A lower-calorie way to make Coleslaw
Coleslaw — crisp cabbage in apple-yogurt dressing
Dry shredded cabbage, carrot, apple, and scallion stay crisp under a tangy yogurt-mustard dressing, about 145 kcal per serving.
For Coleslaw, control surface moisture, portion size, and measured fat, checking a visible texture or temperature cue before each stage. Coleslaw should retain its familiar American character, be safely cooked, and leave no watery or greasy residue.
What changes—and what stays
From with mayonnaise and sugar is often 250–380 kcal to 145 calories
Use thick yogurt, apple, and cider vinegar instead of mayonnaise and sugar. Cider vinegar, mustard, celery seed, apple, scallion, and black pepper give deli-style tang.
| Part | Conventional | Lighter | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core method | More added fat or a heavier proportion | Use thick yogurt, apple, and cider vinegar instead of mayonnaise and sugar | Cider vinegar, mustard, celery seed, apple, scallion, and black pepper give deli-style tang. |
How the flavor stays
Cider vinegar, mustard, celery seed, apple, scallion, and black pepper give deli-style tang.
A cost rule that survives inflation
Cabbage and carrot create ten large portions from inexpensive produce.
Ingredients for 10
Measure first; timing is part of how this recipe uses less fat.
- 1.8 kggreen and red cabbage
- 700 gcarrots
- 500 gtart apples
- 350 gGreek yogurt 2%
- 250 gscallions
- 100 mlcider vinegar
- 35 gmustard
- 15 gcelery seed, parsley, and black pepper
Method
Each step includes heat, a visible cue, and a recovery.
Step 1 · follow the visible cue
Prepare and control moisture
Shred cabbage evenly, grate carrot, core apple, and dry every component.
Look for: Shreds are crisp and no water sits in the bowl.
Step 2 · follow the visible cue
Build the flavor base
Whisk yogurt, vinegar, mustard, celery seed, and pepper until smooth.
Look for: Dressing is thick and sharp without sugar.
Step 3 · follow the visible cue
Cook with precise heat
Toss cabbage and carrot lightly and let stand ten minutes before adding apple.
Look for: Cabbage bends but still snaps and releases little liquid.
Step 4 · follow the visible cue
Finish and verify texture
Fold in apple, scallion, and parsley immediately before portioning.
Look for: Colors stay bright and dressing coats without pooling.
Calories at the same serving size
150 kcal · 51% lower estimated
The estimate uses the listed ingredients divided into 10 servings. Brand labels, trimming, and the amount left in the pan can change the result.
Keep the leftovers in the same spirit
Cool Coleslaw within two hours and refrigerate sealed for up to three days. Reheat only what you need.
Cool Coleslaw within two hours and refrigerate sealed for up to three days. Reheat only what you need.
Frequently asked questions
Can Coleslaw be prepared a day ahead?
Yes. Chill promptly and keep crisp, fresh, or delicate components separate until serving. Cool Coleslaw within two hours and refrigerate sealed for up to three days. Reheat only what you need.
What does the calorie figure for Coleslaw include?
It covers one of the stated servings from the listed quantities only; extra sides and sauces are not included. Use thick yogurt, apple, and cider vinegar instead of mayonnaise and sugar.
- green and red cabbage1.8 kg
- carrots700 g
- tart apples500 g
- Greek yogurt 2%350 g
CaloNote · mobile analysis example
Check the Coleslaw serving you actually made
Photograph the finished plate in CaloNote, review the detected ingredients and portion, and correct the estimate before saving.
This uses the real CaloNote meal-detail layout with this recipe’s photo and estimated nutrition. Actual AI results vary with the photo and portion.
Analyze my meal in CaloNoteMethod and sources
Recipe development and nutrition review: CaloNote Editorial
This editorial recipe uses ingredient-level nutrition estimates and reviewed cooking principles. It is not represented as physically test-cooked, and nutrition is approximate.
Published and last reviewed: August 25, 2026
Make another familiar dinner lighter
Blueberry Muffins: a lighter American recipe with a clear doneness check
American Blueberry Muffins for eight: coat dry berries lightly, fold the batter only until streaks disappear, and bake in evenly filled cups. The measured formula uses blueberries, whole-wheat flour, rolled oats, eggs, and low-fat milk; the reliable finish is domed tops spring back and berries stay suspended. About 345 kcal per portion.
See the recipe
Peach Cobbler: a lighter American recipe with a clear doneness check
American Peach Cobbler for eight: reduce the peach juices first and spoon small biscuit mounds apart so steam can escape. The measured formula uses ripe peaches, whole-wheat flour, rolled oats, low-fat milk, and maple syrup; the reliable finish is the fruit bubbles thickly and each biscuit is dry beneath. About 345 kcal per portion.
See the recipe