Easy and Delicious Kale Slaw: A Simple Recipe for a Healthy Side Dish

Kale slaw is a fantastic way to enjoy the nutritional benefits of kale in a palatable and delicious form. Unlike traditional cabbage-based slaw, kale slaw offers a heartier texture and a subtly earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals. This recipe focuses on simplicity and ease, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick weekend lunches. Whether you’re a kale enthusiast or a hesitant newbie, this easy kale slaw recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

Why Kale Slaw?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s explore why kale slaw is an excellent addition to your culinary repertoire:

* **Nutrient-Rich:** Kale is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and potassium. It’s also a good source of fiber and antioxidants.
* **Versatile:** Kale slaw can be served as a side dish, a topping for tacos or sandwiches, or even a base for a more substantial salad. Its sturdy texture holds up well to dressings and other ingredients.
* **Easy to Prepare:** This recipe requires minimal chopping and comes together in minutes, making it a convenient option for busy individuals.
* **Delicious:** When properly dressed, kale slaw loses its bitterness and transforms into a refreshing and flavorful dish.
* **Adaptable:** Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients and flavor combinations.

Ingredients for Easy Kale Slaw

Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple kale slaw:

* **1 bunch of kale (about 8 ounces), stems removed and thinly sliced or chopped:** Choose curly kale, Tuscan kale (lacinato), or even baby kale for this recipe. Ensure the kale is washed thoroughly and dried before chopping.
* **1/2 cup shredded carrots:** Adds sweetness, color, and crunch to the slaw. Pre-shredded carrots are a convenient option, or you can shred them yourself using a box grater.
* **1/4 cup mayonnaise:** Provides creaminess and richness to the dressing. You can use regular mayonnaise, light mayonnaise, or even vegan mayonnaise.
* **2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar:** Adds tanginess and balances the richness of the mayonnaise. White vinegar or lemon juice can be used as alternatives.
* **1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup:** Sweetens the dressing and complements the other flavors. Adjust the amount to your liking.
* **1 tablespoon Dijon mustard:** Adds a subtle kick and enhances the overall flavor of the dressing. Yellow mustard can be used as a substitute in a pinch.
* **1/4 teaspoon salt:** Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **1/4 teaspoon black pepper:** Adds a touch of spice.
* **Optional additions:**
* 1/4 cup chopped red onion for extra bite
* 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or toasted almonds for added crunch
* 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins for sweetness
* 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese for a salty and tangy flavor

Equipment Needed

* Large bowl
* Cutting board
* Sharp knife or mandoline slicer (optional, for slicing kale)
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Kale Slaw

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and easy kale slaw:

**Step 1: Prepare the Kale**

* Wash the kale thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
* Pat the kale dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture. This is important because wet kale will result in a soggy slaw.
* Remove the tough stems from the kale leaves. The stems can be bitter and difficult to chew, so it’s best to discard them. You can do this by holding the stem in one hand and stripping the leaves off with the other.
* Thinly slice or chop the kale leaves. You can use a sharp knife to chiffonade the kale (roll the leaves tightly and then slice them into thin ribbons) or simply chop it into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can use a mandoline slicer for even thinner and more uniform slices. If using baby kale, simply give it a rough chop.
* Place the prepared kale in a large bowl.

**Step 2: Add the Carrots**

* Add the shredded carrots to the bowl with the kale. If you’re using whole carrots, peel and shred them using a box grater or food processor.

**Step 3: Make the Dressing**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more vinegar for extra tanginess or more honey for added sweetness.

**Step 4: Combine and Massage**

* Pour the dressing over the kale and carrots in the large bowl.
* Using your hands, gently massage the dressing into the kale. This is an important step that helps to break down the tough fibers of the kale, making it more tender and easier to digest. Massage the kale for about 2-3 minutes, until it starts to soften and wilt slightly.

**Step 5: Add Optional Ingredients (Optional)**

* If you’re using any optional ingredients, such as red onion, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, or feta cheese, add them to the bowl now and toss everything together to combine.

