The Best Healthy Coleslaw (No Mayo!)
There’s something timeless about coleslaw. It shows up at backyard barbecues, picnic tables, weeknight dinners, and holiday spreads. It’s that dependable bowl of crunchy freshness sitting next to grilled chicken or tucked into a sandwich. But traditional coleslaw often comes swimming in heavy mayonnaise — delicious, yes, but sometimes more indulgent than we want for everyday meals.
That’s where this healthy coleslaw no mayo recipe comes in.
This version keeps everything we love about classic coleslaw — the crunch, the balance of sweet and tangy, the refreshing bite — but swaps the mayo for a lighter, protein-packed yogurt coleslaw dressing. The result? A creamy, flavorful slaw that feels bright, clean, and satisfying without being heavy.
If you’ve ever searched for a low calorie coleslaw recipe that doesn’t taste like “diet food,” this is the one.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Coleslaw
This clean eating side dish isn’t just a lighter version of the classic — it might actually become your favorite way to make it.
Here’s why:
- Creamy without mayonnaise
- Packed with fresh, crisp vegetables
- High in protein thanks to Greek yogurt
- Lower in calories and fat than traditional slaw
- Quick and easy (ready in under 20 minutes)
- Perfect for meal prep
It’s an easy summer salad that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, tacos, and even grain bowls.
Ingredients
For the Slaw:
- 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 cups purple cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 cup carrots, julienned or shredded
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the No-Mayo Dressing:
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
The Secret to Creamy Coleslaw Without Mayo
The key to this yogurt coleslaw dressing is balance.
Greek yogurt provides the creamy base, but it’s thicker and tangier than mayonnaise. To smooth it out and create a traditional slaw flavor, we add:
- Apple cider vinegar for brightness
- Honey for gentle sweetness
- Dijon mustard for depth
- Olive oil for silkiness
- Lemon juice for freshness
Together, these ingredients mimic the richness of classic coleslaw while keeping it light and refreshing.
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, and parsley. Toss to evenly distribute.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture.
- Toss thoroughly until all vegetables are evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Toss again before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
The Best Healthy Coleslaw (No Mayo!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine shredded cabbage, carrots, and parsley in a bowl.
- Whisk together yogurt, olive oil, vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Pour dressing over vegetables and toss until coated.
- Chill 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Texture Matters: How to Get the Perfect Crunch
The best healthy coleslaw should be crisp — never soggy.
Here are a few expert tips:
- Slice thinly: Use a sharp knife or mandoline for delicate cabbage ribbons.
- Dry your veggies: Excess moisture dilutes the dressing. Pat shredded cabbage dry if needed.
- Chill before serving: Resting in the fridge softens the cabbage slightly while maintaining crunch.
If you prefer extra crunch, stir in a handful of sunflower seeds just before serving.
Flavor Variations
This low calorie coleslaw recipe is a fantastic base for customization.
1. Sweet Apple Slaw
Add ½ cup thinly sliced green apple for a crisp, sweet twist.
2. Spicy Kick
Add a pinch of cayenne or a drizzle of hot sauce to the dressing.
3. Herb Garden Version
Swap parsley for fresh dill and chives for a more herb-forward flavor.
4. Asian-Inspired Slaw
Replace Dijon with sesame oil and add a splash of rice vinegar.
Perfect Pairings
This easy summer salad complements so many dishes:
- Grilled chicken
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Fish tacos
- Turkey burgers
- BBQ tofu
- Baked sweet potatoes
It’s especially delicious tucked inside wraps or served on top of grain bowls for added crunch.
Meal Prep & Storage
Healthy coleslaw actually improves slightly after a few hours in the fridge.
Storage:
Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Because it contains yogurt instead of mayo, it holds up beautifully without becoming overly oily.
If prepping ahead for an event, you can:
- Chop vegetables up to 2 days in advance.
- Store dressing separately.
- Combine 30 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Benefits
Unlike traditional mayo-heavy slaws, this version offers:
- Less saturated fat
- Fewer calories
- Added protein
- Probiotics from yogurt
- Fiber from cabbage
Cabbage itself is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, making this more than just a side dish — it’s a nutrient-dense addition to your plate.
Common Questions
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute plain dairy-free yogurt for Greek yogurt. Choose one with a thick consistency for best results.
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage mix?
Absolutely. A bagged coleslaw mix saves time and works perfectly.
Does it taste like yogurt?
No. The vinegar, honey, and mustard balance the tang so it tastes like classic coleslaw — just lighter.
Making It Party-Ready
For gatherings, presentation makes all the difference. Serve in a white bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and cracked pepper on top. For outdoor events, keep chilled until ready to serve.
This recipe easily doubles or triples for larger groups.
Why This Is the Best Healthy Coleslaw
It’s not about removing flavor. It’s about rebalancing it.
You still get:
- Creaminess
- Sweetness
- Tanginess
- Crunch
But without the heaviness.
This clean eating side dish proves that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring or bland. It can be bright, bold, and crave-worthy.
And once you try this healthy coleslaw no mayo version, you may never go back.
