Pan-Seared Pork Tenderloin with Apple Cabbage Slaw
Juicy pork tenderloin pan-seared to perfection paired with a crisp, tangy apple and cabbage slaw for a fresh Whole30-friendly meal. This whole30-inspired pork (whole30) ready in about 25 minutes pairs sea salt, black pepper, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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
- 1.5 lbs, trimmed and sliced into 1-inch medallions pork tenderloin
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups, thinly sliced green cabbage
- 1 large, cored and julienned apple
- 1 large, peeled and shredded carrot
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp (omit if strictly Whole30) honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for slaw)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (for slaw)
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin medallions with 1 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1 tsp black pepper evenly on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork medallions and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and an internal temperature of 145°F is reached. Remove pork from skillet and let rest.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups thinly sliced green cabbage, 1 large julienned apple, and 1 large shredded carrot.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey (optional), 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 5: Pour dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well to coat. Serve pork medallions alongside the apple cabbage slaw immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Pork Tenderloin 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 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 sea salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Tenderloin 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 with Apple Cabbage 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 Tenderloin with Apple Cabbage 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.
