Healthy No Mayo Coleslaw
~ This Healthy No Mayo Coleslaw recipe is the perfect middle ground between creamy, deli-style coleslaws and tangy vinegar slaws. It features a lightened-up Greek yogurt coleslaw dressing that needs just a few simple ingredients. Even better? It only takes about 5 minutes to toss together! (Originally published as Greek Yogurt Coleslaw on June 19, 2014) ~
This Recipe Is: • Ready in 30 Minutes or Less • Make Ahead • Vegetarian • Gluten Free •
It’s no secret that I love healthy salads, with lightened-up, homemade salad dressings.
And definitely no secret that I love Greek yogurt.
So you know this was inevitable: a No Mayo Coleslaw recipe that successfully subs Greek yogurt, in place of mayonnaise or those bottled slaw dressings filled with questionable ingredients.
Quick and Easy … Even Without the Mayo!
Think it’s hard to make your own coleslaw, though, without relying on the bottled coleslaw dressing or mayo? Nope, nope, nope. Think again!
We’re talkin’ 5 minutes of prep time and only a few, very simple ingredients, most of which are probably already in your pantry! (Now that’s easy!)
Just take a peek at our video tutorial to see how easy this coleslaw is to make.
Video Tutorial
Looks so easy, so simple and delicious, right? (Hint: it’s ALL of that!)
A Perfect Blend of Coleslaw Styles
This version is the perfect middle ground between German-style, tangy, vinegary slaw and creamy, deli-style coleslaw (you know – the kind that’s pretty much just a big blob of mayo with a few shreds of cabbage swimming in it).
Our version is perfectly creamy, sweet, tangy and vinegary … all at once!
And with both protein-rich Greek yogurt and superhero cabbage (with all its antioxidant nutrition) – this slaw is delicious, yet also incredibly nutritious. Just the way I like it!
But still, it took quite a bit of tinkering to perfectly balance the ingredients so that this doesn’t taste like Greek yogurt coleslaw, but instead like … well … like just-really-good coleslaw! The secret’s in the dressing.
A Lighter, Healthy Coleslaw Dressing
My goal in creating this coleslaw dressing was to find a healthier, homemade alternative to processed, bottled dressings. And, like I mentioned earlier, I wanted a sweet-tart flavor profile. Not exactly deli-style, but not a true vinegar-based version either.
This recipe accomplishes all those things!
Nonfat Greek yogurt handily replaces mayo (or Marzetti’s slaw dressing) with a creamy base that slashes both naughty fats and the calories those fats bring along with them. (Why, hello, swimsuit season!) The vinegar gives it a truly coleslaw vibe, and the sugar keeps the tart Greek yogurt and vinegar from being too … well … too tart.
It’s like a little balancing act!
One note I wanted to mention about the sugar: In the six years since we first published this recipe (back in 2014), we’ve gotten a few questions from readers who wanted to know if they could replace the sugar we call for, with something else.
My family doesn’t typically use sugar substitutes (we just moderate the overall sugar in our diet – but that’s a story for another day). But, a number of readers through the years have suggested various sugar substitutes they’ve successfully used. I can’t personally vouch for any of them, but you can peek through the suggestions in our comments at the end of the post if you’re interested in giving that a try. Take our recipe idea and run with it … and make it your healthy coleslaw recipe, just the way you like it!
Picking Your Cabbage
Of course, you can definitely shred your own cabbage from your garden or the farm market. That would be fabulous, for sure!
But, to save time, I often just grab the pre-shredded, bagged stuff.
As you can see in our photos, my family especially likes to use the coleslaw blends that have some carrots and purple cabbage mixed in. Not only does that offer a little diversity in the veggie nutrition we’re getting, but it’s also just a lot prettier!
Serving Ideas For Our No Mayo Coleslaw
This quick, easy coleslaw is fantastic alongside grilled meats. And it fits perfectly into any picnic buffet, potluck party, or summertime backyard BBQ menu.
But you know what we really love to do with it?
What we really designed this coleslaw to be was the topping for sandwiches. Really!
It’s the perfect tangy-sweet, slightly crunchy counterpoint to even the simplest lunch meat sammies, grilled burgers and dogs, pulled pork … you name it.
Backstory on this craaaaaazy slaw-on-sandwiches concept:
My dear friend Gretchen is from Pittsburgh (you remember Gretchen – she and I originally started this blog together). Well, to Gretchen, the idea of piling coleslaw on a sandwich was completely obvious. Apparently, in Pittsburgh, any and all sandwiches should automatically be topped with coleslaw (and fries!). They consider this completely normal.
Surprised?
Believe it or not, I actually wasn’t. (Even though I’m not from Pittsburgh.)
Actually, back when I wore high heels and a suit and commuted two hours to a windowless dungeon-office in the city, coleslaw was my little ray of sunshine (well, that and the Starbucks across the street). The deli next door to my office served up the indulgent cure for all the your-budget-won’t-balance and your-magazine’s-behind-deadline and your-meeting-just-crashed-and-burned days … a monstrous, mile-high sandwich of shaved turkey breast and a mound of luscious coleslaw. That sandwich could fix anything (more or less).
So, coleslaw ON sandwiches. It’s a thing!
And as killer-good as coleslaw is on top of deli sandwiches, it’s even better on top of BBQ!
In fact, I originally created this coleslaw recipe specifically as a topper for our Crock-Pot North Carolina BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches (we have an Instant Pot version, too, if that’s more your style). Oh my goodness .. so, so good! A match made in BBQ heaven.
This vinegar-y yet sweet and creamy coleslaw is perfect with the flavors of NC-style barbecue!
