Kale and Carrot Slaw with Honey Apple Cider Vinaigrette
A vibrant, crunchy kale and carrot slaw tossed in a sweet and tangy honey apple cider vinaigrette. This american-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs chopped kale, medium, shredded carrot, small, thinly sliced red onion into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 5 cups, chopped kale
- 2 medium, shredded carrot
- 1/2 small, thinly sliced red onion
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 5 cups chopped kale, 2 shredded medium carrots, and 1/2 small thinly sliced red onion.
- Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 1/2 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the kale mixture and toss vigorously until every leaf and shred is coated. Let the slaw sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature to soften and deepen flavors before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Kale and Carrot Slaw with Honey Apple Cider Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Kale and Carrot Slaw with Honey Apple Cider Vinaigrette?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chopped kale from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Kale and Carrot Slaw with Honey Apple Cider Vinaigrette?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Kale and Carrot Slaw with Honey Apple Cider Vinaigrette for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Kale and Carrot Slaw with Honey Apple Cider Vinaigrette vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The honey apple cider vinaigrette is divine. Served it with grilled chicken and it was a hit.
- ★★★★★
Perfect balance of sweet and tangy. I'll make this every week!
- ★★★★★
This slaw is a game-changer! My family loved it, and it's so easy to make.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.