Crunchy Apple Walnut Slaw

Featured in: Quick Everyday Meals

This crunchy apple and walnut slaw blends julienned apples with shredded green and red cabbage, grated carrot, and sliced green onions. A tangy dressing of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard brings brightness. Toasted walnuts and creamy blue cheese add rich texture and flavor, creating a refreshing and lively dish. Ideal for an easy, no-cook preparation, it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a light meal on its own.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:21:00 GMT
Crisp Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw with Blue Cheese presents a refreshing salad with bright colors and textures. Save to Pinterest
Crisp Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw with Blue Cheese presents a refreshing salad with bright colors and textures. | messlitreats.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 family for its crisp texture and the contrast between sweet apples and tangy blue cheese.

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.
This colorful Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw with Blue Cheese showcases crunchy apples and toasted walnuts, ready to enjoy. Save to Pinterest
This colorful Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw with Blue Cheese showcases crunchy apples and toasted walnuts, ready to enjoy. | messlitreats.com

Sharing this slaw at family gatherings always sparks compliments and requests for the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this slaw as a side dish with grilled chicken or as a flavorful topping for sandwiches and burgers.

Storage Tips

Keep the slaw covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add walnuts just before serving to maintain crunch.

Variations

Try adding thinly sliced celery or fennel for extra crunch and freshness. Substitute the dressing with a vinaigrette for a lighter option.

A close-up view of the delicious Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw with Blue Cheese, perfect for a light vegetarian lunch. Save to Pinterest
A close-up view of the delicious Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw with Blue Cheese, perfect for a light vegetarian lunch. | messlitreats.com

This slaw balances sweet, tangy, and savory notes for a refreshing dish you will want to make again and again.

Common Recipe Questions

What type of apples work best for this slaw?

Crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp provide the best texture and flavor contrast in this slaw.

Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts?

Yes, pecans make a great alternative for a similar crunchy, nutty taste.

Is there a way to make the dressing creamier?

Adding more Greek yogurt or mayonnaise can enhance creaminess while balancing the tang.

How long should the slaw chill before serving?

Chilling for up to 2 hours allows flavors to meld and the slaw to develop its full taste.

What dishes pair well with this slaw?

This slaw complements grilled chicken, sandwiches, or as a refreshing side to various main courses.

Crunchy Apple Walnut Slaw

Vibrant slaw with crisp apples, toasted walnuts, blue cheese, and a tangy dressing for a refreshing side or light lunch.

Prep Duration
20 min
0
Overall Duration
20 min
Created by messli Sophie Lane


Skill Required Easy

Cuisine Origin American

Portion Yield 4 People served

Diet Preferences Meat-Free, Free from Gluten

List of Ingredients

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 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

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Dress the slaw: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss thoroughly to coat evenly.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Serve or chill: Transfer to a serving platter or bowl, sprinkle with remaining blue cheese, and serve immediately or refrigerate up to 2 hours to meld flavors.

Kitchen Tools Needed

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

Allergy Warnings

Check all listed ingredients for allergens. Reach out to a healthcare provider if you aren't sure.
  • Contains milk (blue cheese, Greek yogurt), eggs (mayonnaise), and tree nuts (walnuts).
  • Check store-bought mayonnaise for mustard or soy allergens.

Nutrition per serving

Nutritional details are just for your reference. Always talk to a doctor for specific health advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 265
  • Fats: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Proteins: 7 g