto pulled pork, brisket, or chicken sandwiches for an added crunch and tang.
With warm-weather meals in mind, this recipe keeps things light without sacrificing flavor. Instead of relying on heavy mayonnaise-based dressings, the kale and shredded fuji apple combine with a bright fuji apple vinaigrette to create a crisp, slightly sweet, and pleasantly tart slaw. The texture comes from a mix of tender kale, crunchy cabbage, crisp apple, and julienned carrots, while a thin slice of red onion adds a subtle bite.
I love serving this slaw alongside smoked or slow-cooked meats, or as a stand-alone side at a cookout. It also makes a lively topping for sandwiches and tacos — the acidity of the vinaigrette helps cut through richer flavors and adds freshness to each bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flat leaf kale, stems removed and leaves thinly sliced
- 2 cups red cabbage, shredded
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium Fuji apple, cored and shredded
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- ½ cup Fuji apple vinaigrette dressing (see note below for a quick dressing)
Note: If you don’t have a store-bought Fuji apple vinaigrette, you can make a simple version quickly by whisking together apple cider vinegar, a neutral oil, a touch of maple syrup or honey (if not strictly vegan), Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, plus a small amount of grated Fuji apple for extra apple flavor.
To prepare the slaw, remove the kale leaves from the thick stems and discard the stems. Stack or bundle the kale leaves and slice them thinly for tender, easy-to-eat ribbons. Combine the kale, shredded red cabbage, red onion, shredded Fuji apple, and julienned carrots in a large mixing bowl. Add the vinaigrette and toss thoroughly so the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Instructions
- Strip the kale leaves from their stems and thinly slice the leaves into ribbons.
- Place the kale, shredded red cabbage, sliced red onion, shredded Fuji apple, and julienned carrots into a large bowl.
- Pour the Fuji apple vinaigrette over the vegetables and fruit. Toss everything until well coated. Let sit for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld, or serve immediately for extra crunch.
- Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours if preparing ahead. Toss again just before serving.
This slaw is quick to put together — prep and total time are both about 10 minutes — and it yields approximately 6 servings. The combination of textures and the balance of sweet-tart dressing make it a versatile side that pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, and picnic fare.
Serving Suggestions and Tips
- For a softer texture, massage the sliced kale gently with a pinch of salt or a splash of dressing for 1–2 minutes before combining it with the other ingredients. This helps break down kale’s toughness without losing structure.
- Toast a handful of pumpkin seeds or chopped walnuts and sprinkle them on top for extra crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Serve atop pulled pork, shredded brisket, or grilled chicken sandwiches to add brightness and contrast to rich, smoky meats.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of vinaigrette or choose a tart apple variety.
Kale Apple Slaw — Recipe Details
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Author: Whitney Bond
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 136 kcal (≈7% daily value)
- Carbohydrates: 10 g (≈3% DV)
- Protein: 1 g (≈2% DV)
- Fat: 10 g (≈15% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 1 g (≈5% DV)
- Sodium: 26 mg (≈1% DV)
- Potassium: 226 mg (≈6% DV)
- Fiber: 2 g (≈8% DV)
- Sugar: 6 g (≈7% DV)
- Vitamin A: 4610 IU (≈92% DV)
- Vitamin C: 29 mg (≈35% DV)
- Calcium: 36 mg (≈4% DV)
- Iron: 0.4 mg (≈2% DV)
This kale apple slaw is a bright, healthy side that complements grilled and smoked dishes while standing on its own as a satisfying salad. It’s easy to scale for larger gatherings and stores well for a day, making it ideal for meal prep and entertaining.