Every time I prepare this Kale Slaw with Honey Lime Dressing, I’m reminded of the vibrant farmers’ market visits where fresh ingredients beckon under the sun. The crunch of lacinato kale paired with the colorful radicchio and broccoli slaw offers a medley of textures that simply invigorates my taste buds. I stumbled upon this delightful combination while experimenting with what I had on hand, and it quickly became a staple in my kitchen.
Imagine biting into crisp apple slices, each bite punctuated by the tender chew of dried cherries and the satisfying crunch of sliced almonds. The dressing, with its sweet notes of honey and the zing of fresh lime, ties all those elements together. With just 15 minutes of prep, this kale slaw is a breeze to whip up, making it an ideal side dish for gatherings or a boost of nutrients during busy weeknights. This is more than just a salad; it’s a vibrant celebration of flavors that transforms the ordinary into something truly special. Join me in creating this colorful, wholesome dish that’s sure to impress!
Why is Kale Slaw with Honey Lime Dressing Amazing?
Vibrant Colors: This slaw dazzles with its array of colorful ingredients, making your plate pop!
Fresh Ingredients: Utilizes seasonal produce like kale and radicchio for unmatched flavor and nutrition.
Quick to Make: In just 15 minutes, you prepare a nutritious side that’s perfect for any meal.
Sweet and Zesty: The honey-lime dressing strikes a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, keeping your taste buds excited.
Crowd Pleaser: Whether at a barbecue or an everyday dinner, this slaw will have everyone asking for seconds!
Elevate your salad game with this unbeatable combination of taste and health, and consider pairing it with other fresh dishes for a delightful meal experience.
Kale Slaw with Honey Lime Dressing Ingredients
For the Slaw
• Lacinato kale – use this leafy green for a nutrient powerhouse that adds a lovely texture to your slaw.
• Radicchio – the vibrant color and slight bitterness give depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Broccoli slaw – packed with crunch, this mix of shredded broccoli stems adds extra vitamins and fiber.
• Medium apple – choose a sweet variety like Honeycrisp to complement the tangy dressing beautifully.
• Green onion – these add a mild onion note, enhancing the overall flavor without overpowering.
• Dried cherries – for a sweet and chewy element that contrasts with the crisp vegetables.
• Sliced almonds – they bring a delightful crunch and healthy fats, perfect in this Kale Slaw with Honey Lime Dressing.
For the Dressing
• Extra virgin olive oil – a quality oil elevates the dressing, bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Fresh lime juice – bright and zesty, lime adds a refreshing kick that perfectly balances the sweetness.
• Honey – its natural sweetness rounds out the dressing and mingles beautifully with the lime.
• Dijon mustard – this adds a subtle tanginess that enhances the overall flavor of the dressing.
• Salt – a touch of salt brings all the flavors together and boosts the freshness of the ingredients.
• Freshly ground black pepper – just a pinch adds an aromatic kick that brightens the dish.
How to Make Kale Slaw with Honey Lime Dressing
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the sliced almonds evenly on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast them for 5-10 minutes until they’re golden brown and fragrant, filling your kitchen with a delicious nutty aroma.
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Combine the kale, radicchio, broccoli slaw, diced apple, chopped green onion, and dried cherries in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently to ensure an even distribution of colors and textures, creating a vibrant medley.
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Prepare the dressing by adding all its ingredients into a mason jar. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the mixture is fully emulsified. Take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed!
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Toss the slaw with just enough dressing to coat all the ingredients without overwhelming them. Top it off with the toasted almonds for an added crunch and serve immediately. Enjoy this refreshing treat!
Optional: Garnish with extra lime wedges for a zesty touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Kale Slaw with Honey Lime Dressing are perfect for busy weeknights! You can chop the kale, radicchio, broccoli slaw, apple, and green onion up to 3 days in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them crisp. The dried cherries and sliced almonds can be added directly from their packages, requiring no prep. For the dressing, prepare it up to 24 hours ahead by shaking all ingredients together in a mason jar and refrigerating it. When you’re ready to serve, simply toss the slaw with the dressing and top with the toasted almonds. This way, you’ll enjoy a fresh, vibrant salad in just minutes, without compromising on quality!
How to Store and Freeze Kale Slaw with Honey Lime Dressing
Fridge: Store any leftover Kale Slaw in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dressing may cause the kale to wilt over time, so for best freshness, add dressing just before serving.
Freezer: While it’s not ideal to freeze the whole slaw, you can freeze the kale and broccoli slaw mix for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge the day before, and then mix with fresh ingredients and dressing.
Reheating: If you’ve packed it as a lunch, you can enjoy Kale Slaw straight out of the fridge, which enhances the refreshing crunch. Avoid heating it, as this dish is best served cold.
Dressing Storage: Store any unused honey lime dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. Shake well before using to recombine the ingredients!
Tips for the Best Kale Slaw
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Freshness Matters: Always choose crisp, vibrant greens. Wilted or browning leaves can ruin the slaw’s texture and overall appeal.
