Delicious & Healthy Weight Watchers Coleslaw: Creamy, Low-Point Recipe for Guilt-Free Enjoyment
Discover the ultimate guilt-free side dish with this incredible, creamy coleslaw recipe! Perfect for anyone following Weight Watchers, each serving is a mere 1 WW point. Forget heavy, calorie-laden dressings; our homemade coleslaw dressing ingeniously uses nonfat plain Greek yogurt as its base, complemented by just a touch of light mayo. This smart combination delivers all the richness and creaminess you crave without the extra points, making it a truly healthy coleslaw option. This delightful side dish boasts all the traditional coleslaw ingredients you love: crisp shredded red and green cabbage, vibrant carrots, aromatic celery seed, and a balanced blend of seasonings like white pepper and onion powder. And, of course, a generous splash of vinegar provides that signature zesty punch that makes coleslaw so irresistibly refreshing.
Preparing this easy coleslaw recipe is an absolute breeze! You can whip it up in a matter of minutes and store it in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This resting period is critical for developing a truly exceptional taste and texture. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue with friends, preparing a dish for a community potluck, or simply looking for a refreshing accompaniment to your casual weeknight dinner, this low-point coleslaw can be made in the morning and left to marinate all day. Trust us, while you can serve it immediately after mixing, nothing compares to its flavor and consistency after a few hours of chilling. It’s this simple step that transforms a good coleslaw into a truly great, flavor-packed side dish.
One of the many reasons we adore this creamy coleslaw recipe is its remarkable versatility and customizable nature. It strikes a lovely balance of natural sweetness from honey and tanginess from yogurt and vinegar, yet it’s incredibly easy to adjust to your personal preference. It’s fascinating how diverse regional tastes can be when it comes to coleslaw. Having lived in different parts of the U.S., I’ve noticed a wide spectrum – from those who enjoy a bold, tangy kick to others who prefer their coleslaw distinctly sweet! This recipe serves as a fantastic starting point. Feel free to tweak the amounts of pure honey or white distilled vinegar to achieve your perfect flavor profile. Make it your own, and enjoy a healthy, homemade coleslaw that suits your taste buds perfectly every time!
Why This Healthy & Easy Coleslaw Recipe is a Must-Try
- The Perfect Healthy Side Dish for Any Occasion: Every great meal deserves a delicious and wholesome side, and this Weight Watchers coleslaw fits the bill perfectly. It’s an ideal companion for your favorite BBQ entrees, grilled chicken, pulled pork, or even light fish dishes. This refreshing, creamy, and flavorful coleslaw lightens up any plate of comfort food, allowing you to enjoy satisfying meals without compromising your health goals. It adds a wonderful crunch and a burst of fresh flavor to balance richer main courses, making it a staple for picnics, potlucks, and family dinners.
- Naturally Sweetened, No Granulated Sugar Involved: Many traditional coleslaw recipes heavily rely on granulated sugar to counterbalance the acidity of the vinegar, often adding unnecessary calories. Our recipe takes a much healthier approach, utilizing pure honey as a natural sweetener. Honey not only provides a pleasant sweetness but also adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully, making this a truly guilt-free and delicious treat. It’s a healthier alternative that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
- Effortless Preparation with Convenient Shredded Coleslaw Blend: We understand that time is often a luxury in today’s busy world. This easy coleslaw recipe embraces convenience! If you’re short on time or prefer a quicker preparation, feel free to use a pre-shredded coleslaw blend from your grocery store. These ready-to-use kits typically include a mix of shredded green and red cabbage along with carrots, saving you precious minutes in the kitchen. Just ensure it’s a plain mix without any added dressing or ingredients to keep it at zero WW points. Of course, shredding fresh cabbage and carrots yourself will always yield the freshest taste and texture if you have the time!
