Want creamy coleslaw and not eat a cup of mayo? Try my Healthy Coleslaw Recipe with Greek yogurt and store bought coleslaw for added convenience. It goes amazing with Instant Pot pulled pork!
And if you love coleslaw as much as we do, you have to try this mango slaw, peanut slaw and my mom’s Ukrainian vinegar coleslaw.
Healthy Coleslaw
Healthy coleslaw recipe made with store bought slaw and easy yogurt dressing. Creamy, just a necessary touch of mayo, simple, quick and delicious salad or side dish!
And if you slow cook a pot of healthy pulled pork, top with this creamy coleslaw and serve on a fresh bun, everyone will love you even more. Trust me! Made from scratch, with simple ingredients, in a slow cooker for 10 hours. Saucy, juicy and need I say more?!
But that’s not all. Coleslaw is so versatile. It goes well with shrimp tacos or fish tacos, its mayo free version aka vinegar slaw can be combined with sweet mango to top of grilled fish tacos. For a real summer spread, learn how to cook corn in Instant Pot in literally one minute. Sky is the limit!
Is Coleslaw Healthy?
It’s the dressing that gives coleslaw a bad rep. On its own, cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable full of cancer fighting properties, vitamins K,C, B, fiber, potassium and folate. It’s a nutritional powerhouse, you just gotta “dress” it not with a cup of mayo.
Now having said that, I do consider a tablespoon or two of organic mayo here and there healthy.
Ingredients for Healthy Coleslaw
I updated this recipe in December 2020 and there is full recipe card below, including old recipe.
- Bagged slaw or cabbage: For convenience, I use 1 lb bag of store-bought slaw. If you are not a fan, feel free to make your own. Shred about 6 cups of green or purple cabbage using a mandoline. Or if you are skilled enough, a sharp chef’s knife. Homemade slaw is more fresh, crunchy and juicy. I agree. Store bought mix is just convenient.
- Yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt with fat content of 2% or regular yogurt with 3.5% is best. This is to ensure expected creaminess. I tried using 0% yogurt and dressing was flat and chalky.
- Dill or parsley (optional): Fresh herbs are absolutely optional and I add them only if they are in my veggie drawers. Just like with a beef stew or chicken stew, fresh herbs take any dish to the next level.
- Mayo: Any mayo will work and is a must for that hint of creaminess. I use avocado oil mayonnaise.
- Salt and pepper.
How to Make Healthy Coleslaw
- Add all ingredients: In a large bowl, add coleslaw, dill (if using), yogurt, mayo, salt and pepper. No need to whisk dressing separately.
- Stir: Gently toss until combined, about 3-4 minutes. Usually tongs work the best!
- Chill: Refrigerate coleslaw salad for 5-30 minutes to allow flavours “to mingle”. Then toss again and serve.
How to Serve, Store and Make Ahead
Store: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container for up to 2 days. Give a stir before serving.
Make ahead: Add all ingredients to a bowl and do not stir. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Combine when ready to serve.
Serving: This healthy coleslaw recipe makes 6 servings as a side salad and about 12 healthy pulled pork sandwiches. For a larger crowd, buy bigger bag of cabbage and double the amount of healthy coleslaw dressing.
More Favorite Cabbage Recipes
- Ukrainian dill coleslaw
- Braised cabbage with apples
- Savoy cabbage salad
- Asian salad
- Also check out healthy potluck recipes and healthy salad recipes in case you are hosting or are invited. Don’t fret.
Healthy Coleslaw
Ingredients
- 1 lb bag of coleslaw 6 cups
- 1/4 cup dill or parsley finely chopped (optional)
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt 2% fat and higher
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 3/4 tsp salt
- Ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add coleslaw, dill (if using), yogurt, mayo, salt and pepper.
- Gently toss until combined. Refrigerate coleslaw salad for 5-30 minutes to allow flavours "to mingle". Then toss and serve.
- Serve as a salad or I highly recommend to make my healthy pulled pork and top with this healthy slaw. Yum!
Store: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container for up to 2 days.
Make ahead: Add all ingredients to a bowl and do not stir. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Combine when ready to serve.
Notes
- Old recipe: I updated recipe in Dec 2020. If you like old no mayo coleslaw recipe, use for dressing: 3/4 cup whole plain yogurt, 2 tsp vinegar, 2 tsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp maple syrup and 3/4 tsp salt.
- Yogurt: I tried using 0% yogurt and dressing was flat and chalky. You can use regular (not Greek) yogurt but make sure to use at least 3.5% then.
