Low Sodium Coleslaw with Greek Yogurt

By Adam Fisher
Published 6/16/2026
Dietitian Reviewed: Erin McNamara, RDN, LDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Low Sodium Coleslaw with Greek Yogurt
Photo Credit: Adam Fisher, Baldwin Publishing

Looking for a healthier alternative to your fast-food favorites? This low sodium coleslaw recipe is the ultimate Chick-fil-a copycat coleslaw, delivering all the sweet, tangy crunch you crave without the heavy mayonnaise.

By swapping traditional ingredients for a healthy coleslaw dressing made from nonfat Greek yogurt, this side dish dramatically reduces saturated fat and sodium. In fact, each serving contains just 54 calories and 24mg of sodium, making it a perfect fit for a heart-healthy or low-sodium diet.

Best of all, this Greek yogurt coleslaw dressing without mayo comes together in just 15 minutes. Simply mix, toss with fresh shredded cabbage and carrots, and let it chill in the fridge to allow those classic, crowd-pleasing flavors to meld beautifully.

Total Time
15 minutes
Servings
8
Calories
54

What Makes This Low Sodium Coleslaw Healthy

By utilizing nonfat plain Greek yogurt instead of traditional mayonnaise, this recipe creates a rich and creamy dressing that is virtually fat-free. Combined with fresh, fiber-rich cabbage and a balanced touch of vinegar and sugar, it provides a satisfying crunch with a fraction of the calories and sodium found in standard deli or fast-food versions.

Key Health Highlights

  • Ultra-Low Sodium: Contains only 24mg of sodium per serving, easily fitting into strict low-sodium dietary guidelines.
  • Zero Saturated Fat: Made with nonfat Greek yogurt, eliminating the heavy saturated fats typical of mayonnaise-based dressings.
  • Low Calorie: At just 54 calories per half-cup serving, it's a light and refreshing side dish.
  • Rich in Fiber: Fresh green and red cabbage, along with carrots, provide 2g of dietary fiber to support healthy digestion.

FAQs About Low Sodium Coleslaw

Yes! Plain nonfat Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for mayonnaise. It provides the same creamy texture and tangy flavor but with significantly less fat and more protein.

Absolutely. Using yogurt instead of mayo significantly reduces the calories, total fat, and saturated fat, making it a much healthier option for various diets, including low-fat and low-sodium plans.

Generally, cabbage is considered a kidney-friendly vegetable because it is naturally low in potassium, phosphorus, and sodium. This specific recipe is also extremely low in sodium (24mg), making it a great option, but you should always consult your doctor or dietitian for your specific dietary needs.

As written, this recipe contains 9g of carbohydrates and 7g of sugar per serving due to the granulated sugar and carrots. To make it keto-friendly, simply substitute the 2 Tbsp of granulated sugar with your preferred keto-friendly sweetener.

Yes, this is a fantastic Weight Watchers coleslaw with Greek yogurt! Because it uses nonfat plain Greek yogurt and fresh vegetables (which are typically zero points), it is very low in points. Just be sure to account for the 2 Tbsp of sugar.

More Heart Healthy Slaw and Salad Recipes with Cabbage

If you loved the satisfying crunch of this low sodium coleslaw, keep your meals fresh and fibrous with these other heart-healthy slaw and cabbage salad recipes.

Heart-Healthy BBQ Sides

Round out your next summer cookout by pairing our copycat Chick-fil-A coleslaw with these classic, heart-healthy BBQ sides that skip the heavy fats and excess sodium.

Homemade vs. Chick-fil-A Coleslaw

If you love the classic fast-food version, you'll be amazed by how this healthy coleslaw recipe with yogurt stacks up against the original. We’ve kept the delicious sweet and tangy flavor profile but completely overhauled the ingredients to make it a heart-healthy choice.

  • 100% Less Fat: By swapping 1 cup of heavy mayonnaise for plain nonfat Greek yogurt, we drop the estimated 20g of fat per serving down to 0g.
  • ~75% Fewer Calories: Cutting the mayo and halving the added sugar brings the estimated 220 calories per serving down to a light 54 calories.
  • ~88% Less Sodium: Completely eliminating the added kosher salt and relying on yogurt instead of salty mayo drops the estimated 210mg of sodium down to an incredibly low 24mg.

Ingredient Spotlights

  • Green and Red Cabbage: This colorful duo is the crunchy base of our coleslaw. Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable packed with fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Using both varieties adds beautiful visual appeal and a broader range of antioxidants.
  • Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt: The secret to our healthy dressing! Greek yogurt is thick and tangy, perfectly mimicking the texture of mayo while adding a boost of protein and keeping the fat content at zero.

Healthy Variations

  • Half and Half: If you are transitioning to a healthier diet and aren't ready to give up mayo completely, try a "coleslaw with yogurt and mayo" blend—use ½ cup Greek yogurt and ½ cup light mayonnaise.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or some finely diced jalapeños for a spicy twist on the classic flavor.
  • Extra Crunch: Toss in some sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds just before serving for an added textural crunch.
Photo Credit: Adam Fisher, Baldwin Publishing

Ingredients

Recipe yields 8 servings

Directions

  1. Step 1

    and black pepper until the sugar is fully dissolved. Add the Greek yogurt and whisk until smooth.

  2. Step 2

    Add the green cabbage, red cabbage and carrots; stir until the cabbages and carrots are evenly coated.

  3. Step 3

    Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Mix again after chilling and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
1/2 cup

54
Calories
0
g
Fat
2
mg
Cholesterol
24
mg
Sodium
9
g
Carbs
0
g
Sat. Fat
2
g
Fiber
4
g
Protein
7
g
Sugars
222
mg
Potassium
66
mg
Phosphorus

Serving & Storage Tips

  • Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor and texture, cover and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the cabbage to soften slightly and the dressing flavors to fully meld.
  • Storage: Store any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 2 days.
  • Make-Ahead: This is a perfect make-ahead side dish for barbecues and potlucks since it actually tastes better after resting in the fridge for a few hours.

What to Serve with This Low Sodium Coleslaw Recipe

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have white vinegar, apple cider vinegar is a great alternative that provides a slightly fruitier tang.

To save time, you can substitute a 14-ounce bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix instead of chopping fresh green and red cabbage.

You can swap the granulated sugar for honey, maple syrup, or a zero-calorie sweetener (like monk fruit or stevia) to suit your dietary preferences.

More Healthy BBQ Sides with Greek Yogurt

If you love the creamy, protein-packed benefits of this healthy coleslaw dressing, be sure to try these other crowd-pleasing BBQ sides that also swap heavy mayo for nonfat Greek yogurt.