Crunchy Apple Walnut Slaw

Featured in: Lunch Box

This crunchy apple and walnut slaw blends crisp julienned apples with shredded green and red cabbage, grated carrot, and sliced green onions. A dressing of mayo, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard brings bright tanginess, while toasted walnuts and crumbled blue cheese add depth and texture. Ideal as a refreshing side or light lunch, this slaw can be served immediately or chilled to meld flavors. Variations include adding celery or fennel for extra crunch or swapping nuts and cheese to suit preferences.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:19:00 GMT
Vibrant Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw with Blue Cheese, ready to serve with creamy crumbles and toasted walnuts. Save
Vibrant Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw with Blue Cheese, ready to serve with creamy crumbles and toasted walnuts. | nachohaha.com

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

I love making this slaw for warm days because it brings together bold flavors and crunchy textures that my family enjoys.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium crisp apples: such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, julienned
  • 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: 60 g, roughly chopped and lightly toasted
  • 3 oz blue cheese: 85 g, 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.
A refreshing bowl of Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw, showcasing crisp apple slices and crumbled blue cheese. Save
A refreshing bowl of Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw, showcasing crisp apple slices and crumbled blue cheese. | nachohaha.com

This slaw is a staple at our family picnics, where everyone enjoys its refreshing crunch and tangy dressing.

Pairing Suggestions

Pairs well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or hard apple cider to complement the tangy blue cheese and apple flavors.

Variations

Substitute pecans for walnuts or goat cheese for blue cheese if preferred for a different flavor profile.

Serving Tips

Delicious with grilled chicken or as a topping for sandwiches to add texture and flavor.

Close-up of the delicious Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw, highlighting the textures and vibrant colors. Save
Close-up of the delicious Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw, highlighting the textures and vibrant colors. | nachohaha.com

This slaw is a refreshing dish that can easily brighten your meal anytime.

Recipe FAQ

What type of apples work best for this slaw?

Firm, crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp provide the ideal balance of tartness and texture.

Can I substitute the blue cheese with another cheese?

Yes, creamy cheeses like goat cheese offer a milder alternative while maintaining richness.

How should the walnuts be prepared?

Lightly toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.

Is it necessary to chill the slaw before serving?

Chilling for up to two hours allows the flavors to meld but it can also be served immediately for a fresher bite.

What can I add for extra crunch?

Thinly sliced celery or fennel are excellent additions to increase crunchiness.

What dressings are used in this slaw?

A mix of mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard creates a creamy, tangy dressing.

Crunchy Apple Walnut Slaw

A tangy mix of julienned apples, toasted walnuts, and creamy blue cheese in a crisp cabbage slaw.

Prep duration
20 min
0
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Carlos Vega

Type Lunch Box

Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements Meat-free, No gluten

Components

Vegetables & Fruits

01 2 medium crisp apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), julienned
02 5.3 cups shredded green cabbage (150 g)
03 2.7 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

Directions

Phase 01

Combine Vegetables and Fruits: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded green and red cabbage, 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.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Serve: Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle reserved blue cheese on top, and serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to meld flavors.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're concerned about specific ingredients.
  • Contains milk (blue cheese, Greek yogurt), eggs (mayonnaise), and tree nuts (walnuts).
  • Check store-bought 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