Raw Kale Slaw with BBQ Walnut Crumble

Months ago I came across an amazing recipe for Kale Slaw with Barbecue Walnut Crumble by Natalia KW that was posted on Veg News. I knew I had to make it for me and J and I'm so glad I did. It was the perfect summer meal which we enjoyed outside on a hot day. I realize it's no longer summer (heck there's even a bit of snow on the ground here), but this is a hearty kale salad that can be enjoyed any time of year. Don't like kale? This is the perfect salad to ease your way into eating more kale! It's covered in a creamy, tangy mayo and topped with a smoky walnut crumble.

Kale Slaw with Barbecue Walnut Crumble

Kale slaw

3 cups shredded cabbage
2-1/2 cups shredded kale
1 cup shredded carrot
1/4 cup thinly sliced sweet onion
1/4 teaspoon celery seed

Mayo

1/3 cup raw cashews, soaked for 1 hour, drained, and rinsed
1/3 cup raw sunflower seeds, soaked for 4 hours, drained, and rinsed
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon maple syrup
3/4 teaspoon salt

Barbecue walnut crumble

5 sundried tomatoes, soaked for 2 hours, drained, and rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground chipotle
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups raw walnuts
1 tablespoon minced sweet onion

For kale slaw, in a large bowl, toss together all ingredients and set aside.

For the mayo, in a high-speed blender combine all ingredients and blend until very smooth. Pour over the kale slaw and mix well.

For the barbecue walnut crumble, in a food processor, place sundried tomatoes, olive oil, water, maple syrup, vinegar, paprika, chili powder, chipotle, and salt. Process until a smooth paste forms. Add walnuts and pulse to create a crumbly texture. Scrape into a medium bowl and fold in sweet onion.

To serve, divide kale slaw and top with barbecue walnut crumble.

I hope you give this delicious salad a try! Eat it with some raw crackers for a super satisfying meal. 

On another note, I just have to share this picture of the partridges in the crab apple type tree in my parents yard. Aren't they cute?! The photo doesn't do them justice - they are so fun to watch trying to balance on those little tree branches and eat the little apples... they usually end up falling (good thing they can fly so they don't actually fall). Maybe I need to take a video of them. 

Part of Wellness weekend, Healthy Vegan Friday, Slightly Indulgent Tuesday