Crunchy Apple Walnut Slaw

Featured in: Chili Infusions

This vibrant slaw combines crisp julienned apples with shredded green and red cabbage, grated carrot, and thinly sliced green onions to create a crunchy base. The dressing of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard adds a smooth tangy finish. Toasted walnuts bring an earthy crunch, complemented by crumbled blue cheese for a creamy, bold flavor. Enjoy chilled or fresh as a refreshing, easy-to-prepare salad alternative.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 09:12:00 GMT
Crisp Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw: A beautiful slaw with blue cheese and toasted walnuts, ready to enjoy. Save
Crisp Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw: A beautiful slaw with blue cheese and toasted walnuts, ready to enjoy. | pepperplume.com

A vibrant, tangy slaw featuring crisp apples, toasted walnuts, and creamy blue cheese, perfect as a refreshing side or light lunch.

This dish quickly became a favorite for its crunchy texture and bold flavors shared at our family gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium crisp apples: julienned (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 2 cups (150 g) shredded green cabbage:
  • 1 cup (75 g) shredded red cabbage:
  • 1 medium carrot: peeled and grated
  • 2 green onions: thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) walnuts: roughly chopped and lightly toasted
  • 3 oz (85 g) blue cheese: crumbled
  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise:
  • 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt:
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar:
  • 1 tbsp honey:
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard:
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbages, apples, carrot, and green onions.
Step 2:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 3:
Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4:
Gently fold in the toasted walnuts and most of the blue cheese, reserving a little for garnish.
Step 5:
Transfer to a serving platter or bowl, sprinkle with the remaining blue cheese, and serve immediately or cover and chill for up to 2 hours to let the flavors meld.
Fresh Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw, loaded with vibrant red cabbage, offers a satisfying crunch and flavor. Save
Fresh Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw, loaded with vibrant red cabbage, offers a satisfying crunch and flavor. | pepperplume.com

We enjoy sharing this slaw during weekend lunches, often pairing it with grilled chicken or sandwiches for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

This slaw pairs wonderfully with crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a hard apple cider for a refreshing experience.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within two days to preserve freshness and crunch.

Variations

For extra crunch, add thinly sliced celery or fennel. Feel free to customize nuts or cheeses based on preference.

This photo presents a delicious, flavorful bowl of Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw with a creamy, rich dressing. Save
This photo presents a delicious, flavorful bowl of Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw with a creamy, rich dressing. | pepperplume.com

This slaw is the perfect balance of tart, creamy, and crunchy, making it a delightful addition to any meal.

Recipe FAQ

What type of apples is best for this slaw?

Crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best as they provide a refreshing tartness and firm texture.

Can I substitute walnuts with another nut?

Pecans can be used as a delicious alternative to walnuts, offering a similar crunchy texture and rich flavor.

How should I toast the walnuts?

Lightly toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Is it necessary to chill the slaw before serving?

Chilling for up to 2 hours helps flavors meld but it can also be served immediately for a fresher crunch.

What can I use as a blue cheese substitute?

Goat cheese offers a creamy texture with a milder, tangy taste that pairs well with the other fresh ingredients.

Crunchy Apple Walnut Slaw

A tangy blend of crisp apples, toasted walnuts, and creamy blue cheese for a refreshing side or light lunch.

Prep duration
20 min
0
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Isabella Flores


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Diet considerations Meat-free, No gluten

Components

Vegetables & Fruits

01 2 medium crisp apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), julienned
02 5 cups shredded green cabbage (approximately 5.3 oz)
03 2.5 cups shredded red cabbage (approximately 2.6 oz)
04 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
05 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Nuts & Cheese

01 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped and lightly toasted
02 3 oz blue cheese, crumbled

Dressing

01 3 tbsp mayonnaise
02 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
03 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
04 1 tbsp honey
05 1 tsp Dijon mustard
06 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Phase 01

Combine Vegetables and Fruits: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green and red cabbages, julienned apples, grated carrot, and sliced green onions.

Phase 02

Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended.

Phase 03

Dress the Slaw: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.

Phase 04

Add Nuts and Cheese: Gently fold in the toasted walnuts and most of the crumbled blue cheese, reserving some for garnish.

Phase 05

Serve and Garnish: Transfer the slaw to a serving dish, sprinkle with the remaining blue cheese, and serve immediately or cover and chill up to 2 hours to enhance flavors.

Necessary tools

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Vegetable peeler
  • Grater

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and seek professional health advice if you're uncertain.
  • Contains milk (blue cheese, Greek yogurt), eggs (mayonnaise), and tree nuts (walnuts).
  • Check commercially prepared mayonnaise for mustard or soy allergens.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 265
  • Fats: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Proteins: 7 g