Creamy Skinny Coleslaw Recipe (2024)

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By: The Chunky Chefpublished: 05/01/2018

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Eating healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing great creamy coleslaw. You’ll love the tangy, slightly sweet flavor, and all the amazing crunchy textures. And at just 1 smart point per serving, you can enjoy one of your favorite warm weather side dishes without guilt!

Creamy Skinny Coleslaw Recipe (1)

Creamy Skinny Coleslaw Recipe (2)

Earlier this year, when I shared my easy Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork, I had a few of you email me asking about a healthy coleslaw to pile on top of it. I already had this recipe developed, so I’m happy to share it with you here today!

Here in the Midwest, it’s an unspoken thing that most people put coleslaw on top of their pulled pork/chicken/beef sandwiches. There’s something about the combination of temperatures, textures and flavors that’s just SOmouthwatering!!

HOW DO YOU MAKE COLESLAW

Traditionally, coleslaw is mayo based, and it uses a lot of it. Shredded cabbage, carrots, onion, mayo, vinegar/lemon juice, sugar, salt, pepper and ground celery seed are the usual ingredients in a coleslaw recipe. All of my regular, non-skinny coleslaw recipes use at least 1/2 cup of mayo, which adds up to a lot of points! They usually use a good bit of sugar, which also racks up the points.

HOW CAN YOU MAKE COLESLAW HEALTHIER

The first major swap was to switch out the mayo in favor of a zero point food, non-fat plain greek yogurt. It’s more tangy than mayo, but still gives it a nice creamy consistency. I also reduced the amount of sugar.

Creamy Skinny Coleslaw Recipe (3)

HOW LONG DOES COLESLAW KEEP IN THE REFRIGERATOR

The beauty of a great coleslaw is that it actually needs to sit in the fridge in order for the flavors to really combine and mellow. But coleslaw can be made in advance and kept refrigerated (in an airtight container) for 2-3 days.

CAN YOU FREEZE COLESLAW

Certain kinds, yes, but with reservations. Oil and vinegar based coleslaws can be frozen, but they will lose their crunch. Any coleslaw that’s mayo or yogurt based will not freeze well, as the dressing can separate.

Creamy Skinny Coleslaw Recipe (4)

The inspiration for this recipe comes from three sources. My sweet and tangy coleslaw, a Chick-Fil-A copycat recipe I’m working on for my other website, and this recipe from Gimme Some Oven. Ali has some fantastic recipes there, and she really got the proportion of greek yogurt right.

To make it easy and really cut down the prep time, I used a bag of shredded coleslaw mix and just chopped it up a little bit. I chose not to add purple cabbage here, to keep that classic coleslaw color, but it would be a great addition. If you’re feeling ambitious, go ahead and grab a head of green cabbage and a few carrots and grate them on your box grater.

As we head into summer bbq and potluck season, give this skinny coleslaw recipe a try, and don’t forget to have some on top of this pulled pork or shredded beef barbecue!

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Creamy Skinny Coleslaw Recipe (5)

Creamy Skinny Coleslaw Recipe

4.50 from 28 votes

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Calories: 34

Servings: 8 servings

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This ultra creamy coleslaw is tangy with a hint of sweetness and plenty of crunch.

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice , fresh is best
  • 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp ground celery seed
  • kosher salt and black pepper, to taste (I like mine peppery)
  • 10 oz bag of shredded coleslaw mix
  • 1/3 cup red onion or shallots , finely minced
  • 2 Tbsp green onions, sliced

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, celery seed, salt and pepper. Whisk until a dressing forms.

  • Add coleslaw mix, red onion, and green onions. Toss to combine, making sure all the coleslaw is coated.

  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Taste and adjust salt and pepper seasoning.

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Nutrition Disclaimer

The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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Calories: 34 | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium 93mg | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1% | Vitamin C: 17.1% | Calcium: 3.4% | Iron: 1.1%

I’m not a nutritionist, and nutritional values here on my recipes should be used for general information purposes only. This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new diet and fitness regimen.

Creamy Skinny Coleslaw Recipe (6)

You May Also Like...

  • Skinny Pulled Crockpot BBQ Chicken

  • Coleslaw Recipe (Chick-Fil-A Copycat)

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  • Creamy Lemon Bars

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Meet The Chunky Chef

Hey there! I'm Amanda. Wife, mother, photography nerd, and bacon lover! I believe that delicious meals should be easy to make. Now that you’re here, stay a bit, browse a few recipes, and let’s get cookin’!

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Leave a Comment

  1. Pinot says

    Unreal! Thanks for this, such a great flavor.

    Reply

  2. phylliss greene says

    i would love your ebook recipes.

