Want to take your classic coleslaw to the next level? This BLT Coleslaw with Bleu Cheese Crumbles is creamy and has all the fixings of a BLT combined to make the most deliciously easy side dish! If you omit the bleu cheese it is Paleo and Whole30 friendly! If you love coleslaw like we do you will want to check out some of my other slaws like this Purple Cabbage Coleslaw with Apples and Cinnamon or this Summer Slaw or how about a Classic Coleslaw. Take a peek as there are other slaws too!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
You will love how easy it is make this recipe using prepackaged coleslaw mix! It tastes just like a delicious BLT but without the carbs from bread. The bleu cheese crumbles takes it up a notch and adds the perfect amount of creamy goodness to the crunchy slaw and crispy bacon. It makes the perfect side dish for grilled steak, burgers or chicken.
Ingredients You Will Need
Coleslaw: I used pre shredded organic coleslaw mix to make it even easier to prepare this slaw.
Bacon: You can use any bacon of your choice but if you want to keep this recipe Paleo and Whole30 friendly be sure to purchase sugar free and uncured bacon.
Cherry Tomatoes: I prefer cherry or grape tomatoes for the sweetness they add to the slaw.
Red Onion: Red onion adds a crunchy texture and bold flavor, elevating salads with its zesty kick.
Bleu Cheese: Blue cheese is a wide range of cheeses made with the addition of cultures of edible molds which creates bluish green spots or veins through the cheese. Today the natural mold is refined and used for almost all blue cheeses. I prefer a good Stilton for extra tang and flavor and it will not fall apart in the salad. You will want to omit this to keep the dish Paleo and Whole30 friendly.
Avocado Oil Mayonnaise: This mayo is made from avocado oil, unlike many common mayos crafted with other oils and offers a unique creamy texture and a healthier fat profile.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar, a type of vinegar made from fermented apple juice, adds a tangy acidity and fruity undertones to dishes like a summer slaw, enhancing its flavor with a refreshing kick.
Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard not only imparts a subtle tanginess but also adds a vinegary note to compliment the sweetness from the tomatoes and the saltiness of the bacon.
Medjool Date Syrup: Incorporating Medjool date syrup provides a natural sweetness, as these fresh fruits impart a rich, caramel-like flavor.
Celery Seed: Celery seeds are tiny, dark brown seeds from the celery plant. They have a stronger flavor than celery and are perfect for adding to crunchy salads.
Salt and Pepper: Salt enhances and balances flavors, while ground black pepper adds a gentle heat, improving the overall flavor of a dish.
Instructions
Prepare the bacon: Cook your bacon and drain on plate with paper towels on it and then crumble and set aside.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl add all of the dressing ingredients and whisk well.
Prepare the salad ingredients: Dice your onions and cut the cherry tomatoes in half
Make the coleslaw: In a large bowl add all of the coleslaw ingredients except for the bleu cheese crumbles and toss well.
Dress the salad: Pour dressing over the slaw mixing well to be sure all of the slaw is coated with the dressing.
Crumble the bleu cheese: Top with bleu cheese crumbles just before serving, tossing once more. Note, if you prepare the salad a day ahead, keep the bleu cheese crumbles separate and toss in just before serving.
Enjoy!
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Buy pre shredded coleslaw: Save yourself a lot of time by buying coleslaw that is already shredded. Be sure to find one that has carrots in it as well.
Make this BLT Coleslaw ahead of time: Having company and want to spend time with them instead of in the kitchen? Go ahead and prepare this salad a day ahead of time. Add the bleu cheese crumbles in the day of, toss and serve!
Recipe Variations
Not a fan of Bleu Cheese: You can omit the bleu cheese altogether and the salad is still quite delicious or try feta or even crumbled goat cheese.
Red onion: If you don’t have red onions on had you can use yellow onion in this recipe too.
Storage Tips
This BLT Coleslaw with Bleu Cheese Crumbles can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days when placed in a sealed airtight glass container.
FAQs About BLT Coleslaw with Bleu Cheese Crumbles
How can I keep my coleslaw from becoming watery:
To avoid a watery slaw you can salt and drain the cabbage before mixing it with the other ingredients. This particular recipe did not get watery for two reasons, the salty bacon added to the slaw and it just didn't last long enough it was so delicious!
Why does my coleslaw taste vinegary?
It could be the type of Dijon mustard used or if you used white vinegar in place of the apple cider vinegar. Either way it is an easy fix by simply adding a little more date syrup to the slaw.
What is the best Bleu Cheese for this coleslaw?
I prefer Stilton as it holds up better when being tossed in a salad and will not fall apart if you have leftovers even after being in the refrigerator a few days.
BLT Coleslaw with Bleu Cheese Crumbles
Ingredients
- 18 oz Coleslaw Mix Shredded Cabbage and Carrots
- 8 oz Bacon cooked crispy and crumbled
- 1 pint Cherry Tomato cut in half, you can use grape tomatoes too
- ½ cup Red Onion diced
- ½ cup Stilton Blue Cheese Crumbled, optional but highly recommend because bleu cheese! See note
- Dressing
- 1 cup Avocado Oil Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 tablespoon Medjool Date Syrup
- 1 teaspoon Celery Seed
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Cook your bacon and drain on plate with paper towels on it and then crumble and set aside
- In a small bowl add all of the dressing ingredients and whisk well
- In a large bowl add all of the coleslaw ingredients except for the bleu cheese crumbles and toss well
- Pour dressing over the slaw mixing well to be sure all of the slaw is coated with the dressing
- Top with bleu cheese crumbles just before serving tossing once more
- Enjoy!
Hayley says
I would have never thought of this and now I want this with every meal!