Kale Slaw Recipe

I’ve been on a quest to create a truly hearty side dish that’s both creamy and healthy, without relying on heavy mayonnaise. This **kale slaw recipe** delivers on texture, flavor, and visual appeal, offering a vibrant alternative to standard slaws. We’re skipping the traditional dressing and replacing it with a velvety smooth, plant-based cashew dressing that gets its vibrant color from roasted red peppers. It’s the perfect make-ahead option for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family barbecues, as the flavors only get better after resting in the fridge. This recipe transforms tough kale into a tender, flavorful salad that even non-kale lovers enjoy. Best of all, it’s ready in minutes (plus soaking time) using simple ingredients found in most pantries, making healthy eating easy.

Ingredients

• 400 g (14 oz) Lacinato or Curly Kale: Make sure to remove the tough center stems (destemming) before preparing. Thinly slice the leaves into ribbons (chiffonade cut) for the best texture in this **kale slaw recipe**. You can buy pre-cut kale to save time on prep.
• 200 g (7 oz) Carrots, finely shredded: Shredding fresh carrots offers a crisp texture and bright color contrast. For a shortcut, use store-bought pre-shredded carrots from the produce section. You can also use a food processor with a shredding attachment for quick prep.
• 50 g (1.75 oz) Red Onion, thinly sliced: Thinly slice the red onion to distribute its flavor evenly without overwhelming the dish. If you prefer a milder taste, soak the sliced onions in ice water for 10 minutes before draining.
• 120 g (4.2 oz) Roasted Red Bell Peppers: Use high-quality roasted red peppers from a jar, ensuring they are well-drained. They add sweetness, smokiness, and a vibrant orange-red color to the dressing. This ingredient is essential for achieving the recipe’s signature flavor.
• 120 g (4.2 oz / 1 cup) Raw Cashews: Use raw, unsalted cashews (not roasted) for the best dressing consistency. Soaking them in hot water for at least 30 minutes is critical for a smooth, creamy texture. Drain them completely after soaking before adding to the blender.
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dressing and balances the richness of the cashews. It also helps preserve the vibrant colors of the slaw ingredients.
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a subtle, tangy complexity that complements the sweetness of the red peppers. This is a key acid component for a balanced dressing flavor profile.
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) Maple Syrup or Agave Nectar: Provides a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity and enhance the overall flavor profile. Use whichever liquid sweetener you prefer for this recipe; both work well.
• 2 Cloves Garlic, peeled: Use whole cloves in the blender for powerful, fresh garlic flavor. If you only have garlic powder, use 1/2 teaspoon instead.
• 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the roasted red peppers and cashews. Do not substitute with regular paprika; the smoked version is essential here.
• 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) Sea Salt, plus more to taste: Use fine sea salt or kosher salt; adjust based on preference. A small amount of salt is used to soften the kale during massage.
• 1.25 ml (1/4 tsp) Black Pepper, freshly ground: Freshly ground pepper provides a sharper, more aromatic flavor than pre-ground pepper.
• 60-90 ml (4-6 tbsp) Water, as needed: Start with 4 tablespoons and add more slowly until the desired consistency is achieved. The exact amount depends on the cashews’ moisture level and blender type.
• 15 g (1/2 oz) Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley, finely chopped: Use as a fresh garnish at the end to add color and brightness to the final presentation of this **kale slaw recipe**.

Optional (plan-ahead): If you’re shopping for the week, I put this into a 4-Week Meal Plan + Grocery Lists so dinner’s already decided before your day gets busy.

Instructions

Here’s how to assemble this easy **kale slaw recipe** for a hearty and healthy meal or side dish.

