Miniketo
ES

Keto Salads

Marion's Santa Fe Almond Slaw

I love a salad that brings warmth and crunch together, and this Santa Fe almond slaw does exactly that. With toasted almonds and savory bacon bits tossed in a warm sesame dressing, it’s a keto-friendly side that steals the spotlight at any meal. Whether I'm serving it with grilled chicken or as a potluck dish, it's quick to throw together and always gets rave reviews. The combination of fresh cabbage and cilantro with that warm, nutty dressing is simply irresistible.

15 min Prep time 5 min Cook time 20 min Total time 4 Servings 435 Calories
Marion's Santa Fe Almond Slaw

Ingredients

  • /2 head cabbage, coarsely chopped
  • green onions, chopped
  • /2 cup finely chopped cilantro
  • large tomato, diced
  • /2 cup sesame oil
  • teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
  • /3 teaspoon crumbled dried red chile pepper
  • /2 cup imitation bacon bits
  • cup slivered almonds

Instructions

  1. Step 1

    I like to start by tossing the cabbage, green onions, cilantro, and tomato in a large bowl, making sure the cilantro is evenly distributed. Then, in a skillet over medium heat, I warm the sesame oil with black pepper and chili pepper until fragrant—be careful not to burn the pepper. Next, stir in the bacon bits and slivered almonds, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the almonds are lightly toasted and the kitchen fills with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and immediately pour the warm dressing over the cabbage mixture. The heat from the oil will gently soften the cabbage, making it tender but still crisp. Toss everything together until every bite is coated with that savory dressing. Serve right away while it's warm for the ultimate texture and flavor.

Chef's Tip

My little secret: toast the almonds in a dry pan until fragrant before adding them to the oil—it deepens the flavor. And while the recipe calls for imitation bacon bits, I sometimes use real bacon crumbles for a truly indulgent keto treat. Just pat them well to remove excess grease.

Storage Tips

This slaw is best enjoyed fresh while the almonds are crunchy. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day, but note the cabbage will soften. To revive, give it a quick toss and add a few fresh toasted almonds for crunch.

Variation Tips

For a heartier meal, top with grilled chicken or shrimp. Swap the cabbage for shredded Brussels sprouts for a different texture, or add a sprinkle of cotija cheese for a Mexican street food vibe. You can also use sugar-free maple bacon bits to keep it strictly keto. These tweaks keep the dish low-carb while adding protein.

Frequently Asked Questions