This post is sponsored by Morningstar Farms.
For many adults, there are certain foods we constantly try to acquire a taste for. Over the years, I’ve made significant progress with items like mustard, ground beef, cauliflower, and pickles, reaching a point where I can now enjoy them, or at least tolerate them, when served. However, one condiment has consistently eluded me, despite numerous attempts to incorporate it into my meals, be it dipping fries, tossing salads, or slathering it on sandwiches. No matter how many times I try to force myself, I simply cannot bring myself to enjoy the taste of it. I appreciate the ingredients, and I understand its appeal to others, but for the life of me, it just doesn’t click.
My apologies, mayonnaise, but I think I’m finally ready to officially give up on you.
Thankfully, a true culinary hero has emerged to rescue countless recipes traditionally reliant on mayo: Greek yogurt. My deep affection for Greek yogurt has paved the way for numerous delicious and healthier substitutions over the years. One of my most recent and successful culinary ventures involved a beloved potluck staple, especially popular in my barbecue-loving hometown of Kansas City: coleslaw! That’s right, a truly delicious and creamy mayo-free coleslaw is not only possible but surprisingly easy to achieve. Beyond being significantly healthier than its traditional counterpart, this version takes a mere 5 minutes to prepare and is absolutely bursting with fresh flavor. It’s a game-changer for anyone looking to lighten up their favorite dishes without sacrificing taste.
Are you ready to embark on this quick and delightful culinary journey with me?

Just last Friday, I whipped up a fresh batch to kick off the long weekend, and I’m already planning a second batch for a Memorial Day gathering with friends in Lawrence. Many of my friends and I have been embracing “Meatless Mondays” recently, a commitment to plant-based eating that I also observe for both health and environmental reasons. To complement our meatless meal, I’ll be bringing some of my favorite Morningstar Farms veggie burgers to grill alongside this fantastic coleslaw. As I’ve shared in previous posts, I’m thrilled to be partnering with Morningstar Farms this spring, creating and sharing new plant-based, meatless recipes that align perfectly with my personal commitment to reducing meat consumption.
When you bite into a juicy veggie burger generously topped with this creamy, tangy Greek Yogurt Coleslaw, I’m confident that no one will even miss the meat for a single second. This dynamic duo offers a satisfying and flavorful experience that proves healthy eating can be incredibly delicious.

Crafting this delightful coleslaw is incredibly straightforward. You’ll begin by preparing a simple yet flavorful creamy dressing, using Greek yogurt as its wholesome base. This dressing forms the heart of our lighter coleslaw. If you’re pairing this with burgers, now is the perfect time to cook your veggie burgers—whether you prefer to pan-fry them on the stovetop, bake them in the oven, or achieve that perfect char on the grill. Preparing them simultaneously streamlines your cooking process, ensuring everything is ready to serve together.

Once your dressing is ready, it’s time to assemble the main components of the salad. In a large mixing bowl, combine a vibrant mix of shredded cabbage, which can be green, red, or a combination of both for added visual appeal and flavor complexity. Add a generous amount of shredded carrots, which contribute natural sweetness and a beautiful pop of color. Finally, thinly sliced green onions introduce a mild, savory note and a hint of freshness. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility: I often use a package of green cabbage I have on hand and supplement with extra carrots, but you can easily opt for a pre-mixed bag of coleslaw mix from the grocery store for ultimate convenience. Just ensure your vegetables are fresh and crisp for the best texture.

With all your ingredients ready, pour the prepared Greek yogurt dressing over the colorful medley of shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Gently toss everything together, ensuring that every strand of vegetable is thoroughly coated in the creamy, tangy dressing. This careful mixing is crucial for an even distribution of flavor. Finish by seasoning generously with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust to your preference – perhaps a little more tang, sweetness, or seasoning – to achieve that perfect balance that makes this coleslaw truly irresistible.

And just like that, your vibrant, healthy, and incredibly flavorful Greek Yogurt Coleslaw is ready to be served! This dish is perfect for immediate enjoyment, offering a crisp, refreshing crunch with every bite. If you’re preparing it in advance for a gathering or simply for meal prep, you can cover it and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious. However, to maintain the optimal crispness of the cabbage, it’s generally best enjoyed within the first few hours of preparation.

For this particular batch, I opted to grill some of Morningstar Farm’s Roasted Garlic and Quinoa veggie burgers. The savory, aromatic notes of the burgers paired exquisitely with the tangy freshness of the coleslaw, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal. However, this incredibly versatile Greek Yogurt Coleslaw would make a fantastic accompaniment to any of Morningstar Farms’ diverse range of veggie burgers, or indeed, any grilled protein, sandwich, or barbecue spread. Its quick preparation, delicious flavor, and marvelously mayo-free composition make it a truly essential side dish for any occasion. It’s a testament to how simple substitutions can elevate a classic dish into a healthier, equally delightful, and incredibly refreshing culinary experience. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the guilt-free pleasure of this amazing coleslaw!
Greek Yogurt Coleslaw
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
This Greek Yogurt Coleslaw recipe is mayo-free, lighter, quick and easy to prepare, and perfectly creamy and delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 (10-ounce) bag shredded cabbage (about 4 cups)*
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup thinly-sliced green onions
- 2/3 cups non-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons honey, warmed
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/4 tsp celery salt
- pinch of salt and freshly-cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Combine the cabbage, carrot and green onions in a large bowl, and toss to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, vinegar, honey, mustard, celery salt, and a pinch of salt and pepper until combined. Taste, and season with extra salt and pepper if needed.
- Pour the Greek yogurt mixture into the cabbage mixture, and toss until evenly combined.
- Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
This is a sponsored post in partnership with Morningstar Farms. I am partnering with them to bring you some delicious new meatless recipes this spring, and all opinions are 100% my own as always. Thanks for supporting the brands that help make this blog possible!