Crunchy Apple Walnut Slaw

Featured in: Quick Flavor Pops

This vibrant slaw combines julienned crisp apples and a mix of green and red cabbage with grated carrot and sliced green onions. A creamy dressing of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard ties the flavors together. Toasted walnuts add crunch while crumbled blue cheese provides a rich, tangy finish. Serve chilled or immediately as a refreshing side or light lunch with crisp beverage pairings.

Optional additions include sliced celery or fennel for extra texture, or substituting pecans or goat cheese. This easy, gluten-free, vegetarian salad balances fresh fruit, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese in a delightful harmony suitable for any casual meal.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:46:00 GMT
Fresh, crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw with vibrant colors and creamy blue cheese crumbles, ready to serve. Save
Fresh, crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw with vibrant colors and creamy blue cheese crumbles, ready to serve. | fizznib.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 its balance of textures and flavors on a busy weeknight.

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 reminds me of the first time I shared it at a family picnic where everyone asked for seconds.

Notes

For extra crunch, add thinly sliced celery or fennel. Delicious with grilled chicken or as a topping for sandwiches.

Required Tools

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

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 265 calories, 19 g total fat, 19 g carbohydrates, 7 g protein.

A close-up of the finished Apple & Walnut Slaw, showcasing crisp apple slices and toasted walnuts. Save
A close-up of the finished Apple & Walnut Slaw, showcasing crisp apple slices and toasted walnuts. | fizznib.com

This crunchy apple & walnut slaw is a quick and tasty way to brighten any meal.

Cooking Guide

What apples work best for this slaw?

Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to add a refreshing crunch and balanced acidity.

Can I substitute the walnuts in this dish?

Pecans make a great alternative for walnuts, offering a similar texture and rich flavor.

How should the slaw dressing be stored?

Keep the dressing refrigerated in an airtight container and use within 2 days for best freshness.

Is it better to serve this slaw immediately or chilled?

Both options work well; chilling for up to 2 hours allows flavors to meld, while immediate serving ensures maximum crunch.

What beverages pair well with this apple and walnut dish?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a hard apple cider complements the tangy and nutty flavors beautifully.

Crunchy Apple Walnut Slaw

Tangy slaw with crisp apples, toasted walnuts, and creamy blue cheese, perfect as a refreshing side.

Setup duration
20 min
0
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Chloe Bennett


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Categories Meat-Free, No Gluten

Components

Vegetables & Fruits

01 2 medium crisp apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), julienned
02 5 1/4 cups shredded green cabbage (150 g)
03 2 1/2 cups shredded red cabbage (75 g)
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 (60 g)
02 3 oz blue cheese, crumbled (85 g)

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

Method

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: 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

Incorporate nuts and cheese: Gently fold in the toasted walnuts and most of the crumbled blue cheese, reserving a small amount for garnish.

Phase 05

Serve or chill: Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with reserved blue cheese, and serve immediately or cover and chill for up to 2 hours to enhance flavor melding.

Kitchen Tools

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

Sensitivity Guide

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains milk (blue cheese, Greek yogurt), eggs (mayonnaise), and tree nuts (walnuts). Check mayonnaise label for mustard or soy allergens.

Dietary Information (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 265
  • Fats: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Proteins: 7 g