- Ideal for Meal Prep & Stress-Free Entertaining: This low-point coleslaw is not just delicious; it’s also fantastic for meal prepping. Its flavors actually deepen and improve as it sits, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for busy weeks or upcoming gatherings. Prepare a large batch on Sunday and have a healthy, refreshing side ready for several meals throughout the week. It’s also an excellent option to bring to your next potluck or BBQ, as it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that fits various dietary needs and preferences.
- Fully Customizable to Your Unique Taste: As we’ve explored, coleslaw preferences can vary widely. This recipe is designed to be a flexible canvas, inviting you to make it truly your own. Whether you like your coleslaw sweeter, tangier, or with an extra kick of spice, you can easily adjust the amounts of honey, vinegar, or add other ingredients to match your personal preference. This adaptability ensures that every bite is exactly how you like it, allowing you to fine-tune the classic taste to your individual palate.
Recipe Overview for Your Creamy & Healthy Coleslaw
Here’s a quick glance at what you need to know to get started on this delightful side dish:
- Serving Size: A satisfying ½ cup (108g) – a generous portion that won’t derail your diet goals.
- Number of Servings: 9 – ample for families, easy meal prep, or sharing at a gathering.
- Prep Time: 10-15 minutes – incredibly quick and easy, ideal for even the busiest schedules.
- Resting Time: Minimum 2 hours – an essential step for optimal flavor development and perfect texture.
- WW Points Per Recipe: Each serving is only 1 point, with the entire recipe totaling 11 points. This makes it an incredibly Weight Watchers-friendly option. Click here to view the recipe directly on the WW app (please note that a WW login is required to access the link).
Essential Ingredients for Your 1-Point Creamy Coleslaw
Crafting this healthy and flavorful coleslaw requires a simple yet impactful list of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of taste and texture:
- 20 oz shredded coleslaw mix (or fresh shredded green or red cabbage, with 1 grated medium carrot): This forms the crunchy, vibrant base of your coleslaw. Using a pre-shredded mix is a fantastic time-saver, while freshly shredded cabbage and carrots offer superior crispness and flavor. Red cabbage adds not only a beautiful pop of color but also a slightly earthier, peppery note.
- 1 cup Nonfat plain Greek yogurt: This is the star of our healthy dressing! Greek yogurt provides incredible creaminess, a significant protein boost, and a delightful tanginess, making it a superb, low-fat, and nutrient-rich alternative to heavy, traditional mayonnaise.
- ¼ cup Light mayo: A small, carefully measured amount of light mayonnaise is included to add just enough traditional richness and familiar coleslaw texture without compromising the health benefits of the Greek yogurt. It helps to achieve that classic mouthfeel.
- 3 tbsp Pure honey, warmed: Our chosen natural sweetener, honey, beautifully balances the tartness of both the Greek yogurt and the vinegar. Warming it slightly beforehand is a clever trick; it helps the honey become more fluid, allowing it to blend seamlessly and evenly into the dressing, preventing clumping.
- 2 ½ tbsp White distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar: Essential for that bright, classic tangy coleslaw flavor that cuts through the creaminess. White distilled vinegar offers a sharp, clean taste, while apple cider vinegar provides a slightly fruitier, milder tang. Choose the type that best suits your preferred flavor profile.
- ¼ tsp Celery seed: A subtle yet absolutely crucial ingredient that imparts that distinctive, traditional coleslaw aroma and herbaceous flavor. Don’t skip it, as it’s key to the authentic taste!
- ¾ tsp Table salt: A fundamental seasoning, salt enhances all the other flavors in the dressing and helps to gently draw out a little moisture from the cabbage, contributing to a better, more integrated texture.
- ¼ tsp White pepper: Offers a mild, delicate peppery warmth without introducing the visible black specks of ground black pepper, thus maintaining the clean, creamy aesthetic of the dressing.
- ¼ tsp Onion powder: Adds a savory, aromatic depth that complements the crisp cabbage and sweet carrots beautifully, rounding out the overall flavor profile of the coleslaw.
