Dressing
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tbsp honey
- ½ tbsp spicy brown mustard
- Pinch salt and pepper
Slaw
- 12 oz slaw mix
- 2 cups chopped kale
- ½ cup chopped green onion
In today’s kitchens, chefs are constantly challenged to create dishes that are fresh, vibrant, and packed with texture—without sacrificing efficiency or flavor. Enter Crunchy Kale Slaw: a workhorse side that delivers on all fronts. Whether you’re building out a seasonal menu or looking for a plant-forward component that plays well across a variety of cuisines, this slaw earns its keep. It’s crisp, colorful, and brimming with nutrient-dense ingredients that hold up well in prep and on the plate.
Kale provides the backbone—hearty enough to stay crunchy for hours without wilting, even when dressed ahead of service. Pair it with sharp, punchy add-ins like shredded carrots, red cabbage, and thinly sliced radish for contrast, and a touch of sweetness from apples or golden raisins to balance the bitterness. The magic is in the texture: every bite should deliver crunch, snap, and a satisfying chew.
The dressing? That’s your moment to make it signature. A base of vinegar and oil is classic, but don’t stop there. Infuse it with umami from miso, heat from chili crisp, or brightness from citrus and ginger. This slaw plays well with everything from smoked meats to grilled tofu, making it a versatile companion to mains—or even a standalone small plate.
Dressing
Slaw