Pan-Seared Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Apple Cabbage Slaw
Juicy pan-seared pork medallions paired with a crisp, tangy apple and cabbage slaw, creating a bright and satisfying Whole30-friendly dish. This american-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten-free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs divided olive oil, divided sea salt, divided black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, 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, cut into 1-inch thick medallions pork tenderloin
- 2 tbsp, divided olive oil
- 1 tsp, divided sea salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
- 1 medium, julienned green apple
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 medium, peeled and grated carrot
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (Whole30 compliant)
- 1 tsp honey (optional, Whole30 compliant)
- 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. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork and sear for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to rest.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine 1 julienned green apple, 2 cups shredded green cabbage, and 1 grated carrot.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp Whole30-compliant Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey (optional), remaining 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp olive oil until emulsified.
- Step 4: Pour dressing over apple-cabbage mixture and toss well to coat evenly. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
- Step 5: Serve pork medallions alongside a generous portion of the apple cabbage slaw for a balanced, fresh Whole30 meal.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Apple Cabbage 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 Tenderloin Medallions with Apple Cabbage 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Apple Cabbage 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 Tenderloin Medallions with Apple Cabbage Slaw for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Tenderloin Medallions with Apple Cabbage Slaw whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten-free, dairy-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.