Grilled Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Apple Slaw

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

A smoky grilled pork tenderloin rubbed with Cajun spices pairs beautifully with a crisp apple and cabbage slaw dressed in tangy vinaigrette. This Southern American-inspired pork recipe (low carb), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs pork tenderloin, olive oil, Cajun seasoning for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Rub 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin all over with 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, pressing to adhere.
  2. Step 2: Place the pork on the grill and cook for 15-18 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until an internal temperature of 145°F is reached. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: While pork is grilling, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 large julienned granny smith apple, and 1 medium shredded carrot in a large bowl.
  4. Step 4: Whisk together 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a small bowl.
  5. Step 5: Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
  6. Step 6: Slice the rested pork tenderloin into 1/2-inch medallions and serve alongside the apple slaw for a bright contrast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Apple Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Apple Slaw?

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 pork tenderloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Apple Slaw?

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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Apple Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

Is Grilled Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Apple Slaw low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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