Apple-Bacon Slaw

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 10 mins

Difficulty: Easy

Servings: 8 Servings

The arrival of apples means incorporating the sweet, crunchy fruit in as many meals as possible. Dicing up red apples and tossing them into standard cabbage slaw adds a refreshing crunch and pretty pop of color. The fact that apples and bacon play nicely together also means that bacon can play a double role in this easy slaw: The bacon itself gives salty hits of flavor, and the bacon fat can replace some of the regular oil in the dressing for a touch of smokiness.

Ingredients

8 ounces sliced bacon (not thick-cut, about 9 slices), cut crosswise into 3/4-inch pieces
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
1 small head green cabbage (about 2 pounds, or about 10 cups shredded cabbage)
1 pound sweet red apples, such as Pink Lady (about 2 large)
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves
Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Place the bacon in a large frying pan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp and browned, 10 to 12 minutes. Meanwhile, place the vinegar, oil, honey, mustard, and salt in a large bowl and whisk to combine. Stir in the scallions and set aside.
Transfer the bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate. Measure out 1/4 cup of the bacon fat and whisk into the dressing.
Cut the cabbage into 8 wedges through the core, then cut the core from each piece. Thinly slice the cabbage wedges crosswise to shred. Place in the bowl of dressing. Core, then cut the apples into 1/2-inch dice (no need to peel). Add to the bowl of cabbage, add the parsley, and toss to combine with the dressing. Add the reserved bacon and toss again to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.