1. Soak the Cashews: Place the 1 cup of raw cashews in a heatproof bowl and cover them generously with boiling water. Allow them to soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours at room temperature, to soften thoroughly. Drain all water from the cashews before using them in the dressing.
2. Prepare and Massage the Kale: After destemming, thinly slice the kale leaves into ribbons. Place the sliced kale in a large mixing bowl, add a pinch of salt, and gently massage with your hands for 2-3 minutes. This process breaks down the tough fibers, making the kale tender and more palatable for this **kale slaw recipe**.
3. Combine Slaw Ingredients: Add the finely shredded carrots and thinly sliced red onion to the bowl with the massaged kale. Toss briefly to distribute the vegetables evenly throughout the base mixture.
4. Blend the Red Pepper Cashew Dressing: In a high-speed blender, combine the drained soaked cashews, drained roasted red bell peppers, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, garlic cloves, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Add 4 tablespoons (60 ml) of water and blend on high speed until completely smooth and creamy. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches a pourable but thick consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the cashews were not soaked long enough, the dressing may feel slightly grainy. For the best result, soak longer or use a high-powered blender.
5. Dress and Refrigerate the Kale Slaw: Pour about three-quarters of the vibrant red pepper cashew dressing over the kale and vegetable mixture in the bowl. Use tongs or clean hands to thoroughly toss the mixture until every piece of vegetable is evenly coated in the dressing. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate the slaw for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the kale to soften further. I often make this **kale slaw recipe** first thing in the morning and let it chill all day; the extra time really makes the kale tender for family dinners.
6. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the chilled **kale slaw recipe** to a serving bowl or plate. Drizzle a spoonful of the reserved dressing over the top for visual appeal and added richness. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley to add color and freshness.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage

This creamy kale slaw recipe is excellent for make-ahead meals and healthy meal prep. Unlike traditional cabbage slaw, kale holds up well and actually benefits from resting time. The flavors deepen overnight, and the kale becomes even more tender after marinating in the dressing.

You can prepare the entire kale slaw up to 2 days ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dressing may thicken slightly; add a tablespoon of water or lemon juice to thin it if needed before serving. If prepping further in advance (3-4 days), store the dressing separately from the vegetables and combine them just before serving to maintain maximum crispness.

Customizing Your Kale Slaw

This versatile kale slaw recipe can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and preferences. Feel free to add ingredients that fit your family’s preferences or what you have available in the pantry.

• Adding extra crunch: Incorporate other shredded vegetables like broccoli stem, bell peppers, or additional cabbage for variety.
• Changing the dressing base: If you don’t have cashews or have dietary restrictions, you can try substituting almonds or sunflower seeds for a similar creamy base. Ensure they are soaked thoroughly.
• Make it a meal: Toss in some toasted seeds (like pumpkin or sunflower) or nuts for extra texture. Adding chickpeas or grilled chicken makes it a high-protein complete meal.

Pairing Suggestions for Dinner

The creamy, slightly smoky flavor of this vibrant kale slaw recipe balances rich main courses perfectly. It’s an ideal side dish for family dinners and gatherings.

• Grilled proteins: Try serving this slaw alongside grilled chicken breasts, barbecued ribs, or even simple grilled steaks.
• Vegetarian options: It’s also excellent with vegetarian options like black bean burgers, roasted sweet potatoes, or as a hearty topping for tacos.

FAQs

Q: Why do I need to massage the kale before dressing it?

Massaging kale with a pinch of salt breaks down the tough cell walls, making the leaves tender, softer, and more digestible. This process also helps the kale absorb the dressing better, which is essential for a great kale slaw recipe.

Q: Can I make this kale slaw recipe with pre-shredded kale?

Yes, you can use pre-shredded kale from the grocery store to save time on prep. However, ensure it’s a mix suitable for slaw and still give it a brief massage to soften the leaves before adding the dressing.

Q: What if I’m allergic to cashews? What’s a good alternative for the dressing base?

For a nut-free option, substitute sunflower seeds or hemp hearts for the cashews. Soak them as directed in the instructions to ensure a smooth, creamy texture for the dressing.

Q: My dressing looks grainy and not smooth. What did I do wrong?

The most likely reason is insufficient soaking time for the cashews. Ensure they are soaked for at least 30 minutes in hot water, or use a high-powered blender for the best results. I find that soaking them while I prepare the rest of the ingredients works perfectly.

Q: How long will this kale slaw stay fresh in the refrigerator?

This slaw is best consumed within 3 days. The kale will continue to soften over time, but it generally holds its texture better than traditional cabbage slaw, making it a great option for meal prep recipes.

Q: Can I use fresh red bell peppers instead of roasted?

No, roasted red peppers are essential for the smoky flavor and smooth texture of this specific dressing. Fresh peppers will make the dressing watery and less flavorful, resulting in a significantly different kale slaw recipe.

Conclusion

This vibrant kale slaw recipe proves that a healthy side dish can be incredibly satisfying, creamy, and flavorful without resorting to heavy ingredients. The combination of tender massaged kale and a sweet-and-smoky cashew dressing creates a memorable meal component perfect for any family gathering.

Make this vibrant, no-mayo kale slaw this week and watch it become your new go-to side dish. Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next potluck or picnic by pinning it to your favorite Pinterest board!

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