- Cabbage: If you are not a fan of store-bought slaw or have cabbage on hand, feel free to shred about 6 cups of green, purple or both cabbages using a mandoline. Or if you are skilled enough, a sharp chef's knife. Can also grate medium carrot and throw it in.
- Dill or parsley (optional): Fresh herbs are absolutely optional and I add them only if they are in my veggie drawers. Just like with a beef stew or chicken and potatoes, fresh herbs take any dish to the next level.
Nutrition
Recipes and images are a copyright of ifoodreal.com. It is against the law to republish recipes anywhere including social media, print and all world wide web. Nutritional info is provided for informational purposes only and to the best knowledge.
I had sadly given up on this recipe after 3 attempts, with various yogurts, where I had to get rid of my whole coleslaw as I couldn’t bare the taste and texture of it.
I’m so happy I tried again, I finally found the perfect combination for me, yay!!! This time I used Balkan 6% plain yogurt, avocado mayo and a bit of honey!
So easy and delicious! It’s coming back often 🙂
As you know, the right yogurt is key. Glad you persisted and have a go-to recipe!
Hello, Im new here. Where can I find the shopping list for the recipes?
Hi Melinda! The shopping list is provided for those subscribed to the weekly meal plans. You can check that option out here if you are interested:
https://ifoodrealmealplans.com/
This was fantastic! I am trying to lower my cholesterol so mayo is a no-no. I didn’t have high hopes since my regular coleslaw dressing is amazing (although now off-limits). It was sweet, tangy and tasty. Even my husband loved it. We will definitely be making this again!
Yay! Glad you found a replacement mayo recipe that you love 🙂
I made it with 11% Organic Krema plain yogurt and OMG. I am patting myself on the back. So good, and while it may be higher in fat than 3.5%, it is still a simple low ingredient count dressing. HIGHLY recommend a higher fat count yogurt. Thanks for this!
Thanks for sharing Charity.
Coleslaw turned out great! Substituted Turkey for pork in BBQ sand. for an even healthier option with low carb. wheat buns! Yum My family loved it.
So happy to hear this Kelly!
I used Greek yogurt. This was my first time to have slaw with a pulled pork sandwich…I’m a believer now!! Wow! Amazing!
Yay! Glad my recipe sold you on Greek yogurt Julie!
I frequently make coleslaw but never used anything but mayo. Your dressing made all the difference! Thanks!!
Fantastic Judy!
I am going to make your coleslaw dressing today for Memorial day tomorrow. Sound perfect, as I don’t use mayo anymore.
That’s great. Hope you like it Nancy!
so nice to have creamy without a lot of heavy mayo .. thank you
I went directly to the recipe and didn’t see your prior warning about the yogourt. I only had 2% and 0% Greek Total yogourt (from USA) and while I liked the taste, I disliked the texture very much.
When you write using 0 or 2% yogourt won’t work, is it the texture that doesn’t work? If not, what doesn’t work?
Thank you!
0% yogurt lacks flavor, creaminess and tastes chalky. That’s what you didn’t like, I think. Next time if you use 2% and still don’t like taste, add a few tbsp mayo and it should be good. 🙂
Thank you!
WOW! I am a Southern-fried foodie that makes traditional coleslaw with my full-fat mayonnaise {don’t tell my cardiologist}.
I tried this recipe using whole-milk Bulgarian yogurt…and LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!!!!
Although I will not give up my mayonnaise…this recipe will now always be In my bag of tricks!
Wonderful flavor and consistency. I added shredded carrots.
Much respect!
Jeff in Houston
Hi Jeff! Your review made my day!
Oleana, I’ll let you know how it goes tonight when this will be served along w/ the Nat’.l Football Game w/ Louisiana State Univ. & Clemson Univ. : )
Well, good luck to your favorite team and let me know how it all goes – the game and the recipe. 🙂
Thank you for this healthy recipe. It’s tangy, sweet, and salty…perfect for cole slaw, sandwiches, potato salad.
Yes, exactly! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the wonderful review!
Simple & Tasty…
So delicious. Thanks for sharing!
Fantastic! Glad you enjoyed the recipe!
I made this recipe, since my husband and I are trying to eat as ‘healthful’ as possible. It really was a wonderful change from past coleslaw I’ve made. The only thing I added was chopped gala apple, to add a little crunch to it. Wonderful!
That is so amazing to hear! Glad you enjoyed my recipe!
I appreciate the convenience of bagged coleslaw. Thank you for making eating healthy so easy for my family.
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