Crunchy Apple Walnut Slaw

Featured in: Fresh & Healthy

This slaw blends julienned crisp apples, shredded green and red cabbage, grated carrot, and sliced green onions for a crunchy base. A creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard adds tang and sweetness. Toasted walnuts bring warmth and texture, while crumbled blue cheese provides a rich, creamy finish. Perfect chilled or served immediately, this vibrant dish makes a refreshing side or light lunch option that pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or sandwiches.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 13:09:00 GMT
Fresh, crisp Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw with blue cheese, a refreshing side salad ready to enjoy. Pin
Fresh, crisp Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw with blue cheese, a refreshing side salad ready to enjoy. | grillandbites.com

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

This slaw quickly became a favorite in my household for its perfect balance of tart and creamy flavors.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium crisp apples: such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, julienned
  • 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.
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This recipe often brings my family together during weekend lunch, enjoying its crisp freshness and delightful flavors.

Notes

Delicious with grilled chicken or as a topping for sandwiches. Pairs well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or hard apple cider.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, small bowl, whisk, chefs knife, cutting board, vegetable peeler, grater

Allergen Information

Contains milk (blue cheese, Greek yogurt), eggs (mayonnaise), and tree nuts (walnuts). If using store-bought mayonnaise, check for potential mustard or soy allergens. Always double-check labels to ensure ingredients meet your dietary needs.

A close-up of finished Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw, showing glistening apples, walnuts, and creamy blue cheese. Pin
A close-up of finished Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw, showing glistening apples, walnuts, and creamy blue cheese. | grillandbites.com

This crunchy apple and walnut slaw makes a refreshing addition to any meal that’s easy to prepare and full of vibrant flavors.

Recipe FAQ

What types of apples work best?

Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are ideal for their crisp texture and balanced tartness, which complement the slaw's flavors well.

Can I substitute the walnuts?

Pecans can be used as an alternative to walnuts for a slightly different nutty flavor without sacrificing crunch.

Is there a way to make the dressing tangier?

Increasing the amount of apple cider vinegar or adding a splash of lemon juice enhances the tanginess of the dressing.

How should I store leftovers?

Keep the slaw covered in the refrigerator and consume within two days for optimal freshness and texture.

What pairs well with this slaw?

This slaw complements grilled meats, sandwiches, or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc and makes a refreshing side dish.

Crunchy Apple Walnut Slaw

Crisp apples, toasted walnuts, and tangy blue cheese combine for a refreshing, flavorful slaw.

Prep duration
20 min
0
Overall duration
20 min


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements Vegetarian, No gluten

Components

Vegetables & Fruits

01 2 medium crisp apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), julienned
02 2 cups shredded green cabbage
03 1 cup shredded red cabbage
04 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
05 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Nuts & Cheese

01 ½ 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 Apples: In a large bowl, mix shredded green and red cabbage, julienned apples, grated carrot, and sliced green onions until evenly distributed.

Phase 02

Prepare Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.

Phase 03

Dress the Slaw: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure even coating.

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 or Chill: Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with remaining blue cheese, and serve immediately or cover and refrigerate up to 2 hours for flavors to meld.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult healthcare providers if you're uncertain about any components.
  • Contains milk (blue cheese, Greek yogurt), eggs (mayonnaise), and tree nuts (walnuts). Check labels for mustard or soy allergens if using store-bought mayonnaise.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

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