Coleslaw—like every potato salad that came before this superior Healthy Potato Salad—is one of those potluck sides that feels more like checking off boxes than something I legitimately want on my plate. After all, when there’s seasonal freshness like Asian Cucumber Salad and Watermelon Salad to be had, who wants limp, mayo-drowned cabbage? And yet…we need coleslaw.
It’s just the crunch to top Slow Cooker Pulled Pork and Shredded Chicken Sandwiches.It goes along with BBQ classics like Instant Pot Ribs.A side of Easy Baked Beans would feel lonely without it.
My quest was to create a better, fresher coleslaw that still hit the potluck spot, but was much better for you. This is it!
How to Make Healthy Coleslaw
Yes, coleslaw can be healthy!
The base of coleslaw is shredded vegetables (traditionally cabbage), so inherently coleslaw is vitamin- and fiber-packed and good for you.The issue is the dressing. Most traditional creamy coleslaw dressing is made with high fat ingredients like mayo and has sugar added too.The workaround: skip the mayo. Instead, this healthy coleslaw recipe calls for Greek yogurt. It’s just as creamy but is low in calorie and high in protein.
With a few simple ingredient changes, coleslaw is not bad to eat on its own! In fact, I eat this coleslaw recipe both on top of my burgers, and then put more on the side for an extra serving of vegetables.
The Ingredients
Broccoli Slaw. While cabbage is traditional for coleslaw, I prefer to use broccoli slaw. NO ONE ever guesses. Broccoli gives the coleslaw benefits such as fiber, iron, and vitamins A, E, and K. Look for bagged broccoli slaw in the produce section of most major grocery stores.
Carrot + Red Bell Pepper. Healthy coleslaw is more than green! Carrots and red bell peppers add rainbow color, more servings of vegetables, and important nutritional benefits.Greek Yogurt. Making healthy coleslaw with Greek yogurt (no mayo) is THE move for a side that tastes great and is good for you. Like the broccoli slaw sneak, no one will suspect.
Green Onion + Dijon. Gotta have that zip!Apple Cider Vinegar. Making the healthy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar gives the dressing acidity and punch. I like the subtle fruity notes it provides too.
Pure Maple Syrup. Instead of granulated sugar, I use a touch of pure maple syrup, which plays well with the fruity vinegar.Hot Sauce. A surprise ingredient for a subtle kick. Feel free to omit it, or for a spicy coleslaw, add more.
The Directions
Storage Tips
To Store. Refrigerate leftover coleslaw in an airtight storage container. Once dressed, it will save for 3 or 4 days and can save a day or so longer if not yet dressed.
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
Mixing bowls. Durable, stackable, and dishwasher-safe; plus 10 variable sizes.Small Whisk. Easily handleable with its smaller size and saves space in your kitchen drawer.
I last served this healthy coleslaw with Instant Pot Pulled Pork at a friend’s lake house, and not one of my friends asked if I had lightened it up. The group inhaled it.
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for your next BLT.Bump up the nutritional value of classic potluck sides like Creamy Cucumber Salad and Pea Salad.Creamy pasta salads are perfect for Greek yogurt too. Try this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad and Shrimp Salad.And SO MUCH MORE. See my full list of Greek yogurt recipes for inspiration.
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