    Reply

    • The Chunky Chef says

      Thank you! They’re available for purchase on this page: https://www.thechunkychef.com/books/

      Reply

    • The Chunky Chef says

      You scrolled past it to leave a comment 🙂 The recipe card has a large navy blue header to make it stand out, or you can click the “jump to recipe” button at the very top of the page, and it takes you right to it.

      Reply

  3. Lyd says

    It just tasted like cabbage with yogurt: not good at all.

    Reply

  4. cindy says

    I think it needs just a tad of dijon to cut the tartness. Thanks for thinking of yogurt instead of low fat mayo which tastes awful.

    Reply

  5. Becky says

    There’s no fiber count listed in the nutritional info. It is needed to calculate PP on the current WW plan. Can you add the fiber please?

    Reply

    • The Chunky Chef says

      The nutritional information is automatically calculated by the recipe card plugin, so if full nutrition information is important to you, I recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer, or that you seek a nutritionist/dietitian for exact nutritional information.

      Reply

  6. Susan says

    I made dressing first and let it chill overnight. Next day I added a bag of shredded cabbage with carrots

    Reply

  7. Peggy says

    Delish will definitely make again.

    Reply

  8. Chris Codrington says

    Lovely so far will let it sit an hour or two!

    Reply

  9. Debbie says

    I’m so happy I didn’t read the comments before making this. This is a great recipe for a lighter, cleaner, fresher tasting coleslaw. Next time I’m going to try to replace the granulated sugar with another sweetener since I’m trying to eliminate granulated sugar.

    Reply

    • Debbie S. says

      Exactly what I was thinking too. Either Monk fruit or Organic Stevia.

      Reply

  10. Gary Balkam says

    Chunky Chef. lol Love the name. Me, I’m flat out Fluffy! (Ice Age ref)

    Reply

  11. Aislinn says

    This made a really good dressing! I was looking for something creamy and low calorie. It was a really tangy base, which I liked, but may put some people off….I also used 1/2 packet of stevoa in place of the sugar, so that probably did it. Now that I have a basic base, it’ll be easy to spice up to meet dinner needs. For example, I don’t ever have celery, but it was going on tacos so I put some chipotle spice in. It was delicious!

    Reply

  12. diane says

    im going to try this.hope i like it.
    i really miss mayo.im on plant based eating plan

    Reply

  13. Gina says

    I had high hopes but it just tasted like yogurt mixed into cabbage. I guess maybe we were expecting too much. We ended up throwing it out. Sorry, but didn’t taste like coleslaw at all to us.

    Reply

    • Gary Balkam says

      Nothing like my recipe either. I’m looking for high fiber, low cal filler for meals for weight loss. I’m a 4 hotdog kinda guy. lol, 2 sandwiches at least!. And the yogurt just doesn’t appeal to me so….

      1/2 head of cabbage (remove the core) chop in a food processor
      1 large carrot, peeled. Shred in food processor on top of cabbage.
      *option for sweeter coleslaw.. remove core from one apple, add to carrots and cabbage and chop in food processor. **
      1/4 cup Miracle Whip OR store brand whipped salad dressing OR Mayonnaise. Don’t bother with the “light” version for a couple calories you may as well enjoy your coleslaw.
      mix well in food processor and put in sealed containers when done, refrigerate. Should keep 3-5 days or more if the air doesn’t get at it. (or add 1tsp lemon juice-will prevent cabbage from turning black)

      You can also shred the cabbage but tbh I LOVE the old KFC coleslaw so I really fine chop my cabbage.

      This recipe is so simple and plain you have lots of room to get funky with it. Toss in 1 ounce walnuts and dice with the cabbage and toss in 1/4 cup raisins when you add the dressing. You could even use purple or red cabbage.

      if you wanted to get really freaky, you could omit the dressing, add 1 tsp oil, 1 tbls vinegar and say 1/2 cucumber (Hmmmm some melon instead?) lol this is just for wetness to stick it together.

      Reply

  14. Sarah says

    What is the serving size?

    Reply

    • Amanda says

      I don’t measure my serving sizes exactly, it’s just 1/8th of the total amount 🙂

      Reply

      • Ksthy says

        Thank you for this yummy recipe! I’ll have to figure the points but I know they are low!!

        Reply

  15. Sarah says

    I made this and love it!!! Sooo good!!

    Reply

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Creamy Skinny Coleslaw Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Can you eat coleslaw when trying to lose weight? ›

Yes, it can be okay to eat coleslaw when you're trying to lose weight, but it depends on how it's prepared and your overall dietary choices. Coleslaw itself is a vegetable-based dish, which means it can be a part of a healthy and balanced weight loss diet.

Why is KFC coleslaw so good? ›

KFC coleslaw has a sweet and tangy taste, with a creamy texture. The dressing is made with a blend of mayonnaise, buttermilk, vinegar, sugar, and spices, which gives it its distinct flavor. The coleslaw also contains shredded cabbage and carrots, which add a crisp and fresh texture to the dish.

