Crunchy Apple Walnut Slaw

Featured in: Healthy Easy Plates

This dish blends crisp julienned apples with shredded red and green cabbage, grated carrot, and green onions to create a vibrant slaw. A creamy dressing of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard brings tang and balance. Toasted walnuts add crunch while crumbled blue cheese contributes a creamy, sharp bite. Serve chilled or immediately for a fresh, flavorful option perfect as a light lunch or side.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:53:00 GMT
Fresh Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw with blue cheese, ready to serve in a bright, colorful bowl. Pin it
Fresh Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw with blue cheese, ready to serve in a bright, colorful bowl. | smartyskitchen.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 family favorite for summer gatherings and light meals at home.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium crisp apples: julienned (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 2 cups shredded green cabbage: 150 g
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage: 75 g
  • 1 medium carrot: peeled and grated
  • 2 green onions: thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup walnuts: roughly chopped and lightly toasted (60 g)
  • 3 oz blue cheese: crumbled (85 g)
  • 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.
This refreshing Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw combines crisp apples, walnuts, and creamy blue cheese, perfect bite. Pin it
This refreshing Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw combines crisp apples, walnuts, and creamy blue cheese, perfect bite. | smartyskitchen.com

My family enjoys sharing this slaw during weekend picnics and casual dinners.

Serving Suggestions

Pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or as a topping for sandwiches for a complete meal.

Variations

Try substituting pecans for walnuts or goat cheese for blue cheese to alter the flavor profile.

Wine Pairing

This slaw goes well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or hard apple cider, enhancing the tangy notes.

A close-up of the finished Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw, showcasing the fresh, vibrant, veggie ingredients. Pin it
A close-up of the finished Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw, showcasing the fresh, vibrant, veggie ingredients. | smartyskitchen.com

This slaw is a refreshing addition to any meal and can be prepared quickly for busy days.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I substitute the blue cheese with another cheese?

Yes, goat cheese or feta pair well if you prefer a milder or tangier flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

How do I achieve extra crunch in this dish?

Adding thinly sliced celery or fennel enhances crunchiness and adds fresh, aromatic notes to the slaw.

Is it better to serve this slaw immediately or chilled?

Serving chilled lets the flavors meld, creating a more harmonious taste, but it can be enjoyed immediately for a crisp, fresh texture.

Can I prepare the walnuts differently for better flavor?

Lightly toasting the walnuts enhances their nuttiness and adds a pleasant crunch to the dish.

What drinks complement this apple and walnut blend?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or hard apple cider pairs wonderfully, balancing the tangy and creamy elements.

Crunchy Apple Walnut Slaw

A tangy blend of apples, walnuts, cabbage, and blue cheese for a crisp, refreshing salad.

Prep Time
20 min
0
Overall Time
20 min
Created by Emily Scott


Skill Level Easy

Culinary Roots American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Details Vegetarian-Friendly, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Vegetables & Fruits

01 2 medium crisp apples (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 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

Step 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.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Dress the slaw: Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss to evenly coat all ingredients.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Serve or chill: Transfer the slaw to a serving dish, sprinkle remaining blue cheese on top, and serve immediately or cover and refrigerate up to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Info

Review each item for allergens and reach out to a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains milk (blue cheese, Greek yogurt), eggs (mayonnaise), and tree nuts (walnuts).
  • May contain mustard or soy allergens depending on mayonnaise brand.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Info for reference only. Always check with your doctor for health guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 265
  • Fats: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Proteins: 7 g