So really, here’s the bottom line on this slaw … whether you just want a super-quick, easy coleslaw recipe for your next cookout, or you’re specifically looking for a no mayo coleslaw recipe with a lighter, healthier dressing … this coleslaw’s a must try!
And, of course, if you’re looking for the ultimate pile-it-high slaw to top a sandwich (especially a BBQ sandwich!), then this recipe’s definitely the one!
Sorry, mayo.
Healthy No Mayo Coleslaw
This Healthy No Mayo Coleslaw recipe is the perfect middle ground between creamy coleslaw and tangy vinegar slaw. Delicious with barbecue!
• Ready in 30 Minutes or Less • Make Ahead • Vegetarian • Gluten Free •
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 3 1/2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 16 ounces (about 6 1/4 cups) bagged coleslaw blend or shredded cabbage
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper, whisking until smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Place slaw blend/cabbage in a large bowl and pour Greek yogurt dressing mixture over top. Stir to coat cabbage thoroughly.
- Cover and refrigerate until using (preferably at least 30 minutes).
Notes
Make-ahead tips: This coleslaw keeps well, covered in the refrigerator, and can easily be made several hours in advance. In fact, we prefer to let it sit for at least half an hour before serving, so that the cabbage softens a bit and the whole salad melds together. We find that it's at its best, though, if eaten within a day or two.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 9 servings Serving Size: 1/2 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 37Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 244mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 1gSugar: 6gProtein: 2g
Nutrition information should be considered an estimate only, and may vary depending on your choice of ingredients or preparation. No guarantees are made regarding allergies or dietary needs. Always consult a physician or dietician for specific advice and questions.
Just trying this first time and it’s still mellowing in the fridge. My taste test right after mixing tasted more on the sweet side. Will see if more tang emerges after it sits. I might add more vinegar if it’s still too sweet for my taste.
Hi, Roger! I hope you were happy with the final result! We haven’t really received much feedback about this coleslaw recipe being too sweet, especially with all the tang from the vinegar and Greek yogurt – but of course everyone’s tastes are very different – and it can also depend on what type of food you’re pairing this with (or if you’re eating it straight up). One thought I had (and this may sound silly) – but be sure to use plain (unsweetened, unflavored) Greek yogurt for this coleslaw recipe. Also – if you did simply find it to be too sweet for your tastes or how you prefer your coleslaw, I would just suggest cutting back the sugar next time. You can always add a bit more sugar in, a little at a time, until you find exactly the amount that tastes right to you and whatever dish or type of BBQ you’re serving this coleslaw with. Hope that helps! Good luck! 🙂 ~Shelley
Hello!Happy holidays!So the story goes like that:I wanted to make a coleslaw for Christmas, to accompany our roast pork. And I kept forgetting to buy mayonnaise. When the shops closed for Christmas, I decided to use yogurt. Being Greeks in Greece, well…Greek yogurt is ubiquitous and we use it every day. I looked up some recipes and I turned up here!Well…the salad went viral!Everyone kept asking the ingredients, and when I said “a yogurt dressing”, everyone was: “and mayonnaise, surely” and I was like “not at all”!!So it is the best, creamiest coleslaw ever but also refreshing and cold in a way something with mayonnaise could never be.Congrats from me because your recipe is awesome, I never would have thought of using sugar in the yogurt dressing.Bravo!
Wow, Mary! I can’t even tell you how happy your sweet, wonderful comment made me today! This is the first day that my whole family is back to work and school after the holidays (sorry it took me so long to reply to you!), and your story has totally cheered me up and made my day! I’m just truly delighted that our recipe not only came in handy when you forget that mayo, but that it also won you so many raves! Thank you, thank you for so kindly taking a moment to let me know! Happiest of New Years to you and your family, Mary! ~Shelley
Hi Shelley!!Thank you for your wonderful message, it made my day as well!!I wish the best for you and your family, Happy New Year!!
By the way, i keep making your coleslaw, it has become a staple and i always recommend it to people!!
Thanks again, so very much, Mary! Not to create an infinite loop of thanking here 😉 , but you really gave my day a little boost, once again! It just makes me so happy when I can help people find a new, healthier recipe that they TRULY love! ~Shelley
Can this be made with regular plain yogurt?
Hi Kim! I’ve never tried it with regular plain yogurt. I usually have Greek on hand, and prefer its extra protein and thicker consistency. If all you have on hand is regular plain yogurt, it’s definitely worth a try, but I’m a little concerned that the consistency may not be what you’re hoping for. Because Greek yogurt is typically quite a bit thicker than regular, the dressing will probably be quite a bit looser if you use regular. I hope that helps! Thanks so much for stopping by, and for the great question! ~Shelley
Used regular plain yogurt and it was delicious. Don’t miss the Mayo at all!
Oh wonderful, Kim! I’m so thrilled that it worked out and that you loved the recipe! Thanks a million, too, for taking the time to pop back and let me know how well the regular yogurt worked – that’s super helpful for other readers who might not have Greek yogurt on hand for making the coleslaw, and might be wondering if the substitution will work. I really appreciate that you took a moment to share your experience! Have a fantastic day! 😀 ~Shelley
Just made a double batch as a side dish at a cook out. I tossed in some cut up green grapes and flax seeds.
Hi Craig! What a creative and refreshing twist to add the grapes … and such an awesome nutrition boost to add the flax! Love it! Thanks a million for suggesting those terrific ideas so other readers can try your unique twist, too! It’s always such fun when our readers share their personal touches and variations – I truly appreciate that you took the time! 🙂 ~Shelley