What is the difference Cole Slaw and slaw? ›

The real difference is that the raw, chopped vegetables in coleslaw are primarily cabbage: Napa, red, savoy, or bok choy. Slaw without the cole can feature any crunchy veggie in place of cabbage, including chopped or shredded broccoli, carrots, snow peas, jicama, and more.

Is low fat coleslaw good for you? ›

Coleslaw is a great way to add fiber and vitamins to your diet. To make a healthy coleslaw, start by using low-fat or non-fat yogurt in the dressing. You can also use vinegar or lemon juice instead of mayonnaise. Add onions, celery, and herbs to the salad for extra flavor and nutrition.

When should you not eat coleslaw? ›

The danger zone is between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit; this is the range of temperatures where bacteria thrive. The thing is, the two-hour rule is primarily a guideline. Other factors affect how long coleslaw can safely be left out.

Which is healthier potato salad or coleslaw? ›

Cup for cup, coleslaw also typically has fewer calories (94 versus 357) and less sodium than potato salad. Either side is loaded with fiber (about 12 to 14 grams per cup) and protein (about eight to 12 grams per cup).

Why did KFC stop selling coleslaw? ›

The fast food chain was forced to stop selling its coleslaw tubs when a supply issue meant the slaw would have to be served up without the dressing. “We are currently experiencing a supply issue with our KFC coleslaw dressing,” a KFC spokesperson said. The slaw is made up of cabbage and carrots coated in mayonnaise.

Is coleslaw healthy or unhealthy Why? ›

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.

What is the most unhealthy thing from KFC? ›

Worst: Extra Crispy Tenders

It's no surprise that the extra crispy tenders don't top the list of healthiest items at KFC. As a battered, deep-fried food, they could contribute to increased health risks like cardiovascular disease.

What do Americans call coleslaw? ›

Coleslaw (from the Dutch term koolsla meaning 'cabbage salad'), also known as cole slaw, or simply as slaw, is a side dish consisting primarily of finely shredded raw cabbage with a salad dressing or condiment, commonly either vinaigrette or mayonnaise. This dish originated in the Netherlands in the 18th century.

What ethnicity is Cole slaw? ›

The dish was initially created in the Netherlands. In fact, the term coleslaw originates from the Dutch expression koosla, which means “cabbage salad.” Recipes similar to coleslaw have been found and used in American homes from as early as 1770.

Why is it coleslaw and not cold slaw? ›

However cold your coleslaw may be, you are wise to spell it coleslaw. The word comes from a Dutch word (koolsla) that combines the Dutch words kool, meaning "cabbage," and sla, meaning "salad." Etymology is the main course.

Can you eat too much coleslaw? ›

It is important to note that, while it is true that eating cabbage may support weight-management goals, this veggie should not be overconsumed, as too much cabbage can lead to gastrointestinal side effects, like bloating. It is also important to enjoy cabbage as a part of a balanced and healthy diet.

Is coleslaw good for your gut? ›

Improves Gut Health

Coleslaw salad is rich in fiber because of the presence of raw cabbage. The RDA of fiber for an adult is 30g per day. It can become challenging to consume this much amount of fiber per day. However, 120 g portion of cabbage is sufficient to meet 10% of daily fiber needs.

Can coleslaw spike blood sugar? ›

Coleslaw is a mixture of shredded cabbage and other vegetables, typically dressed with mayonnaise, vinegar, or a combination of both. While it is a healthy and nutritious side dish, coleslaw can also be high in carbohydrates and sugar, which can cause a spike in blood sugar levels.

Why is coleslaw so high in calories? ›

Coleslaw

It's a salad, right, so it must be healthy? But even though it's based on carrot and cabbage, coleslaw is dressed in a mayonnaise based dressing which is high in fat. Check the nutrition information on pack and look out for reduced fat and yogurt dressed versions instead.

Will coleslaw kick me out of ketosis? ›

Therefore, coleslaw will not inherently kick you out of ketosis as it will largely depend on the ingredients and the serving size. So long as you stay at or under your carbohydrate threshold, you should have no problems getting and staying in ketosis.

Is cabbage good for you to Lose Weight? ›

Consuming cabbage can prove to be very beneficial for weight loss. It is very low in calories, which is considered suitable for reducing weight. According to the study, there are about 25 calories in 100 grams of cabbage. Cabbage is rich in water and fibre, which helps in keeping the intestines healthy.

Can I use mayonnaise for weight loss? ›

Contrary to popular belief, mayonnaise can actually have some benefits for weight loss. It contains healthy fats, such as monounsaturated fats, which can provide a feeling of satiety and help control hunger. Additionally, these fats play a vital role in nutrient absorption, including fat-soluble vitamins.

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