Welcome to your new favorite side dish: an incredibly vibrant and flavorful paleo coleslaw that perfectly marries creamy, tangy, savory, and sweet notes in every bite. This isn’t just any coleslaw; it’s a culinary masterpiece that’s surprisingly easy to assemble, offering a delightful crunch and a burst of complex flavors. Imagine crispy, savory bacon bits mingling with the crisp sweetness of fresh apples, all bound together by a luscious, zesty dressing. It’s a harmonious blend designed to tantalize your taste buds and elevate any meal.
For those seeking the ultimate accompaniment for slow-cooked meats, particularly succulent pulled pork, your search ends here. We recently paired this coleslaw with our tender, juicy pulled pork, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. The slight acidity and freshness of the slaw cut through the richness of the pork, creating an unparalleled flavor experience. Each forkful, laden with a bit of the creamy coleslaw and a generous portion of pulled pork, offered a perfect balance. Our plates were clean in record time, and the only logical solution was, of course, to go back for more! This vibrant salad doesn’t just complement; it transforms a simple meal into an unforgettable feast.
Beyond its exceptional taste, this paleo coleslaw with apples and bacon stands out for its versatility and health-conscious appeal. It’s a dish that effortlessly fits into a paleo lifestyle, being naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, without compromising on flavor or satisfaction. The combination of ingredients creates a side dish that feels indulgent yet remains light and invigorating. It’s an ideal choice for your next barbecue, potluck, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with a fresh, wholesome, and incredibly tasty offering. What’s more, its flavors deepen and meld beautifully overnight in the refrigerator, making it an excellent candidate for advance preparation. Whip it up the day before your event, and let the magic of flavor development happen while you relax.
Pin Recipe
Leave a Review
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped into savory bacon bits
- 1 head of cabbage, roughly chopped for varied texture (we recommend using 1/2 head each of vibrant green and red cabbage for a visually appealing and flavorful mix)
- 2 apples, julienned for sweet crunch and a hint of tartness. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are excellent choices.
- 3 carrots, grated to add natural sweetness and vibrant color
- 1 avocado, mashed until creamy, providing a rich, healthy fat base for the dressing
- 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard, for its signature tangy kick
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, contributing to the dressing’s silky texture and healthy fats
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, for a bright, acidic tang that balances the rich flavors
- 1 Tsp black pepper, freshly ground for optimal flavor
- salt, to taste (we recommend starting with a pinch and adjusting as needed)
Instructions
-
Begin by cooking your bacon slices until they are wonderfully crispy. Once cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess fat. Allow the bacon to cool completely, then chop it into small, irresistible bacon bits. This cooling step ensures maximum crispness in your coleslaw.
-
While the bacon is cooking and cooling, prepare your fresh vegetables and fruit. Roughly chop the cabbage, ensuring pieces are bite-sized. Julienne the apples into thin, matchstick-like pieces, and grate your carrots. Combine all of these prepared ingredients in a large mixing bowl, making sure there’s plenty of room to toss everything together later.
-
In a separate, medium-sized bowl, mash the ripe avocado until it forms a smooth, creamy paste. This mashed avocado will be the luscious base of your dressing, providing a rich texture and healthy fats without the need for traditional mayonnaise.
-
To the bowl with the mashed avocado, add the remaining dressing ingredients: the cooked bacon bits, tangy Dijon mustard, high-quality extra virgin olive oil, crisp apple cider vinegar, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until the dressing is well combined and smooth. Then, pour this creamy dressing over the cabbage, apple, and carrot mixture in the large bowl.
-
Using large tongs or your hands (gloved, if preferred), gently but thoroughly mix all the ingredients in the large bowl. Ensure that every piece of cabbage, apple, and carrot is evenly coated with the rich, creamy avocado dressing. Once mixed, taste the coleslaw and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt and pepper if desired, until it reaches your perfect flavor balance.