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Perfect Toasting: Keep a close eye on the almonds while toasting. They can go from beautifully golden to burnt in a matter of seconds!
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Taste the Dressing: Don’t skip tasting the dressing after mixing! Adjust the honey and lime to find the perfect balance for your palate.
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Chill Before Serving: If possible, let the slaw rest in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors in the Kale Slaw with Honey Lime Dressing to meld beautifully.
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Customize Ingredients: Feel free to swap dried cherries for other fruits like cranberries or grapes. Personalizing your slaw is a great way to make it your own!
What to Serve with Kale Slaw with Honey Lime Dressing?
Amplify your dining experience with these delightful accompaniments that transform your meal into a true feast.
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Grilled Chicken Kebabs: Juicy and smoky, these kebabs add protein and flavor that pairs perfectly with the slaw’s refreshing crunch.
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Quinoa Salad: A nutty, fluffy side of quinoa brings an earthy contrast to the sweet and zesty elements of the slaw. Toss in some herbs for extra freshness!
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Garlic Bread: The warm, crusty texture of garlic bread provides a satisfying base for mopping up any leftover dressing, complementing the slaw’s flavors.
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Citrus Roasted Salmon: The bright, flaky fish, enhanced with citrus, balances the earthy kale and honey-lime dressing, offering a wonderful flavor harmony.
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Vegetable Stir-Fry: A medley of colorful veggies sautéed with ginger creates a vibrant addition, introducing more freshness and crunch alongside the slaw.
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Sparkling Water with Mint: This bubbly drink refreshes your palate with each sip, enhancing the meal’s lightness and making it an ideal match for the slaw.
Enhancing your kale slaw with these pairings transforms it from a simple side dish to a memorable culinary experience. Enjoy!
Kale Slaw with Honey Lime Dressing Variations
Feel free to add your own twist to this delightful slaw and make it uniquely yours!
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Vegan: Substitute honey with maple syrup for a plant-based sweetness that complements the other flavors beautifully.
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Nut-Free: Replace sliced almonds with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy alternative that’s equally satisfying.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a zesty heat that will awaken your palate and take your slaw to the next level.
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Fruit Fusion: Consider swapping dried cherries for dried cranberries or sliced strawberries for an added burst of flavor and color. The combination expands your flavor profile wonderfully!
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Cheesy Hue: Sprinkle some crumbled feta or goat cheese on top before serving for a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crisp veggies.
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Herbaceous Notes: Toss in some fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, before serving for a bright, fresh element that really enhances the overall flavor.
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Whole Grains: Mix in some cooked quinoa or farro for a heartier slaw that adds wholesome nutrition and a satisfying chew.
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Citrus Remix: Try replacing lime juice with orange juice for a sweeter, more tropical flair. A dash of the zest will brighten everything up even more!
Kale Slaw with Honey Lime Dressing Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right kale for this recipe?
Absolutely! For this Kale Slaw with Honey Lime Dressing, I recommend using lacinato kale, which is also known as dinosaur kale. Look for leaves that are dark green, firm, and crisp, avoiding any with yellowing or browning. Fresh kale should feel sturdy in your hands and have no dark spots all over.
How should I store leftovers of this Kale Slaw?
You can store any leftover Kale Slaw in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the dressing may cause the kale to wilt over time, so for the best taste and texture, it’s best to add the dressing just before you’re ready to serve!
Can I freeze the slaw or its ingredients?
While it’s not ideal to freeze the whole slaw, you can definitely freeze the kale and broccoli slaw mix. To do this, wash and dry the kale, then chop it and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before mixing with fresh ingredients and dressing once you’re ready to enjoy!
What should I do if my dressing doesn’t emulsify?
Very! If your dressing doesn’t emulsify well, don’t worry; it happens to the best of us. Simply take the jar and give it a good shake again! If it still separates, mix the honey, lime juice, and dijon mustard in a bowl first before slowly whisking in the olive oil until it blends smoothly. This step-by-step should enhance the emulsification process!
Is this Kale Slaw suitable for people with nut allergies?
Great question! If you or your guests have nut allergies, feel free to omit the sliced almonds or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, which will still provide a nice crunch without the risk. Just ensure that the other ingredients are safe as well!
Can I prepare this Kale Slaw in advance for a gathering?
You sure can! I often make this slaw a few hours before serving. Just remember to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This will keep the kale fresh and crunchy! When you toss the ingredients together right before serving, it will taste as if you just made it. Enjoy!
Kale Slaw with Honey Lime Dressing for a Fresh Flavor Boost
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the sliced almonds evenly on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast them for 5-10 minutes until they're golden brown and fragrant.
- Combine the kale, radicchio, broccoli slaw, diced apple, chopped green onion, and dried cherries in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently.
- Prepare the dressing by adding all its ingredients into a mason jar. Secure the lid and shake vigorously.
- Toss the slaw with just enough dressing to coat all the ingredients without overwhelming them. Top it off with the toasted almonds for an added crunch and serve immediately.
