Name: Tropical Smoothie Kale Apple Slaw Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large bunch of kale; 3 sweet, crisp apples (Gala and Fuji recommended); ¾ cup dried cranberries; ½ cup walnuts, chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for massaging the kale); A pinch of salt; ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil; ½ cup lemon juice; 6 tablespoon honey; 3 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Jump to Recipe

Kale is a late summer vegetable that’s always in my kitchen around that time. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes. When it comes together with apples, it tastes even better. One of my favorites is the Tropical Smoothie Kale Apple Slaw Recipe. This dish is not only a quick side but also a delightful combination of flavors.

When I want to enjoy a fresh and crunchy slaw, I often recreate the tropical restaurant version at home, as it has a unique taste that I love. The addition of sweet apples elevates the dish, making it even more delicious.

Let’s learn step-by-step how you can make this refreshing Tropical Smoothie’s Copycat Kale Apple Slaw Recipe at home!

Ingredients List

1 large bunch of kale
3 sweet, crisp apples (Gala and Fuji recommended)
¾ cup dried cranberries
½ cup walnuts, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil (for massaging the kale)
A pinch of salt

For the Dressing:

⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ cup lemon juice
6 tablespoon honey
3 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Kitchen Tools Needed

Large bowl
Smaller bowl
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Whisk
Big spoon

Making Tropical Smoothie Kale Apple Slaw Recipe

Step 1 | Prepare the Kale

Soak the kale in cold water to crisp it up and remove any dirt. Rinse thoroughly, shake off excess water, and pat dry. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. Discard the stems.

Step 2 | Massage the Kale

Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt to the kale. Massage with clean hands for 3-4 minutes until the kale softens and looks wilted.

Step 3 | Prepare the Apples

Cut the apples in half, remove the core, then slice and dice them into small pieces.

Step 4 | Combine the Ingredients

Add the diced apples, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts to the massaged kale. Mix gently.

Step 5 | Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard until smooth.

Step 6 | Dress the Slaw

Pour the dressing over the kale mixture and toss with a big spoon until everything is well coated.

Step 7 | Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the slaw for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Tips and Tricks

Massage Time: Don’t skip massaging the kale! It helps to soften the leaves and make them more palatable.
Apple Choice: Use sweet, crisp apples like Gala or Fuji for the best flavor and texture.
Dressing Mix: Ensure the mustard is fully dissolved in the dressing for a smooth consistency.
Refrigeration: Let the slaw sit in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Make Ahead Tips

Prep in Advance

You can prepare the kale and apples ahead of time. Store them in separate containers in the fridge to keep them fresh. This will save you time when you’re ready to assemble the slaw.

Dressing

Make the dressing up to two days in advance and store it in a jar in the fridge. Give it a good shake before using it to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.

Assembly

Combine all the ingredients just before serving to keep the slaw fresh and crisp. This way, the kale won’t get too wilted and the apples won’t turn brown.

Variations and Substitutions

Nuts: If you don’t like walnuts, you can use pecans or almonds.
Fruit: Try adding some sliced grapes or mandarin oranges for a fruity twist.
Vegan Option: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar in the dressing.
Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a bit of heat.

Kale Apple Slaw Serving Suggestions

This kale apple slaw is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled meats or fish for a refreshing complement.
In Tacos: Use it as a topping for fish or chicken tacos for added crunch and flavor.
On Sandwiches: Add it to sandwiches or wraps for a nutritious boost.
As a Snack: Enjoy it on its own as a healthy snack throughout the day.

Kale Apple Slaw Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of kale?

Yes, you can use any type of kale you like. Curly kale, Tuscan kale, or baby kale all work well.

How long can I store the kale apple slaw in the fridge?

The slaw can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. After that, the kale may become too wilted.

Can I use a different type of oil for the dressing?

Yes, you can use any light-tasting oil like avocado oil or grapeseed oil.

What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

You can use regular mustard or honey mustard as a substitute.

Can I add other vegetables to the slaw?

Absolutely! Shredded carrots, red cabbage, or bell peppers make great additions.

How do I prevent the apples from browning?

Toss the diced apples in a little lemon juice to keep them from browning.