How to Prepare Your Weight Watchers Coleslaw (A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide)
Follow these simple yet crucial steps to create your perfectly balanced and delicious low-point coleslaw:
- Prepare Your Vegetables: Begin by placing your generously shredded cabbage and carrots into a very large mixing bowl. If you’re opting to shred fresh ingredients yourself, ensure they are finely shredded for the best possible texture and optimal absorption of the dressing. A food processor equipped with a shredding attachment can make this task incredibly fast and significantly easier, ensuring uniform pieces.
2. Whip Up the Creamy Dressing: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, thoroughly combine all the wet ingredients – this includes the nonfat plain Greek yogurt, light mayo, and your choice of white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Next, add all the dry seasonings: celery seed, table salt, white pepper, and onion powder. Gently warm the pure honey beforehand (a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave is usually sufficient, but avoid making it hot) and then drizzle it into the dressing mixture. Whisk everything together vigorously and continuously until the dressing is perfectly smooth, uniform in consistency, and beautifully creamy, with no lumps remaining. It’s a good idea to taste it lightly at this stage and make any minor initial adjustments, keeping in mind that the flavors will meld and soften slightly once combined with the cabbage.
3. Combine and Ensure Even Coating: Pour the freshly made creamy coleslaw dressing generously over the shredded cabbage and carrots in the large mixing bowl. Using a large spoon, sturdy spatula, or even clean hands (wearing gloves), gently fold and toss the dressing into the vegetables. It’s important to ensure that every single strand of cabbage and carrot is thoroughly and evenly coated with the delicious, creamy dressing. While the temptation to taste-test immediately might be strong, patience is a virtue here. I highly recommend allowing it to rest first so all the flavors can truly marry, deepen, and permeate the vegetables. It’s significantly easier to properly assess and adjust the balance of flavors after everything has had a chance to meld together properly, which happens during the resting period.
4. Chill for Flavor Perfection and Final Adjustment: Cover the bowl of coleslaw tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid to prevent air exposure. Transfer it to the refrigerator and allow it to chill and marinate for a minimum of two hours. This resting period is absolutely crucial; it allows the cabbage to soften slightly, absorbs the dressing’s flavors more deeply, and permits all the ingredients to meld into a harmonious, incredibly delicious bite. Before serving, give the coleslaw a good final stir and perform another taste test. This is your last opportunity to fine-tune the balance. You can add a touch more vinegar for extra tang, a bit more honey for sweetness, or a pinch more salt to enhance all the flavors, according to your specific preferences. I generally advise starting with a little less vinegar than you think you might need initially, as the Greek yogurt already contributes a good amount of tang. You can always add more before serving if desired, but remember, you can’t take it away!
Creative Variations & Smart Substitutions for Your Coleslaw
This Weight Watchers coleslaw recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your liking, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Coleslaw with No Mayo Option: If you prefer to omit mayonnaise entirely, simply replace the ¼ cup of light mayo with an equal amount of nonfat plain Greek yogurt. This will result in an even lighter, tangier, and slightly more protein-packed dressing. Ensure you adjust the honey and vinegar to maintain your desired sweet and sour balance.
- Alternative Mayo Replacements: Beyond increasing the Greek yogurt, you can also experiment with other creamy bases. Light sour cream or a lighter version of salad dressing like Miracle Whip can be used in place of the light mayo to achieve a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining a delicious creaminess. These options might slightly alter the WW points, so always check if tracking.
- Add Fresh Onions for a Sharper Flavor: For those who enjoy a more pronounced oniony kick, consider incorporating fresh onions. Finely chop green onions (scallions) and use them as a fresh, crisp garnish just before serving, or grate a small amount of white or red onion to mix directly into the shredded cabbage and carrots during step one. This will add a delightful pungency and freshness that elevates the flavor.
- Boost the Tang or Spice with Mustard: If you crave additional tanginess and a hint of spice in your coleslaw, a small amount of mustard can work wonders. Dijon mustard offers a sophisticated, sharp, and slightly spicy flavor, while classic yellow mustard provides a more traditional deli-style tang. You could also use a pinch of dry mustard powder for a subtle background note that enhances the overall complexity.
- Sweetener Alternatives: While pure honey is our preferred natural sweetener for its unique flavor, feel free to substitute it with other liquid sweeteners. Agave nectar or pure maple syrup will both provide the necessary sweetness to balance the vinegar and the inherent tanginess of the Greek yogurt, allowing you to achieve your desired sweet-to-tangy ratio. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.
- Celery Salt Vs. Celery Seed: If you don’t have celery seed on hand, celery salt makes an excellent and readily available substitute. However, it’s crucial to remember that celery salt already contains a significant amount of salt. If using celery salt, omit the table salt from the recipe initially, then taste-test before serving and add a small amount of additional salt if needed. This prevents the coleslaw from becoming overly salty.
- Add More Crunch and Texture: For an extra layer of texture and nutritional value, consider tossing in some finely chopped bell peppers (any color adds visual appeal), a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for healthy fats, or even a sprinkle of toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds just before serving. Water chestnuts can also add a unique, watery crunch.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or a few finely diced jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat) can add a delightful kick to the dressing.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Healthy Coleslaw
Achieving coleslaw perfection is easy with these insider tips:
- Addressing Dryness and Preventing Soupiness: It’s quite common for the Weight Watchers coleslaw to appear a bit dry when you first mix the dressing into the shredded vegetables. Don’t panic and resist the urge to add more dressing immediately! The cabbage will naturally begin to release liquid over time as it rests and softens, creating more moisture in the dressing. Adding too much dressing initially can actually result in a soupy, watery coleslaw, which nobody wants. If, after the recommended resting time, you still desire a little more moisture or creaminess, simply stir in a couple of extra spoonfuls of nonfat Greek yogurt just before serving. This will add creaminess without unduly thinning the dressing.
- Gently Warming Honey for Seamless Blending: Gently warming the honey is a small, often overlooked step that makes a big difference in the final consistency of your dressing. It helps the honey become more fluid and less viscous, allowing it to dissolve and incorporate into the creamy dressing much more easily and evenly, preventing any sticky clumps. However, be cautious not to overheat it; hot honey can cause the Greek yogurt to curdle, altering the smooth, creamy texture of your delicious dressing. Aim for just comfortably warm, not hot.
- The Importance of Resting Time: While it’s tempting to dive right into this deliciousness, the minimum two-hour chilling period (and preferably longer!) is absolutely non-negotiable for optimal flavor and texture. This crucial time allows the cabbage to soften slightly, truly absorbing the rich flavors of the dressing and allowing all the ingredients to meld into a harmonious, incredibly delicious bite. It transforms individual flavors into a unified, balanced experience.
- Always Taste and Adjust Before Serving: Your taste buds are the ultimate judge! After the coleslaw has rested for the recommended time, always perform a final taste test. This is your last, best chance to fine-tune the balance of sweet, tangy, and salty to perfection. Add a bit more honey for sweetness, a splash more vinegar for tang, or a pinch more salt to bring out and enhance all the existing flavors, according to your specific preference. Remember to add incrementally!
- Optimal Storage for Freshness: To keep your delicious homemade coleslaw fresh and flavorful, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will typically stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days. While the cabbage might soften slightly and release a bit more liquid over time, a quick stir before serving will usually redistribute the dressing and bring back its creamy consistency.
Serving Your Delicious Low-Point Coleslaw
This healthy Weight Watchers coleslaw is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide array of main dishes. It’s the perfect light and refreshing counterpoint to richer meals, offering a burst of freshness and crunch. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions:
- Classic BBQ Favorites: It’s the quintessential side for grilled chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, smoky beef brisket, or tender ribs. The cool, tangy coleslaw beautifully cuts through the richness of barbecue sauces and grilled meats.
- Fish and Seafood Pairings: A wonderful accompaniment to baked or grilled fish fillets, vibrant fish tacos, or even crispy fried shrimp. Its freshness complements seafood exceptionally well.
