There’s something to be said about a crunchy slaw. The different textures and flavors complement each other, and the uniform ingredient cuts make for a great eating experience. A slaw can go awry if you mix together the wrong ingredients. For example, you don’t want ingredients that will wilt because the beauty of slaws is that they can keep for a day or so after you dress them.

Cabbage holds up from one day to the next because of its sturdy, crunchy texture. It differs from your average lettuce in that way. Kale is another green that can hold up from one day to the next, so you have the option of including kale in this slaw if you desire. You don’t just want bitter greens in the slaw; rather, you need a sweet component, which is where the pear enters the equation. When you choose a pear, make sure that it is relatively firm. While softer pears offer a sweeter flavor profile, they may not hold up as well in the slaw. Firmer pears that have a sweet yet tart flavor hold up better in slaws.

Could the slaw be complete with the standard cabbage, pear, green onion, and cilantro? Yes, but we are extra and wanted to add raw walnuts. In addition to the extra crunch, walnuts help to fill you up with their healthy fats and protein. Plus, their nuttiness works great with the citrusy dressing.