**Step 6: Chill and Serve**

* Cover the bowl and refrigerate the kale slaw for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the kale to soften further. For best results, let it chill for at least an hour or even overnight.
* Before serving, give the slaw another toss to redistribute the dressing.
* Serve the kale slaw as a side dish, topping for tacos or sandwiches, or as a base for a more substantial salad.

Tips for the Best Kale Slaw

* **Massage the Kale:** Don’t skip the step of massaging the kale with the dressing. This is crucial for breaking down the tough fibers and making the kale more palatable.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh, high-quality ingredients will result in the best-tasting slaw. Choose vibrant green kale and crisp carrots.
* **Adjust the Dressing to Your Liking:** Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed to suit your preferences. You may want to add more vinegar for tanginess, more honey for sweetness, or more mustard for a kick.
* **Let it Chill:** Chilling the kale slaw allows the flavors to meld together and the kale to soften further. For best results, let it chill for at least an hour or even overnight.
* **Don’t Overdress:** Be careful not to overdress the kale slaw. Start with a small amount of dressing and add more as needed, tossing until the kale is lightly coated.
* **Add Variety:** Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients and flavor combinations. Consider adding other vegetables like bell peppers or cabbage, nuts and seeds for crunch, or dried fruits for sweetness.
* **Make it Vegan:** To make this kale slaw vegan, simply use vegan mayonnaise and maple syrup instead of honey.

Variations on Easy Kale Slaw

Here are a few ideas for variations on this easy kale slaw recipe:

* **Spicy Kale Slaw:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
* **Asian-Inspired Kale Slaw:** Use rice vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar and add a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil to the dressing. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
* **Mediterranean Kale Slaw:** Add chopped cucumber, tomatoes, and Kalamata olives to the slaw. Use lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar and add a sprinkle of dried oregano to the dressing. Crumble feta cheese over the top before serving.
* **Sweet and Savory Kale Slaw:** Add chopped apple, cranberries, and pecans to the slaw. Use maple syrup instead of honey and add a pinch of cinnamon to the dressing.
* **Creamy Avocado Kale Slaw:** Substitute half of the mayonnaise with mashed avocado for a creamy and healthy twist. Add a squeeze of lime juice to the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

Kale slaw is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Side Dish:** Serve it as a side dish alongside grilled meats, poultry, or fish.
* **Taco Topping:** Use it as a topping for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas.
* **Sandwich Topping:** Add it to sandwiches or wraps for extra flavor and texture.
* **Salad Base:** Use it as a base for a more substantial salad. Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs for protein.
* **Burger Topping:** Top your burgers with kale slaw for a healthy and flavorful twist.

Health Benefits of Kale Slaw

As mentioned earlier, kale is incredibly nutritious. Here are some of the health benefits you can enjoy by incorporating kale slaw into your diet:

* **Rich in Vitamins:** Kale is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, which are essential for maintaining healthy vision, boosting the immune system, and promoting blood clotting.
* **High in Antioxidants:** Kale is packed with antioxidants, which help to protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants may reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
* **Good Source of Fiber:** Kale is a good source of fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
* **Supports Bone Health:** Kale is rich in vitamin K and calcium, which are both essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
* **May Lower Cholesterol:** Some studies have shown that kale can help to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, which can reduce the risk of heart disease.

How to Store Kale Slaw

Store leftover kale slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the kale may soften slightly over time, but it will still be delicious. If the slaw becomes too watery, you can drain off any excess liquid before serving.

Conclusion

This easy kale slaw recipe is a simple, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy the benefits of kale. With just a few ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you can create a flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Feel free to experiment with different variations and customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy!

Recipe Card

**Yields:** 6 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Chill time:** 30 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 bunch of kale (about 8 ounces), stems removed and thinly sliced or chopped
* 1/2 cup shredded carrots
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional additions: 1/4 cup chopped red onion, 1/4 cup sunflower seeds, 1/4 cup dried cranberries, 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

**Instructions:**

1. Wash and dry the kale. Remove the stems and thinly slice or chop the leaves.
2. In a large bowl, combine the kale and shredded carrots.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the kale and carrots and gently massage the dressing into the kale for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add any optional ingredients, such as red onion, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, or feta cheese.
6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

**Notes:**

* Massage the kale well to tenderize it.
* Adjust the dressing to your liking.
* Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.