Kale-Apple Coleslaw With Poppyseed Dressing

I remember the first time I truly appreciated kale. It wasn’t in some trendy smoothie or as a sad, wilted garnish. It was at a late-summer picnic, a burst of vibrant green amidst the usual potato salads and hot dogs. This kale-apple coleslaw, with its tangy-sweet dressing and satisfying crunch, was a revelation – a dish that proved kale could be not just healthy, but genuinely delicious and the star of the show. It was gone in minutes, and I knew I had to recreate that magic myself.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 6 servings
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• Fresh ground black pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/3 small red onion, diced

For the Coleslaw:

• 2 bunches flat-leaf kale
• 2 apples (Granny Smith or Fuji, or 1 of each)

Equipment Needed

• Large, nonreactive bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Instructions

1. First, prepare the dressing. In a large, nonreactive bowl, combine the cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and kosher salt. Season generously with fresh ground black pepper.
2. Whisk all the ingredients together until well combined.
3. While continuously whisking, slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil until it’s fully incorporated and the dressing emulsifies. This creates a smooth, creamy texture.
4. Add the diced red onion to the dressing and stir to combine. Set the dressing aside. The longer it sits, the more the onion’s flavor will infuse into the dressing.
5. Now, prepare the kale. Wash and thoroughly dry the kale. Removing excess water is crucial to prevent a soggy coleslaw.
6. Cut out and discard the tough stems from the kale leaves. These stems can be quite bitter and chewy, so it’s best to remove them.
7. Arrange the kale leaves into stacks on your cutting board. This will make it easier to slice them uniformly.
8. Slice the stacked kale leaves crosswise into thin, approximately 1/4-inch ribbons. This technique is called chiffonade.
9. Add the sliced kale to the bowl with the dressing.
10. Next, prepare the apples. Core the apples and cut them into matchsticks, about 1 1/2-inch-long. Leaving the peel on adds color and fiber.
11. Add the apple matchsticks to the bowl with the kale and dressing.
12. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the kale and apples are well coated with the dressing.
13. Let the coleslaw sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 1 day in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and the kale to soften slightly.
14. Toss the coleslaw again before serving to redistribute the dressing and ensure everything is evenly coated.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Massage the Kale: For an even softer texture, massage the dressing into the kale for a minute or two before adding the apples. This helps break down the kale’s fibers.
• Apple Variety: Experiment with different apple varieties for different flavor profiles. Honeycrisp apples will add extra sweetness, while Braeburn offer a more complex, slightly spicy flavor.
• Make Ahead: The coleslaw can be made a day in advance, but the apples might brown slightly. To prevent this, toss the apples with a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad.
• Dressing Consistency: If the dressing is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this Kale-Apple Coleslaw as a side dish to grilled chicken, fish, or sandwiches. It’s also a great addition to a potluck or picnic. For an elegant presentation, serve in a chilled bowl.

Store leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The kale will continue to soften over time, but the flavor will still be delicious. It is not recommended to freeze this coleslaw, as the kale will become very soggy upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	154.3 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	69g	45%
Total Fat	7.7 g	11%
Saturated Fat	1 g	5%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	146.2 mg	6%
Total Carbohydrate	21.6 g	7%
Dietary Fiber	3.1 g	12%
Sugars	12.3 g	N/A
Protein	2.6 g	5%

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegan Option: Substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan version.
• Nutty Crunch: Add toasted slivered almonds or pecans for extra texture and flavor.
• Citrus Zing: Add a tablespoon of orange juice or lemon juice to the dressing for a brighter flavor.
• Dried Cranberries: Mix in some dried cranberries for a chewy, sweet-tart element.
• Different Greens: While this recipe focuses on kale, you can experiment with other hearty greens like collard greens or Brussels sprouts (shredded).

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use curly kale instead of flat-leaf kale?
A: Yes, you can! However, curly kale is generally tougher than flat-leaf kale, so you might want to massage it with the dressing for a longer period to help soften it.

Q: How long can I store the coleslaw in the refrigerator?
A: This coleslaw is best enjoyed within 2 days of making it. After that, the kale will start to wilt and lose its texture.

Q: Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld even further.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the coleslaw?
A: Of course! Shredded carrots, thinly sliced radishes, or diced celery would all be great additions.

Q: Is it necessary to remove the kale stems?
A: Yes, it is highly recommended. The kale stems are tough and bitter, which can detract from the overall flavor and texture of the coleslaw.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Kale-Apple Coleslaw a try. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the goodness of kale in a refreshing and flavorful dish. The combination of the slightly bitter kale, the sweet-tart apples, and the tangy poppyseed dressing is simply irresistible. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the variations and find your perfect combination. Pair it with your favorite grilled protein or bring it to your next gathering – I’m confident it will be a hit. And please, let me know what you think! I’d love to hear your feedback and any creative twists you come up with. Happy cooking!