Buttermilk Ranch Slaw with Millionaire Bacon Crumbles

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, tangy buttermilk ranch slaw accented with sweet and smoky millionaire bacon crumbles for a unique BBQ side. This bbq & smoked-inspired salads ready in about 30 minutes pairs shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrot into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 BBQ & Smoked cuisine 180 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange 4 slices millionaire bacon on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until caramelized and crisp. Remove and chop bacon into small crumbles.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups shredded green cabbage, 2 cups shredded red cabbage, and 1 cup shredded carrot.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup buttermilk ranch dressing, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the vegetables. Toss until well coated and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Gently fold in the chopped millionaire bacon crumbles, mixing evenly without crushing the bacon.
  5. Step 5: Chill the slaw in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve as a refreshing side to BBQ sandwiches or grilled meats.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Buttermilk Ranch Slaw with Millionaire Bacon Crumbles take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Buttermilk Ranch Slaw with Millionaire Bacon Crumbles?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep shredded green cabbage from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Buttermilk Ranch Slaw with Millionaire Bacon Crumbles?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Buttermilk Ranch Slaw with Millionaire Bacon Crumbles for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Buttermilk Ranch Slaw with Millionaire Bacon Crumbles?

BBQ & Smoked salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes