Healthy Coleslaw

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This vibrant healthy coleslaw looks amazing with its rainbow of colors from red and white cabbages, carrots, Granny Smith apples, celery, spring onions, and cilantro. But the dressing is a healthier alternative to traditional mayo-based recipes.

All about this Healthy Coleslaw Recipe

This healthy coleslaw will help you get your daily intake of vegetables filled with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. And the combination of veggies and fruit offers a bright array of colors that make this dish pleasing both to the eyes and taste buds.

The olive oil-based dressing is a healthy alternative to traditional coleslaw dressings that are loaded with mayonnaise. And the chili flakes give this side dish an extra kick of flavor. With 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this side dish ready to go for your next summer barbecue or potluck. It also pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients You’ll Need for this Recipe

Small red cabbage
White cabbage
Big carrot
Granny Smith green apple
Celery stalks
Spring onions
Garlic clove
Bunch of fresh cilantro
Olive oil
Juice of ½ lemon
Salt
Chili flakes

How to Make Healthy Coleslaw

Prep the veggies and fruit:

Slice the red and white cabbage as fine as possible and set aside.
Grate the carrot on the largest setting so it won’t disintegrate.
Cut the spring onions into thin slices.
Finely dice the apple.
Finely dice the celery stalks.
Chop the cilantro.

Make the dressing:

Peel and crush the garlic.
Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, chili flakes, and crushed garlic in a small bowl and mix well.

Assemble the coleslaw:

Place the veggies and fruit in a bowl and season them with the dressing. Mix together.

Tips and Variations for this Dish

Try these tips and variation ideas for the best coleslaw:

Store the coleslaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving. It is delicious right after being made but even more tasty after a couple of hours have passed and the flavors have developed.
Add nuts, seeds, or croutons to the mix for more texture and crunch.
Add a bit of sugar or honey to the dressing to balance out the sourness of the lemon.
Experiment with different fresh herbs in the coleslaw. Fresh parsley and dill go well in this recipe.
Stir in a few tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt for a creamier coleslaw.
Try substituting kale for some or all of the white cabbage.
If you don’t have chili flakes, substitute with your favorite hot sauce.
Use this coleslaw as a topping for tacos or burritos.
Add fresh mango, pineapple, or mandarin oranges for a sweet twist.
Mix in some cooked quinoa for extra protein.

Healthy Coleslaw FAQs

Is this recipe good if I am following a vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, or gluten-free diet?

Yes, this recipe works for you if you are following a vegan or vegetarian diet. It is also dairy free and gluten free as written.

Can I use a different type of cabbage for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of cabbage in this recipe. Red cabbage is traditional but napa or savoy cabbages work too.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dressing and cut up the veggies and fruit ahead of time. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge until close to serving time then combine.