Home » Recipes » Lunch » Salad + Dressing » 10-Minute Coleslaw Recipe (healthy dressing!)
(updated May 9, 2023)
By Dani Spies
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Enjoy this easy, creamy coleslaw recipe in 10 minutes, using just 5 ingredients. The healthy dressing is a 50-50 mix of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise mixed with a clove of crushed garlic, salt, and pepper; pour over pre-cut cabbage (hello coleslaw mix!) and finish with fresh chopped cilantro (or parsley!). It’s light, fresh, and quick to make – the perfect summer side dish for a barbecue or picnic!
This is THE BEST COLESLAW RECIPE and my go-to recipe! We often serve this creamy coleslaw with my pulled pork or fish tacos but it also makes a great barbeque side dish for burgers and grilled chicken!
I love to cut the mayo in half by subbing in Greek yogurt! This both lightens the dish a bit and adds an extra boost of protein. It is SO easy to make and whether you serve it for a summer cookout or a weeknight dinner on the fly, this simple coleslaw recipe will become a fast favorite.
Ingredients needed
This healthy coleslaw recipe uses fresh ingredients to create a crunchy, bright salad without any added sugar. You’ll need:
- Coleslaw mix – To make this side super easy, buy a bag of coleslaw mixture.
- Garlic – Alittle garlicky flavor makes this coleslaw extra delicious.
- Greek yogurt + mayonnaise – Makes up the dressing for the recipe. Look for a mayo that uses a good quality oil as the base, like this one.
- Cilantro or parsley – For a little extra zip in this coleslaw.
- Salt & pepper – To bring all of the flavors together.
How to Make this Recipe
Coleslaw is one of the easiest and quickest side dishes that you can make, especially if you’re using a pre-sliced mix.
To make the slaw, simply add all ingredients to a large bowl and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as preferred.
Recipe tips
- Slicing cabbage – If you’re slicing cabbage by hand, I suggest using amandoline slicer to make things go faster.
- Make ahead of time –This recipe benefits from spending some time in the fridge. I recommend 2 hours at a minimum, or even up to a day in advance. Not only does everything become more flavorful, it also helps soften the cabbage.
- Change it up –Try adding in some broccoli slaw or different veggies in the mix. You could even add nuts, raisins and/or chopped apple.
- For freshness – Try adding in some freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best cabbage to use?
For gorgeous color and plenty of crunch, I love using a combination of red and green cabbage when I make coleslaw. Feel free to use just one variety, though. Try green cabbage, red cabbage, savoy cabbage or Napa cabbage.
Is coleslaw healthy?
Homemade coleslaw is made with simple, real food ingredients and can actually be quite healthy. If you would like to make this dairy free and paleo, omit the Greek yogurt and use a 1/2 cup good quality mayo. On the other hand, if you’re worried about the fat content, you can easily sub Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayo.
What are the nutrients in cabbage?
Cabbage is a great source of Vitamin C and Vitamin K. It’s been shown to reduce inflammation, improve digestion, lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Red/purple cabbage containsanthocyanin, a powerful antioxidant that has a multitude of health benefits.
Storage tips
Coleslaw will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 days. At about day 4, the texture starts to break down and it’s not near as fresh and crisp. This recipe is an awesome side dish to make in advance.Make coleslaw up to a day ahead of the event, for optimal texture.
More healthy salad recipes
Looking for more fresh summer sides? Give these favs a try:
- Radish Salad
- Simple Kale Salad
- Kale Caesar Salad
- Easy Fruit Salad
If you make this simple coleslaw recipe, be sure to leave a comment and ★ rating below letting me know how it turned out. Your feedback is so helpful for me and our Clean & Delicious community(thank you!).
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4.35 from 41 votes
10-Minute Coleslaw Recipe (Healthy Dressing!)
Enjoy this healthy coleslaw recipe made with a homemade Greek yogurt dressing all summer long. It's super tasty, quick to make, and it pairswellwith so many different meals. A great side dish for a barbecue or picnic!
Course: DINNER, LUNCH, salad + dressing
Cuisine: American, gluten free, low carb + keto
Author: Dani Spies
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time0 minutes mins
Total Time10 minutes mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 122kcal
Ingredients
- 10 ounce bag of coleslaw mix or 10 ounces, thinly sliced cabbage
- 1-2 cloves crushed garlic
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- handful fresh chopped cilantro or parsley
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Combine everything in a large bowl and mix well. Adjust seasonings and enjoy!
Notes
Storage: Coleslaw will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 days. At about day 4, the texture starts to break down and it’s not near as fresh and crisp. This recipe is an awesome side dish to make in advance.Make coleslaw up to a day ahead of the event, for optimal texture.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 122kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 106mg | Potassium: 144mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 79IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 0.4mg
About Dani Spies
Dani Spies is the founder and host of Clean & Delicious; a weekly cooking show on YouTube and a healthy eating blog that celebrates real, whole foods! She takes a holistic approach to health and wellness and is loved for her approachable, down to earth style both in and out of the kitchen.
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Reader Interactions
Yum! I love this recipe.
Sabrina says
Is it okay to make this with just the mayo, as I can’t have dairy?
Thanks!Reply
Nancy says
Hello, my husband recently bought a huge bag of cut up cabbage at Costco for about $5.00. We’ve been enjoying it, but I’m wondering how long does it generally last in the fridge when it is not mixed with anything? It’s been so nice to add to salads, wraps, and sandwiches each day, but I’m concerned about not being able to use it up before it goes bad. Any suggestions? I’ll definitely be making your coleslaw today! Thanks so much for the recipe!
Reply
Dani Spies says
I find a bag like this will usually last about one week. If it seems as thought it’s starting to go bad, try sauteing it with some onion and garlic for an easy side dish.
Reply
4.35 from 41 votes (40 ratings without comment)