Coleslaw is often a combination of limp cabbage covered with heavy mayonnaise dressing, but in this version we used hearty kale and crunchy apples to make a delicious, healthy substitute. Tossed with a sweet-tart dressing made with honey, vinegar, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, and red onion, this untraditional coleslaw doesn’t wilt into a soggy mess, and it’s right at home served with barbecued ribs or fried chicken.

What to buy: If you’d like a tart contrast to the sweet poppy seed dressing, choose all Granny Smith apples for the slaw, but if you prefer sweeter flavors, choose all Fuji apples. We liked the salad best with one of each.

Game plan: This salad can be made up to 1 day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

This recipe was featured as part of our Chunky, Unusual Summer Salads. This recipe also fits nicely as part of a Thanksgiving feast, made with fresh apples alongside other non-traditional dishes such as our Oyster Stuffing.

  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Total: 40 mins

Ingredients (10)

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
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/3 cup small-dice red onion (about 1/4 medium onion)

For the coleslaw:

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

Instructions

For the dressing:

  1. Place the vinegar, honey, mustard, poppy seeds, and salt in a large, nonreactive bowl, season with pepper, and whisk to combine. While whisking constantly, slowly add the oil until all of it is incorporated. Add the onion, stir to combine, and set aside.

For the coleslaw:

  1. Wash and dry the kale. Cut out and discard the tough stems. Arrange the leaves into stacks, slice crosswise into 1/4-inch ribbons, and add to the bowl with the dressing. Core the apples, cut them into 1-1/2-inch-long matchsticks, and add to the bowl. Toss to combine. Let the coleslaw sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature and up to 1 day in the refrigerator for the flavors to meld. Toss again before serving.