Looking for a crunchy, creamy, and absolutely delicious way to eat your veggies? This Healthy Coleslaw is my go-to for backyard barbecues, weekday lunches, or just about any meal that needs a fresh, tangy kick. It’s packed with flavor, has a fraction of the usual calories, and proves you can make a crowd-pleasing classic lighter than ever—without sacrificing an ounce of taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy, Yet Light: A perfect blend of Greek yogurt and a touch of mayo brings that classic coleslaw texture while keeping everything on the lighter side.
- Ready in Minutes: With just a few staple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a big bowl of Healthy Coleslaw on the table in under 10 minutes.
- Customizable for Any Diet: Dairy-free, vegetarian, or want to go fully plant-based? This recipe adapts beautifully with just a couple of easy swaps.
- Crunchy, Fresh, and Tangy: Every bite offers a sweet crunch, a pop of dill, and the perfect, not-too-heavy creamy zing—totally crave-worthy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are a handful of simple, powerhouse staples—each one adds something a little special to this Healthy Coleslaw. The combination delivers a salad that’s satisfyingly creamy, vibrantly colored, and bursting with garden-fresh flavor.
- Greek Yogurt (2% fat or higher): This is the secret to a rich, creamy dressing—plus, it adds protein and tang without all the heaviness of sour cream.
- Mayonnaise: Just a quarter cup for that classic, comforting flavor and silkiness we all love in coleslaw.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors—don’t skip these simple superstars.
- Coleslaw Mix (about 1 pound, or 6 cups): Pre-shredded cabbage makes this so easy, but you can always shred your own for extra crunch or to sneak in some red cabbage for more color.
- Fresh Dill or Parsley (finely chopped): Dill adds a bright, herby note, while parsley gives a subtle, fresh earthiness—use what you love or have on hand.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Healthy Coleslaw is that it’s incredibly forgiving and endlessly adaptable. Don’t be shy about switching things up—there are so many fun and easy ways to give this classic a personal twist to suit your tastes, diet, or whatever’s in your fridge.
- Vegan Coleslaw: Simply swap in your favorite unsweetened plant-based yogurt for Greek yogurt, and use vegan mayo for a 100% plant-powered side.
- No Mayo Needed: If you’d rather skip the mayo, you can use the old school no-mayo recipe with whole yogurt, vinegar, lemon juice, and a touch of maple syrup for a different kind of creamy, tangy finish.
- Add-ins Galore: Toss in some shredded carrots, thinly sliced apple, or chopped nuts and seeds for extra crunch and a pop of color.
- Herb Swap: Try fresh cilantro, basil, or even mint for a unique, summery spin on your Healthy Coleslaw.
How to Make Healthy Coleslaw
Step 1: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your Greek yogurt, mayo, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t rush this step—whisk until everything is beautifully smooth and combined, so you get that dreamy, creamy base in every single bite.
Step 2: Toss and Combine
Add the coleslaw mix right into your bowl along with the fresh dill or parsley. Gently toss everything together using tongs or a large spoon, making sure those crisp veggies are evenly coated in the luscious dressing. The aroma will let you know you’re on the right track!
Step 3: Let the Flavors Mingle
This part is magic: pop your Healthy Coleslaw in the fridge for at least 5 minutes (or up to 30), allowing all those flavors and textures to mellow and meld together. It’s worth the wait—you’ll notice everything tastes even brighter and creamier after a quick chill.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Pull your coleslaw out of the fridge, give it a quick toss, and you’re ready to go! Serve cold as a zippy salad or use it to crown your favorite pulled pork, chicken sandwiches, or grain bowls. Every bite is crunchy, cool, and full of that creamy-tangy flavor you’ve been craving.
Pro Tips for Making Healthy Coleslaw
- Balance the Creaminess: Adjust the Greek yogurt and mayo ratios to your liking for an ultra creamy or slightly tangier slaw—taste as you go and make it yours!
- Go Fresh on Herbs: Chop herbs just before adding for the most vibrant flavor, and don’t be afraid to mix more than one!
- Let It Rest: Even a short rest in the fridge will take your Healthy Coleslaw from good to “WOW”—it gives the flavors time to blend and the cabbage to soak up all that yummy dressing.
- Don’t Over-Stir: Gently toss your coleslaw to keep the vegetables crisp and prevent them from getting soggy—gentle is key!
How to Serve Healthy Coleslaw
Garnishes
For a little pop of extra color and fresh flavor, sprinkle your Healthy Coleslaw with more chopped dill or parsley just before serving. I love a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper or even a scattering of toasted seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin) for crunch and visual wow factor.
Side Dishes
This coleslaw shines alongside all your grilling favorites—think BBQ chicken, burgers, or smoky grilled sausages. It’s also a fantastic contrast to spicy tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, or piled high on a loaded baked potato for a veggie-packed twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Healthy Coleslaw in a giant, rustic wooden bowl for family-style sharing, tuck scoops into mason jars for picnic-ready sides, or spoon it between layers of sourdough for a next-level sandwich crunch. It even makes a vibrant topping for grain bowls or wraps—let your imagination run wild!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Healthy Coleslaw in an airtight container in the fridge—it’ll stay crisp and tasty for up to two days. Quick tip: give it a toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing and freshen up the texture.
Freezing
Unfortunately, coleslaw doesn’t freeze well since the creamy dressing tends to separate and the veggies can get mushy when thawed. For maximum crunch and bite, always enjoy your Healthy Coleslaw freshly made or well-chilled from the fridge.
Reheating
Good news: there’s no need to reheat! Healthy Coleslaw is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, straight out of the fridge. Just stir, taste, and serve.
FAQs
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Can I use fat-free Greek yogurt in this coleslaw recipe?
Fat-free Greek yogurt works in a pinch, but you’ll get a much richer, creamier result with 2% or full-fat yogurt. The little bit of fat gives the dressing true body and helps it cling to every bite of veggie.
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Is it okay to make Healthy Coleslaw ahead?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors deepen if you prep it several hours ahead. Just combine all the ingredients in a bowl without stirring, cover, and refrigerate; mix just before serving for the freshest results.
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Can I use homemade coleslaw mix?
Yes—you can shred your own green and red cabbage, and add carrots for extra crunch and color. Homemade mix is often even crunchier, just be sure to slice thinly for the ideal mouthfeel!
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What should I do if my coleslaw is watery?
If your Healthy Coleslaw seems a bit watery after sitting, just give it a good toss before serving; the veggies may release liquid as they sit, but it shouldn’t affect the flavor. For extra insurance, you can pat your cabbage mix dry before mixing.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to whip up a bowl of Healthy Coleslaw—it’s as simple as it is satisfying, and the perfect way to make any meal a little brighter (and crunchier!). Let this vibrant classic be your new secret weapon for everything from lazy summer picnics to weekday dinners—enjoy, and don’t forget to share!
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, Refrigeration
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Healthy Coleslaw recipe is a refreshing and nutritious twist on a classic favorite. Made with Greek yogurt and fresh herbs, it’s light, tangy, and perfect for picnics or as a side dish.
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 (about 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. Whisk together.
- Add coleslaw and herbs: Toss the coleslaw and dill/parsley into the dressing. Mix gently until well combined.
- Chill: Refrigerate the coleslaw for 5-30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve: Enjoy cold as a salad or as a topping for healthy pulled pork.
Notes
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To make ahead, combine all ingredients without mixing. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then mix before serving.
- For an older no-mayo version, substitute the dressing 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
