10-Minute Coleslaw Recipe (healthy dressing!)

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 – A little 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 a mandoline 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 contains anthocyanin, 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!).