Crunchy Apple Walnut Slaw

Featured in: Homemade Treats

This colorful slaw combines crisp apples, shredded green and red cabbage, and grated carrot with a tangy dressing made from apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Toasted walnuts add crunch, while crumbled blue cheese provides creamy depth. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a fresh, easy dish that pairs well with grilled proteins or enjoyed on its own chilled.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:17:00 GMT
A colorful Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw with creamy blue cheese, perfect summer salad. Pin this
A colorful Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw with creamy blue cheese, perfect summer salad. | plumoven.com

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

This slaw became a family favorite after I brought it to a summer picnic and everyone asked for the recipe.

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: 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.
Freshly tossed Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw: crisp apples, toasted walnuts and vibrant vegetables. Pin this
Freshly tossed Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw: crisp apples, toasted walnuts and vibrant vegetables. | plumoven.com

My family loves enjoying this slaw alongside grilled chicken on warm evenings.

Notes

For extra crunch, add thinly sliced celery or fennel. Delicious with grilled chicken or as a topping for sandwiches. Pairs well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or hard apple cider.

Required Tools

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

Nutritional Information

Calories: 265, Total Fat: 19 g, Carbohydrates: 19 g, Protein: 7 g

Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw, ideal for a light lunch. Pin this
Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful Crunchy Apple & Walnut Slaw, ideal for a light lunch. | plumoven.com

This slaw is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy making every bite delightful.

Recipe FAQs

What type of apples work best in this slaw?

Crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp add a fresh, tart balance to the creamy and crunchy elements.

Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts?

Pecans or toasted almonds make excellent alternatives for a similar crunch and nutty flavor.

How should I prepare the dressing for best flavor?

Whisk mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth for a well-balanced, tangy dressing.

Is it better to serve this slaw immediately or chilled?

It can be served right away or chilled up to 2 hours to let the flavors meld and the texture develop.

What are good pairings with this slaw?

This slaw complements grilled chicken, sandwiches, or pairs nicely with a crisp white wine or hard apple cider.

Crunchy Apple Walnut Slaw

Bright and tangy slaw with apples, walnuts, and blue cheese, perfect for a light and crunchy side dish.

Prep time
20 min
0
Total Duration
20 min
Created by Plum Oven Sophie Warren


Level of challenge Easy

Cuisine type American

Servings made 4 Portions

Dietary details Meat-Free, Gluten-Free

Ingredient List

Vegetables & Fruits

01 2 medium crisp apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), julienned
02 5.3 cups shredded green cabbage (150 g)
03 2.6 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

How-To Steps

Step 01

Combine vegetables and fruits: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green and 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

Toss slaw with dressing: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss until evenly coated.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Advisories

Review each item for allergens and talk to your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains milk (blue cheese, Greek yogurt), eggs (mayonnaise), and tree nuts (walnuts).
  • May contain mustard or soy from store-bought mayonnaise.

Nutrition info (per portion)

This nutritional overview is meant for general information. For medical concerns, ask a professional.
  • Caloric Value: 265
  • Fats: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Proteins: 7 g