27 Healthy Coleslaw Recipes
Coleslaw is the ultimate side dish fresh, crunchy, and packed with flavor.
But if you’re used to the classic mayo-heavy version, you might be missing out on a world of healthier and equally delicious alternatives.
Whether you’re looking for a lightened-up classic, a tangy vinegar-based slaw, or a creative twist with unexpected ingredients, we’ve got you covered.
In this roundup, we’re sharing 27 healthy coleslaw recipes that prove this dish can be both nutritious and mouthwatering.
Healthy Coleslaw Recipes
1. Greek Yogurt Coleslaw
If you love classic coleslaw but want a lighter version, Greek Yogurt Coleslaw is the perfect choice.
Instead of mayo, this recipe swaps in Greek yogurt, giving it a creamy texture with added protein and probiotics.
A touch of honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard balances the tanginess, while shredded cabbage and carrots provide that satisfying crunch.
This coleslaw is perfect as a side for grilled chicken, fish, or even as a topping for sandwiches and tacos. Plus, it’s guilt-free and packed with nutrients!
2. Avocado Coleslaw
Who needs mayo when you have avocado? This coleslaw is ultra-creamy and heart-healthy thanks to mashed ripe avocado, which replaces traditional dressing.
A squeeze of lime juice keeps the avocado fresh while adding a zesty kick.
Shredded cabbage, carrots, and a handful of cilantro make this slaw refreshing and vibrant.
Avocado coleslaw pairs wonderfully with grilled shrimp, fish tacos, or even veggie burgers.
3. Olive Oil & Lemon Coleslaw
For a super light and refreshing take on coleslaw, this version skips the creamy dressing altogether.
Instead, it uses a simple mix of extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of Dijon mustard to bring out the natural flavors of the cabbage.
This coleslaw is bright, tangy, and full of healthy fats, making it a perfect side dish for Mediterranean-style meals.
Try it alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or falafel for a fresh and nutritious meal.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar Slaw
If you love tangy coleslaw, this vinegar-based version is a game-changer. Apple cider vinegar adds a delicious zing while honey and mustard balance the acidity.
Instead of mayonnaise, a drizzle of olive oil creates a light but flavorful dressing.
This slaw is crunchy, slightly sweet, and perfect for pairing with barbecue dishes, pulled pork, or roasted vegetables.
Plus, the apple cider vinegar adds gut-friendly benefits, making it both tasty and nutritious!
5. Tahini Coleslaw
For a creamy yet dairy-free alternative, tahini (ground sesame paste) makes an amazing dressing.
It adds a nutty depth of flavor, enhanced by lemon juice, garlic, and a touch of maple syrup for balance.
The result? A unique, Middle Eastern-inspired coleslaw that’s delicious on its own or served with falafel, grilled lamb, or stuffed pitas.
If you’re a fan of hummus or tahini-based dressings, you’ll absolutely love this twist on coleslaw.
6. Apple & Cabbage Slaw
This coleslaw brings a natural sweetness to the table by adding thinly sliced apples to the traditional cabbage mix.
A simple dressing of Greek yogurt, honey, and apple cider vinegar makes it creamy yet light.
The apples add a refreshing crunch and a hint of sweetness, making this slaw great for pairing with grilled meats, roasted turkey, or even holiday feasts.
It’s the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and crisp!
7. Mango Slaw
A tropical twist on coleslaw, this recipe features juicy, ripe mangoes tossed with shredded cabbage and a light citrus dressing.
A splash of lime juice, a little honey, and a sprinkle of chili flakes take the flavors to the next level.
This slaw is the ultimate pairing for fish tacos, grilled shrimp, or coconut chicken.
The natural sweetness of mangoes contrasts beautifully with spicy or smoky dishes, making it an instant favorite!
8. Pineapple Slaw
If you love a bit of tropical flair in your food, pineapple slaw is a must-try.
It combines fresh pineapple chunks with red and green cabbage, carrots, and a light coconut-lime dressing.
The combination of sweet, tangy, and creamy makes this slaw incredibly refreshing.
Perfect for Hawaiian-style BBQ, jerk chicken, or grilled seafood, this coleslaw brings a summery vibe to any meal.
9. Strawberry & Almond Slaw
Sweet and crunchy, this coleslaw combines fresh strawberries, slivered almonds, and shredded cabbage with a light vinaigrette.
