Honey Mustard Coleslaw with Yogurt (No-Mayo!)

Honey mustard coleslaw with Greek yogurt is a healthy low-calorie alternative to the classic version with mayonnaise. Learn how to make no mayo red cabbage slaw that stays soft and juicy, but does not get watery over time!

About no mayo red cabbage slaw

“ Red cabbage slaw without mayo?” The family was quite skeptical when I made it the first time.

After all, the definition of deli-style coleslaw is a few shreds of cabbage slathered with mayo and honey, and full of calories. This honey mustard coleslaw looked and tasted so light and better!

Most of the Greek yogurt coleslaw recipes tend to get watery and go limp if you make them ahead of time. Find out my LITTLE SECRET to keep it soft and juicy, and at the same time, does not ooze out moisture.

So you can make this spicy no mayo coleslaw ahead of time and chill to your heart’s content.

Once everyone had a taste of this healthier version, they loved it. Since then, this honey mustard slaw has become a staple dish at home. It tastes great as a side dish with chicken, fish and shrimps. I pair it with baked chicken breasts, roasted chicken drumsticks, baked lemon mustard fish, Panko-crusted fish, and even fried shrimps.

Since trying this no-mayo coleslaw and succeeding, I got more confident and improvised it step by step.

Why not make it healthier and tastier by sneaking in more variety, color, and nutrition, adding purple carrots and red cabbage in addition to the regular ones? And use Dijon mustard for added spice. Welcome to the spicy, sweet, tangy and HEALTHY world of no mayo coleslaw with honey!

Ingredient notes

Vegetables

Adding purple cabbage in salads gives a delicious crunch and color and also increases its nutritional value multifold.

I’ve used a combination of green and red cabbage and carrots. If you can get purple carrots you can replace half the carrots with purple ones. You get a coleslaw that’s more purplish like this:

Herbs

This is basically a cilantro-lime coleslaw recipe. So I’ve used lots of cilantro here (a personal preference), you can use dill or chives instead, or additionally.

Yogurt dressing for red cabbage coleslaw

• Greek yogurt is the main ingredient that gives a creamy texture and taste. You can see my love for the versatile, delicious yogurt in many of my popular sauces like the yogurt dip with simple fish cakes, salad dressings and marinades!
• Dijon mustard, cumin and lime add a spicy tang.
• Honey for those of us who still want the sweetness in the coleslaw, healthy or otherwise!

Whisk all ingredients in a small bowl. This yummy dressing will ensure that you don’t miss the mayo.

How to make honey mustard coleslaw- step by step

(You can find the exact measurements and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this page.)

Preparing the no-mayo coleslaw takes only 10 minutes. You don’t even have to give it time to rest. BUT, the secret to a crunchy coleslaw lies in preparing the cabbage so it doesn’t get watery.

Salting the cabbage

Cabbage is a water-rich vegetable with 92% water content. Water is held by pectin, a soluble fibre in the cell walls of the cabbage. When you add salt to cabbage, it breaks down the pectin and draws out the water. So if you want to prevent a watery coleslaw, the solution is to draw out water from the cabbage BEFORE adding the dressing. So much science in making a simple coleslaw!

Note: As in most of my salad recipes, I’ve used Himalayan pink salt for its health benefits and more flavor. You can use regular salt, too.

Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the shredded cabbage, mix well and let it sit for an hour (or up to 2 hours if you can) in a colander. You’ll be surprised to see the amount of water that comes out of the cabbage. Squeeze the cabbage dry, but DO NOT RINSE. You don’t have to worry about excess salt since we don’t add any more salt to the dressing.

Spicy no mayo coleslaw

Combine the cabbage, grated carrots and chopped parsley in a salad bowl. Drizzle the dressing and toss until well combined. This coleslaw doesn’t have to sit long in the fridge since the cabbage is already soft from all that soaking earlier. You can serve it as soon as it is chilled which would take 20 minutes, max.

Common questions about red cabbage coleslaw with yogurt

Health benefits of green and red cabbage

• Cabbage is a very powerful brain food. The presence of vitamin K and anthocyanins within cabbage can boost brain power and concentration.
• It is a low-calorie vegetable rich in vitamins and minerals.
• Cabbage contains powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation.
• It is rich in vitamin C which boosts immunity. Red cabbage has 30% more vitamin C.
• Cabbage, especially the purple variety has a high content of glucosinolates which have been associated with anticancer properties.
• It contains insoluble fiber which helps improve digestion.
• The vibrant red cabbage contains anthocyanins that reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Cabbage, especially red cabbage is rich in potassium which helps regulate blood pressure.
• It is a great source of sulfur that helps fight infections and speed-up healing.

Love red cabbage? Try this healthy red cabbage soup or chicken stir-fry with red rice and cabbage.

Health benefits of Greek Yogurt

The health benefits of yogurt are well-known, it’s full of nutrients– probiotics, protein, calcium and vitamin D to name a few, and is essential for maintaining your gut health. Yogurt becomes an essential ingredient in your meals, especially when you are trying to lose weight by eating a healthy diet.

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