Pan-Seared Pork Medallions with Apple and Fennel Slaw
Tender pork medallions pan-seared and paired with a crisp, tangy slaw of apple, fennel, and carrot dressed in a citrus vinaigrette, perfect for a Whole30 lunch or dinner. This american-inspired whole30 (whole30) ready in about 25 minutes pairs divided sea salt, divided black pepper, divided olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, sliced into 1-inch medallions pork tenderloin
- 1 tsp, divided sea salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
- 2 tbsp, divided olive oil
- 1 small, thinly sliced fennel bulb
- 1 medium, julienned green apple
- 1 large, shredded carrot
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (Whole30 approved)
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 1 lb pork tenderloin medallions evenly with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork medallions and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to 145°F internal temperature. Remove from skillet and tent with foil to rest.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine 1 small thinly sliced fennel bulb, 1 medium julienned green apple, and 1 large shredded carrot.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Whole30-approved Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Slowly whisk in 1 tbsp olive oil to emulsify.
- Step 5: Pour vinaigrette over the apple-fennel-carrot mixture and toss gently to coat. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
- Step 6: Serve pork medallions alongside the crisp apple and fennel slaw.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Pork Medallions with Apple and Fennel Slaw take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Pan-Seared Pork Medallions with Apple and Fennel 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 divided sea salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Medallions with Apple and Fennel 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 Pan-Seared Pork Medallions with Apple and Fennel 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 Pan-Seared Pork Medallions with Apple and Fennel Slaw whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.