A drizzle of balsamic glaze or honey-lime dressing enhances the flavors while keeping it light.
This slaw is perfect for summer BBQs, picnics, or as a topping for grilled chicken or salmon.
The almonds add a satisfying crunch, while the strawberries provide natural sweetness. It’s like a salad and coleslaw combined into one!
10. Blueberry & Spinach Slaw
A superfood-packed coleslaw? Yes, please! This recipe swaps traditional cabbage for a mix of baby spinach, shredded Brussels sprouts, and crunchy cabbage, then adds fresh blueberries for a burst of sweetness.
A lemon-honey vinaigrette ties everything together, making this slaw refreshing, nutrient-dense, and full of antioxidants.
Serve it as a side salad or pair it with grilled chicken, salmon, or even quinoa bowls for an extra healthy meal.
11. Sesame Ginger Slaw
If you love Asian flavors, this Sesame Ginger Slaw is a must-try.
The dressing combines toasted sesame oil, fresh ginger, soy sauce, and a splash of rice vinegar, giving it a rich, nutty, and slightly tangy taste.
Shredded cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers provide a crunchy base, while a sprinkle of sesame seeds adds texture and extra flavor.
This slaw pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, teriyaki salmon, or as a topping for poke bowls.
12. Thai Peanut Slaw
Creamy, crunchy, and packed with bold flavors, this Thai Peanut Slaw is a game-changer.
The dressing is made with peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, and a touch of Sriracha, giving it a rich, slightly spicy, and tangy taste.
Toss it with shredded cabbage, carrots, and red bell peppers for a colorful and delicious dish.
This slaw is perfect on its own as a light lunch, but it also works as a topping for grilled chicken, shrimp, or inside lettuce wraps.
13. Miso Slaw
For a unique umami-packed coleslaw, try this Miso Slaw. The dressing features white miso paste, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil, creating a rich and savory flavor profile.
The shredded cabbage and carrots absorb the dressing beautifully, making every bite deliciously flavorful.
This slaw is great as a side dish for sushi, grilled tofu, or miso-glazed salmon.
It’s a simple yet sophisticated way to add depth to your meal while keeping things light and healthy.
14. Kimchi Slaw
If you love bold, spicy flavors, this Kimchi Slaw will be your new favorite.
Chopped kimchi adds a fiery kick, while a simple dressing of sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey enhances the flavors.
Shredded cabbage and carrots balance the heat, making this slaw perfectly crunchy and delicious.
Kimchi slaw is excellent as a topping for tacos, burgers, or rice bowls.
15. Vietnamese Slaw (Goi Ga)
This Vietnamese-style coleslaw is light, tangy, and bursting with fresh herbs.
Instead of a creamy dressing, it uses fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and honey for a perfectly balanced, sweet, and savory flavor.
Shredded cabbage, carrots, and fresh mint or cilantro bring a vibrant touch to this dish.
Traditionally served with shredded chicken, this slaw makes for a delicious and healthy meal.
16. Buffalo Ranch Slaw
For those who love a little heat, this Buffalo Ranch Slaw brings the perfect spicy-creamy balance.
The dressing combines Greek yogurt, hot sauce, garlic powder, and a dash of lemon juice, giving it that signature buffalo flavor while keeping it light.
Tossed with crunchy cabbage and carrots, this slaw is full of texture and taste.
It’s perfect for pairing with grilled chicken, wraps, or as a spicy topping for burgers and tacos.
17. Jalapeño Lime Slaw
For a slaw with a citrusy kick, try this Jalapeño Lime Slaw.
The dressing is a simple mix of fresh lime juice, olive oil, honey, and finely chopped jalapeños, adding the perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Toss it with cabbage, carrots, and red onions for a bold and vibrant dish.
This slaw is fantastic for fish tacos, grilled shrimp, or BBQ chicken. It’s light, refreshing, and brings just the right amount of heat to any meal.
18. Sriracha Slaw
If you love spicy food, this Sriracha Slaw will be right up your alley.
The dressing combines Greek yogurt, lime juice, honey, and a generous squeeze of Sriracha, making it creamy with a fiery kick.
Shredded cabbage, carrots, and a handful of green onions complete the dish.
This slaw is great for adding heat to sandwiches, wraps, or tacos, or serving as a side for grilled meats.
19. Cajun Coleslaw
This Cajun-inspired slaw is smoky, slightly spicy, and full of flavor.