-
This paleo coleslaw is fantastic served immediately, offering a fresh and vibrant taste. However, for an even deeper, more complex flavor profile, we highly recommend allowing it to sit in the refrigerator overnight. This chilling period allows all the incredible flavors to meld and develop, making the coleslaw truly exceptional the next day. Simply cover it tightly and store it in the fridge until ready to serve.
Last Step:
Please leave a star rating and comment to let us know how you liked this recipe! Your ratings and reviews help our business grow, thank you!
Salad, Side Dish
Justin + Erica Winn
American
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @realsimplegood with hashtag #realsimplegood on Instagram. We love to see what you make!
Tips for the Best Paleo Coleslaw Experience
Crafting the perfect paleo coleslaw with apples and bacon is all about balance and freshness. Here are a few additional tips to ensure your coleslaw is always a hit:
- Choose Your Cabbage Wisely: While any cabbage will work, combining green and red cabbage not only adds a beautiful visual appeal but also introduces subtle differences in texture and flavor. Red cabbage tends to be a bit firmer and earthier, while green cabbage is typically sweeter and more tender.
- Apple Selection: For apples, varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji offer a fantastic sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with the savory bacon and tangy dressing. If you prefer a tarter note, a Granny Smith apple would be an excellent choice. Ensure they are fresh and firm for the best julienning results.
- Perfect Bacon Bits: The key to irresistible bacon bits is cooking them to a perfect crispness and allowing them to cool completely before chopping. This prevents them from becoming chewy in the coleslaw and maximizes their delightful crunch.
- Dressing Consistency: If your avocado isn’t quite ripe enough to mash smoothly, a quick pulse in a food processor with the other dressing ingredients can help achieve that creamy consistency. You can also add a tablespoon of water or extra apple cider vinegar if you prefer a thinner dressing.
- Make Ahead Advantage: As mentioned, this coleslaw truly shines the next day. The flavors deepen, and the cabbage softens slightly, creating a more cohesive and intensely flavored dish. If preparing in advance, ensure it’s stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Variations to Customize Your Coleslaw
While the classic paleo coleslaw with apples and bacon is phenomenal on its own, don’t hesitate to experiment with variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand:
- Add Nuts or Seeds: For an extra layer of crunch and healthy fats, consider tossing in a handful of toasted pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds.
- Herbal Freshness: Fresh herbs like chopped parsley, cilantro, or chives can add a wonderful aromatic dimension to the coleslaw. Add them just before serving for maximum vibrancy.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce in the dressing can introduce a subtle heat, especially if you enjoy a little kick with your meals.
- Other Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate other paleo-friendly vegetables. Thinly sliced bell peppers (red or yellow for color), finely chopped celery, or even some shredded broccoli stems could be fantastic additions.
- Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a slightly sweeter dressing, you can add a small amount of a paleo-friendly sweetener like maple syrup or honey (if you consume it) to the dressing, though the apples provide ample natural sweetness.
Why Choose Paleo Coleslaw?
Embracing a paleo diet often means prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods, and this coleslaw perfectly embodies that philosophy. It’s not just about what you cut out, but what incredible, nutrient-dense ingredients you bring in. This recipe is a testament to how flavorful and satisfying paleo eating can be, offering numerous benefits:
- Nutrient-Rich: Cabbage, carrots, and apples are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, supporting digestive health and overall well-being. Avocado provides healthy monounsaturated fats, essential for nutrient absorption and satiety.
- Naturally Gluten and Dairy-Free: Ideal for those with sensitivities or who simply prefer to avoid gluten and dairy. The avocado-based dressing offers a creamy texture without any dairy.
- Balanced Macronutrients: With protein from bacon, healthy fats from avocado and olive oil, and carbohydrates from vegetables and fruit, this coleslaw offers a well-rounded nutritional profile, keeping you full and energized.
- Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients: Many ingredients in this coleslaw, such as olive oil, apples, and various vegetables, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to a healthier lifestyle.
This paleo coleslaw with apples and bacon isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to explore vibrant flavors and wholesome eating. It’s a dish that proves healthy food can be incredibly delicious, easy to make, and a definite crowd-pleaser. Enjoy preparing and sharing this delightful creation!