Healthy Coleslaw Recipe: A Lighter Take on a Classic
Coleslaw, that creamy, crunchy side dish, is a picnic and barbecue staple. But traditional coleslaw recipes are often loaded with mayonnaise and sugar, making them less-than-ideal for a healthy diet. This recipe offers a lighter, healthier take on this classic, keeping all the delicious crunch and flavor without the guilt.
Why This Healthy Coleslaw Recipe is a Winner
This recipe prioritizes fresh, vibrant ingredients and minimizes unhealthy fats and added sugars. We’re focusing on:
- Reduced Fat: Instead of relying heavily on mayonnaise, we'll use a lighter dressing base.
- Increased Fiber: We'll incorporate plenty of crunchy vegetables for added texture and nutritional benefits.
- Flavor Boost: We'll use fresh herbs and spices to maximize the taste experience.
This makes it a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, fish, or even as a healthy addition to your lunch.
Ingredients for Your Delicious and Healthy Coleslaw
To make this vibrant and healthy coleslaw, you'll need:
- 1 small head of green cabbage, shredded (about 4 cups)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion (optional, for extra bite)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or dill, for a different flavor profile)
- Healthy Dressing:
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or light mayonnaise for a creamier texture)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (or less, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions: Making the Perfect Healthy Coleslaw
Follow these simple steps to create a healthy coleslaw that will impress your friends and family:
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Prep the Veggies: Shred the cabbage and carrots. Finely chop the red onion and parsley. The finer you chop your veggies, the better the dressing will coat and the more even the texture will be.
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Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, celery seed, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference. You might want a little more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang.
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Combine and Chill: Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, red onion (if using), and parsley to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat evenly.
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Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly, resulting in a more flavorful and enjoyable coleslaw.
Tips for an Even Healthier Coleslaw
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other crunchy vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli florets.
- Experiment with herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro or chives can also be added for a different flavor dimension.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet coleslaw, reduce the amount of honey or maple syrup.
- Make it ahead: This coleslaw can be made a day or two in advance, which makes it perfect for meal prepping.
Serving Suggestions
This healthy coleslaw is delicious on its own or as a side dish to:
- Grilled chicken or fish
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Burgers
- Barbecue ribs
- Wraps and salads
Enjoy your lighter, healthier, and incredibly flavorful coleslaw! Let me know in the comments how you enjoyed this recipe and any variations you tried.