The dressing features Greek yogurt or light mayo, Cajun seasoning, a dash of lemon juice, and a hint of garlic powder.
The cabbage mix absorbs the flavors beautifully, creating a slaw that’s both creamy and bold.
Perfect for grilled seafood, BBQ chicken, or blackened fish, this slaw adds a Southern-style kick to any meal.
20. Chili-Lime Coleslaw
For a fresh and zesty twist, Chili-Lime Coleslaw is a fantastic choice.
The dressing is made with fresh lime juice, a touch of honey, and a sprinkle of chili powder, giving it the perfect balance of citrus and spice.
Shredded cabbage, carrots, and cilantro add a fresh and vibrant touch.
This slaw pairs wonderfully with Mexican-inspired dishes like tacos, burritos, or grilled fajitas.
21. Quinoa Coleslaw
If you’re looking for a heartier coleslaw that doubles as a satisfying side dish, this Quinoa Coleslaw is a game-changer.
By adding cooked quinoa to your shredded cabbage and carrots, you not only enhance the texture but also boost the protein and fiber content.
The dressing is a simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey, making it both tangy and slightly sweet.
This coleslaw pairs beautifully with grilled salmon, roasted chicken, or as a protein-packed salad on its own.
22. Kale & Cabbage Slaw
If you love superfoods, this Kale & Cabbage Slaw is for you! The combination of shredded kale and crunchy cabbage makes this coleslaw extra nutrient-dense, packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
A lemony olive oil dressing with garlic and honey softens the kale while keeping things fresh and zesty.
This slaw is a fantastic side dish for grilled meats, grain bowls, or even as a base for adding chickpeas or tofu for a complete meal.
It’s a great way to enjoy the benefits of kale in a refreshing and easy-to-eat dish. Plus, the longer it sits, the better it tastes!
23. Edamame Slaw
Looking for a high-protein coleslaw? This Edamame Slaw is packed with plant-based protein and fiber, making it a fantastic option for vegetarians and vegans.
The star of this recipe is shelled edamame, which adds a pop of bright green color and a satisfying bite to the classic coleslaw mix.
The dressing is a simple blend of rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of honey or maple syrup, giving it a light, Asian-inspired taste.
Serve this slaw with grilled tofu, teriyaki chicken, or even as a topping for sushi bowls. It’s a fantastic way to get in extra protein while keeping things fresh and flavorful!
24. Broccoli Slaw
Why stick to cabbage when you can use broccoli stems for a crunchy and nutritious twist.
This Broccoli Slaw swaps shredded cabbage for thinly sliced broccoli stems, making it extra fiber-rich and full of antioxidants.
Add in shredded carrots, purple cabbage, and a light Greek yogurt dressing with lemon and garlic for a creamy yet healthy finish.
This slaw is a great way to use up leftover broccoli stems while creating a delicious, crunchy side dish.
25. Chia Seed Slaw
Want to boost your coleslaw with omega-3s and extra fiber? This Chia Seed Slaw is not only nutritious but also incredibly delicious.
The tiny chia seeds absorb some of the dressing, making the slaw extra creamy without needing too much mayo or oil.
The dressing includes Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a hint of honey, making it both tangy and refreshing.
Serve this slaw with grilled chicken, veggie burgers, or even as a topping for grain bowls. The chia seeds add a fun texture and a serious nutritional punch!
26. Beet & Carrot Slaw
For a vibrant and earthy coleslaw, try this Beet & Carrot Slaw. Shredded beets and carrots create a naturally sweet and colorful dish that’s packed with antioxidants and fiber.
The dressing is a simple mix of orange juice, olive oil, and a touch of honey, which enhances the natural sweetness of the beets.
This slaw is fantastic for pairing with grilled meats, goat cheese, or adding to a wrap for a bright and nutritious crunch.
If you love bold colors and fresh flavors, this slaw will become a favorite in your recipe collection!
27. Brussels Sprout Slaw
If you haven’t tried shredded Brussels sprouts in coleslaw, you’re missing out! This Brussels Sprout Slaw is crunchy, slightly nutty, and packed with nutrients.
Thinly sliced Brussels sprouts mix perfectly with Parmesan cheese, toasted almonds, and a tangy lemon-Dijon dressing.
This slaw is a fantastic side for grilled steak, roasted chicken, or as a fresh addition to holiday meals.
The combination of savory, tangy, and crunchy makes this coleslaw both sophisticated and satisfying.
