Get ready to fall in love with this Healthy Coleslaw—a crisp, creamy, and surprisingly light take on the classic side dish. It’s the perfect balance of tangy and fresh, with all the crunchy texture you crave, minus the heaviness of traditional versions!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Comfort: This Healthy Coleslaw swaps most of the mayo for protein-packed Greek yogurt, so you can enjoy all the creamy goodness guilt-free.
- Quick & Easy: Just a handful of staple ingredients and a quick whisk make this dish ready in under 10 minutes—perfect for last-minute meals or summer picnics.
- Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you need a zesty side, a sandwich topper, or a potluck star, this coleslaw keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
- Packed With Fresh Flavor: Chopped fresh herbs and tangy dressing bring out the natural sweetness and crunch of the veggies in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how simple this Healthy Coleslaw is to put together. Each ingredient plays a role: from creamy Greek yogurt that forms the base, to fresh herbs that brighten every bite, every element adds its own touch of color and flavor.
- Greek yogurt (3/4 cup, 2% fat or higher): Creamy, tangy, and adds plenty of protein while keeping the coleslaw nice and light.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Just enough to give that familiar richness and help the dressing cling to every crunchy strand.
- Salt (3/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!
- Ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon or to taste): Adds a subtle kick to the mix, making the whole salad pop.
- Coleslaw mix (1 pound bag, about 6 cups): The star of the show—a crunchy blend of pre-shredded cabbage and carrots for maximum convenience.
- Dill or parsley (1/4 cup, finely chopped): Fresh herbs make this slaw vibrant, herby, and utterly irresistible.
Variations
If you’re in the mood to play with the flavors or need to adjust for dietary needs, Healthy Coleslaw is endlessly adaptable. Here are a few ways you can make this recipe your own—don’t be afraid to get creative!
- No-Mayo Version: For an even lighter slaw, swap the mayo for extra Greek yogurt and add a splash of apple cider vinegar and a drizzle of maple syrup for tang and balance.
- Vegan Option: Use your favorite unsweetened plant-based yogurt and vegan mayo to keep this recipe totally dairy-free.
- Cabbage Upgrades: Try a mix of red and green cabbages, or toss in a handful of shredded Brussels sprouts for extra crunch and vibrant color.
- Sweet Additions: Fold in a small handful of grated apples or dried cranberries for a subtle sweet note that pairs beautifully with the tangy dressing.
How to Make Healthy Coleslaw
Step 1: Whisk the Creamy Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, add the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Give them a good whisk until the dressing looks smooth and creamy—it should be well-blended with no streaks. This base is key for that signature creamy, tangy finish!
Step 2: Add the Coleslaw and Fresh Herbs
Pour in your bag of coleslaw mix and sprinkle the chopped dill or parsley over the top. Gently toss everything together with tongs or clean hands until every piece is coated in the luscious dressing and flecked with fresh herbs.
Step 3: Chill and Let Flavors Mingle
Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 5 minutes (and up to 30 if you have time). This rest lets the flavors develop and meld—the slaw will be even more delicious once all the ingredients have had a chance to get acquainted.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
When you’re ready to eat, give the Healthy Coleslaw a final quick toss and serve it up cold. It’s dreamy as a side or absolutely divine piled on sandwiches—especially juicy pulled pork!
Pro Tips for Making Healthy Coleslaw
- The Creamiest Base: For extra creaminess without extra calories, use whole milk Greek yogurt—its texture makes the dressing irresistibly rich!
- Herb Explosion: Don’t hold back on the fresh herbs! Dill delivers a pickly punch, while parsley lends a garden-fresh vibe—try a mix for a flavor adventure.
- Crunch Insurance: Toss the dressing with the veggies just before serving to keep every bite ultra-crisp, especially if prepping ahead.
- Rest for Best Flavor: Letting the coleslaw rest in the fridge for even 10 minutes makes all the flavors more vibrant—don’t skip the chill time!
How to Serve Healthy Coleslaw
Garnishes
Garnish your Healthy Coleslaw with a few extra sprigs of dill or parsley, a crack of fresh pepper, or even a sprinkle of toasted seeds for a little extra crunch and color. These small touches make your salad look just as fresh as it tastes!
Side Dishes
This coleslaw is the sidekick your grilled favorites have been waiting for—think juicy burgers, barbecue chicken, savory pulled pork, or freshly grilled fish. It’s also dreamy next to roasted sweet potatoes or tucked into wraps for a satisfying crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Healthy Coleslaw in mason jars for grab-and-go lunches, nestle it into lettuce cups for a party-ready bite, or stuff it into sandwiches and tacos as a bright, vibrant topping. Every serving feels festive and fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Healthy Coleslaw keeps best in an airtight container in your fridge for up to two days. The flavors continue to meld, but the salad is at its crunchiest within the first 24 hours—so try to enjoy it fresh when you can!
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for Healthy Coleslaw, since the fresh veggies can turn watery and lose their lovely crunch once thawed. For the best results, make just what you need for the next couple of days.
Reheating
Coleslaw is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature—no reheating needed! If your slaw has been sitting in the fridge, give it a good stir to redistribute the dressing and serve it straight away.
FAQs
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Can I make Healthy Coleslaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! For best crunch, you can mix the dressing ingredients and coleslaw mix together just before serving. Or, layer everything in a bowl (without tossing) and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance—simply mix when ready to serve.
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Is there a way to make this coleslaw dairy-free?
Yes! For a dairy-free option, swap in your favorite plain unsweetened plant-based yogurt and vegan mayo—the texture and flavor will still shine, but without any dairy.
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How can I lower the fat content even more?
To keep your Healthy Coleslaw extra light, use nonfat Greek yogurt and light mayonnaise, or skip the mayo entirely and add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for a more tangy, vinaigrette-style slaw.
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Can I use homemade shredded cabbage instead of pre-bagged slaw mix?
Definitely! Simply thinly slice a mix of green and red cabbage along with some carrots. Using fresh, homemade shreds gives Healthy Coleslaw an extra-crisp texture and lets you control the blend of veggies.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a side that everyone will rave about, give this Healthy Coleslaw a try. It’s light, creamy, packed with flavor, and so easy to toss together—just the kind of recipe that makes sharing food with friends and family even more joyful!
Print
Healthy Coleslaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings as a salad or 12 in pulled pork sandwiches 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Healthy Coleslaw is a refreshing and light side dish made with Greek yogurt, mayo, and fresh herbs. This creamy coleslaw is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a topping for sandwiches.
Ingredients
Dressing:
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt (2% fat and higher)
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, to taste
Coleslaw:
- 1 pound bag coleslaw (6 cups)
- 1/4 cup dill or parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, make the dressing: Combine Greek yogurt, mayo, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add coleslaw and herbs: Toss in the coleslaw mix and chopped dill or parsley. Combine gently.
- Chill: Refrigerate the coleslaw for 5-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Enjoy the coleslaw cold as a side salad or as a topping for pulled pork.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To make ahead, combine all ingredients in a bowl without stirring. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Mix before serving.
- If you prefer a no-mayo coleslaw, use the old recipe with whole plain yogurt, vinegar, lemon juice, maple syrup, and salt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 97 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 373mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
