Lighter Homemade Coleslaw
Easy homemade coleslaw recipe with creamy dressing, fresh cabbage, and carrots. Perfect BBQ side dish ready in 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 small head green cabbage, shredded
- ½ small head red cabbage, shredded
- 2 medium carrots, shredded
- ¼ small yellow onion, minced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon celery seed
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- 1
Shred the green cabbage into thin, uniform strips using a sharp knife or food processor, then transfer to a large colander.
- 2
Shred the red cabbage and carrots using the same method, adding them to the colander with the green cabbage.
- 3
Sprinkle the shredded vegetables evenly with kosher salt and toss to distribute, then allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to release excess moisture through osmosis.
- 4
Gather the salted cabbage mixture in a clean kitchen towel and gently squeeze out the accumulated liquid over the sink, working in batches until no more liquid drips.
- 5
Transfer the drained cabbage and carrots to a large mixing bowl, then add the minced yellow onion and toss gently to combine.
- 6
Whisk together the mayonnaise, white vinegar, granulated sugar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, black pepper, and celery seed in a separate medium bowl until the dressing is smooth and well emulsified.
- 7
Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more vinegar for tanginess or more sugar for sweetness based on your preference.
- 8
Pour the dressing over the prepared vegetables and use your hands or two wooden spoons to toss everything together until every piece of cabbage is evenly coated.
- 9
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
- 10
Stir the coleslaw gently before serving to redistribute any accumulated dressing, then taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | Plain Greek yogurt or a half-and-half blend of mayo and Greek yogurt | Greek yogurt reduces calories and saturated fat while adding protein and probiotics for better gut health |
| Granulated sugar | Honey or pure maple syrup | Natural sweeteners provide more complex flavor notes and have a lower glycemic impact than refined sugar |
| White vinegar | Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar | Apple cider vinegar contains beneficial enzymes and polyphenols that support digestive health and have anti-inflammatory properties |
| Kosher salt | Sea salt or pink Himalayan salt in slightly smaller quantity | These alternatives contain trace minerals and require less volume due to denser crystal structure, reducing overall sodium content |
| Standard mayonnaise | Avocado-based or olive oil-based mayonnaise | These options provide healthier monounsaturated fats that support heart health and reduce inflammation |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 6)
| Calories | 145 |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 5mg |
| Sodium | 380mg |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Protein | 4g |
Nutrition Comparison
| Classic | Metabolic Health | restaurant | Healthier | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 145 | 185 | 185 | 85 |
| Protein | 4g | 7g | 3g | 4g |
| Carbs | 12g | 16g | 18g | 10g |
| Fat | 9g | 12g | 11g | 4g |
| Fiber | 2g | 5g | 3g | 2g |
| Sugar | 7g | - | - | - |
| Health Scores | ||||
| Gut Health | 7/10 | 9/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Anti-Inflammatory | 7/10 | 9/10 | 6/10 | 8/10 |
| Blood Sugar | 7/10 | 9/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