- Sandwiches and Burgers Enhancer: Add a generous scoop to your favorite turkey burger, grilled chicken sandwich, or veggie burger for an extra layer of flavor, moisture, and satisfying crunch.
- Picnics and Potlucks Powerhouse: This coleslaw is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that travels exceptionally well, offering a healthier, refreshing option for any communal meal or outdoor gathering.
- Everyday Weeknight Dinners: Serve it as a simple, nutritious side for roasted chicken, lean pork chops, or even alongside a hearty bowl of chili for a textural contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weight Watchers Coleslaw
Here are answers to some common questions about making and enjoying this healthy coleslaw:
- Can I make this coleslaw vegan? To adapt this recipe for a vegan diet, you would need to replace the nonfat plain Greek yogurt with a non-dairy plain yogurt alternative (such as unsweetened almond, soy, or coconut-based yogurt). The light mayonnaise should also be swapped for a vegan mayonnaise. Additionally, ensure your honey is replaced with a vegan liquid sweetener like agave nectar or maple syrup, as honey is not considered vegan.
- How long does homemade coleslaw last in the refrigerator? When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this homemade coleslaw will remain fresh and delicious for approximately 3 to 4 days. While the cabbage might soften slightly and release a bit more liquid over time, the flavors will continue to develop and meld beautifully.
- Why is my coleslaw watery? Coleslaw can become watery if the cabbage releases too much liquid, which is common. To minimize this, ensure you don’t add excessive dressing initially. The resting time (as outlined in the recipe) is crucial because it allows the cabbage to release some moisture, which is then reabsorbed by the dressing, thickening it naturally. If, after resting, it’s still too watery, you can gently drain some of the excess liquid or stir in an additional spoonful of extra Greek yogurt to help thicken the dressing slightly.
- Can I use a different type of cabbage for this recipe? Absolutely! While a blend of green and red cabbage offers both visual appeal and varied texture, you can certainly use solely green cabbage, red cabbage, or even a savoy cabbage for different nuances in flavor and crunch. Each type of cabbage will slightly alter the final taste and mouthfeel of your coleslaw.
- Is it okay to use pre-packaged shredded cabbage for convenience? Yes, using a pre-packaged shredded coleslaw mix is perfectly fine and a fantastic time-saver, especially on busy days! Just be sure to choose a plain mix that does not contain any added dressing or extra ingredients to maintain the low WW points and to ensure you have full control over the flavors and ingredients in your homemade dressing.
More Healthy Side Dish Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this delicious and healthy Weight Watchers coleslaw recipe, we’re sure you’ll love these other fantastic side dish ideas that are equally flavorful and mindful of your health goals:
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Big Mac Salad
Southwest Macaroni Salad
Weight Watchers Coleslaw
Ingredients
- 20 oz shredded coleslaw mix, (or fresh shredded green and red cabbage, with 1 grated medium carrot)
- 1 cup Nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup Light mayo
- 3 tbsp Pure honey, Slightly warmed
- 2 ½ tbsp White distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- ¼ tsp Celery seed
- ¾ tsp Table salt
- ¼ tsp White pepper
- ¼ tsp Onion powder
Instructions
-
Place the shredded cabbage and carrots in a large bowl. Ensure your vegetables are well-prepped for optimal dressing absorption and crunch.
-
Separately, combine the wet ingredients (Greek yogurt, light mayo, vinegar) and all seasonings. Drizzle in the slightly warmed honey and whisk thoroughly until you achieve a smooth, creamy coleslaw dressing with no lumps.
-
Gently fold the creamy dressing into the shredded cabbage and carrots. Make sure all the vegetables are evenly coated. While you can taste-test now, I strongly recommend allowing it to rest first for the best flavor marriage.
-
Cover the coleslaw tightly and transfer it to the refrigerator for a minimum of two hours. Before serving, give it a good stir and taste to see if you’d like to adjust with more vinegar, honey, or salt. Remember, it’s easier to add than to remove! The Greek yogurt already adds tang, so add vinegar incrementally. The flavors will have deepened and harmonized beautifully after resting.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.