Bacon Blue Cheese Slaw: A Crunchy, Savory Delight
When I first whipped up this Bacon Blue Cheese Slaw, I knew I was onto something special. Imagine crispy, savory bacon mingling with the creamy tang of blue cheese, all wrapped up in a refreshing crunch that sings summer but fits perfectly into any season. This dish packs a protein punch with about 14 grams per serving, making it not just a mouthwatering side but also a satisfying addition to meal prep during those busy weeks. I created this recipe to elevate our lunch game while using leftovers from our weekend cookout—everyone loves bacon, and who can resist that bold blue cheese flavor?
I remember the first time I served this slaw at a family gathering; my teenage son took one bite and exclaimed, “Wow, Mom! This is next-level!” It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, and we were all gathered for a backyard BBQ when I decided to throw together this quick slaw with some leftover bacon from breakfast. The unexpected twist of the blue cheese made it stand out from the usual coleslaw fare, and soon enough, my daughter was back for seconds, asking me if we could have it every week. That moment reminded me how a simple dish can create such joy—and that’s why my family keeps asking for my Bacon Blue Cheese Slaw!
What You’ll Need for Bacon Blue Cheese Slaw
Each ingredient in this dish plays an essential role in flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
4 cups shredded green cabbage: Provides a crunchy base that holds everything together.
1 cup shredded carrots: Adds sweetness and vibrant color to the slaw.
1 cup thinly sliced red onion: Introduces a sharp bite that balances the richness.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: Creates a creamy and smooth dressing to coat the slaw.
1/4 cup buttermilk: Contributes tanginess and lightness to the dressing.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Adds acidity that brightens the overall flavors.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Imparts a subtle heat and depth to the dressing.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a hint of savory flavor without overpowering.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the ingredients, bringing them together harmoniously.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle spice that rounds out the taste.
6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled: Delivers a smoky crunch that elevates every bite.
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese: Introduces bold creaminess with a tangy finish.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh touch and vibrant color as a finishing touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend starting with the slaw base first, as it gives you a chance to prep your vegetables while the dressing comes together smoothly.
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced red onion. This colorful mix not only adds crunch but also provides a vibrant contrast to the blue cheese later. Make sure to toss them well so that everything is evenly distributed. If you prefer a finer texture, you can give everything an extra chop before mixing, but I find that leaving it as is adds great texture to the slaw.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth. It’s important to blend these ingredients thoroughly so that your dressing has a rich and creamy consistency without any lumps. I usually use a standard whisk for this step; it helps incorporate air and creates a lighter dressing. The tanginess from the vinegar will really enhance the flavors of your slaw.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss until well coated. Don’t rush this step—take your time to ensure every bit of cabbage and carrot is evenly dressed. Using tongs or a large spoon works best here; it allows you to gently lift and fold the mixture without bruising your vegetables. You’ll know it’s well-coated when the colors are vibrant and no dry bits remain visible.
Step 4: Fold in the crumbled bacon and blue cheese, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving. The salty crunch of bacon combined with the sharpness of blue cheese elevates this slaw to another level! When adding these toppings, be gentle; you want them mixed in without losing their individual textures. Finish off with some fresh parsley for color—it adds a nice touch visually and brings an extra layer of freshness to each bite.
What to Serve with Bacon Blue Cheese Slaw
This bowl is already incredibly filling and balanced, but these sides add extra variety and nutrition to round out your meal perfectly.
Quinoa and Black Bean Salad: This vibrant salad combines cooked quinoa, black beans, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro, all tossed in a zesty lime vinaigrette. The nutty flavor of quinoa complements the creamy blue cheese in the slaw while adding an excellent source of plant-based protein—about 8 grams per serving. It’s a go-to for my family during summer picnics as it pairs beautifully with the smoky notes of bacon.
Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil create a hearty side dish that balances the crunch of the slaw. The rich flavors from the herbs deepen the overall taste experience and provide healthy fats from the olive oil, making this dish a satisfying addition with about 4 grams of healthy fat per serving. I love to make these potatoes for family dinners when everyone is looking for something warm and comforting.
Avocado Cucumber Salad: A light and refreshing salad featuring diced avocado, cucumber, red onion, and a squeeze of lime juice creates a bright contrast to the richness of the blue cheese slaw. The creamy avocado adds healthy fats while contributing around 3 grams of protein per serving. This simple salad is perfect for meal prep; I often whip it up on Sundays to have ready for quick lunches throughout the week.
Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy mashed sweet potatoes seasoned with sea salt and a hint of cinnamon offer a naturally sweet complement to the savory bacon blue cheese slaw. With around 2 grams of protein and an impressive amount of vitamin A, this side not only adds nutrients but also a delightful texture that contrasts nicely with the crunchy slaw. My kids love this mash, making it an easy sell at dinner time!
Storage & Serving Tips
Store your Bacon Blue Cheese Slaw in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days to maintain freshness. Place the slaw base, which includes the 4 cups of shredded green cabbage, 1 cup of shredded carrots, and 1 cup of thinly sliced red onion, in one container. Keep the dressing—consisting of 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup buttermilk, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper—in another container. Finally, store the crispy bacon (6 slices crumbled), crumbled blue cheese (1/2 cup), and chopped fresh parsley (1/4 cup) in small containers to ensure they stay fresh and crunchy.
When reheating, it’s best to keep components separate to preserve texture. The slaw base can be enjoyed cold or allowed to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. For the bacon topping, if you want it warm, place it on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving the bacon as it makes it soft and chewy. The dressing should be added fresh right before serving; do not reheat it as it may separate.
Pro tip: To batch cook this recipe for the week, consider doubling the ingredients on Sunday and dividing them into meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Family members can self-assemble their own bowls by mixing slaw with dressing and adding their preferred toppings. For variety throughout the week, swap out green cabbage for kale or add some diced apples for sweetness along with the carrots and onions. To keep your blue cheese at its best during meal prep storage, store it separately until you’re ready to serve to maintain its creamy texture and flavor.
Conclusion
This Bacon Blue Cheese Slaw has become one of those recipes I make at least twice a month because it’s genuinely easy, packed with flavor, and delivers 320 calories per serving without sacrificing taste. The combination of crispy bacon and tangy blue cheese elevates this slaw beyond typical side dishes, making it a standout on any table. Give this one a try this week. I promise it’ll become a regular rotation meal in your house too.
Bacon Blue Cheese Slaw
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, and red onion.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss until well coated.
- Fold in the crumbled bacon and blue cheese, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
