Crunchy Apple Walnut Slaw

Featured in: Vibrant Salads & Bowls

This vibrant slaw blends crisp julienned apples, shredded green and red cabbage, grated carrot, and sliced green onions. A creamy dressing of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, and mustard adds tangy richness. Toasted walnuts lend crunch, while crumbled blue cheese brings a creamy, sharp contrast. Serve immediately or chilled to meld flavors. Adaptable with pecans or goat cheese, this fresh dish pairs well with grilled chicken or sandwiches for a light, satisfying lunch or side.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:47:00 GMT
Vibrant Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw with Blue Cheese, tossed in a creamy dressing, ready to enjoy. Pin it
Vibrant Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw with Blue Cheese, tossed in a creamy dressing, ready to enjoy. | freshymeals.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 summer gatherings because everyone enjoys the crisp apples paired with the bold 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.
Close-up of fresh Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw with Blue Cheese, perfect side dish for a summer meal. Pin it
Close-up of fresh Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw with Blue Cheese, perfect side dish for a summer meal. | freshymeals.com

This slaw always brings smiles at family picnics and pairs well with grilled dishes.

Serving Suggestions

Try serving this slaw alongside grilled chicken or as a topping on sandwiches for a fresh twist.

Variations

Substitute pecans for walnuts or goat cheese for blue cheese if you prefer a milder taste.

Storage Tips

Store covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for best freshness.

A bowlful of colorful Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw with Blue Cheese, topped with blue cheese crumbles. Pin it
A bowlful of colorful Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw with Blue Cheese, topped with blue cheese crumbles. | freshymeals.com

Enjoy this vibrant slaw as a perfect balance of tart and creamy in every bite.

Recipe FAQs

What apples work best for this slaw?

Crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal to add refreshing tartness and crunch.

Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts?

Pecans can be used as a tasty alternative to walnuts, providing a similar crunchy texture.

How can I make the slaw creamier?

Adjust the balance of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt to achieve your preferred creaminess in the dressing.

Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate for up to 2 hours after tossing to let flavors meld without sacrificing texture.

What are good serving suggestions?

The slaw pairs well with grilled chicken or as a topping for sandwiches, adding fresh crunch and tang.

Can I omit the blue cheese?

Substituting with goat cheese offers a milder creamy flavor while maintaining richness.

Crunchy Apple Walnut Slaw

Bright slaw combining juicy apples, toasted walnuts, and tangy blue cheese in a creamy dressing.

How long to prep
20 min
0
Overall time
20 min
Recipe by Freshymeals Lily Carter

Dish category Vibrant Salads & Bowls

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Makes 4 Serving size

Dietary details Vegetarian option, No gluten

What you need

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

Steps to follow

Step 01

Combine vegetables and fruits: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, 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 pepper until smooth.

Step 03

Coat slaw with dressing: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently to ensure even coating.

Step 04

Fold in 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 to a serving dish, sprinkle with remaining blue cheese, and serve immediately, or cover and chill for up to 2 hours to enhance flavors.

Tools you’ll need

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

Allergy info

Always check each ingredient for allergens and talk to a professional if unsure.
  • Contains milk (blue cheese, Greek yogurt), eggs (mayonnaise), and tree nuts (walnuts). Possible mustard or soy in mayonnaise.

Nutrition info (per portion)

Nutrition details are for reference only, not a substitute for health advice.
  • Calories per serving: 265
  • Fat content: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Protein amount: 7 g