Nothing says “summer is finally here!” like a juicy burger beside a mound of cool and creamy coleslaw. Unfortunately, that creaminess comes from fat-heavy mayo, which can do a number on your waistline and your health. Luckily for slaw fans, there are easy ways to dial down the fat and calories without sacrificing that flavor and texture you love. Here’s how to lighten up your favorite summer side.
Use a mayonnaise substitute
Don’t knock it before you try it—swapping Greek yogurt for mayonnaise is a healthier way to get that creaminess you crave. In fact, it’s healthier than choosing low-fat mayo, which can be higher in sugar and sodium to compensate for flavor. “Start with at least half yogurt and eventually swap out the entire portion,” says Marisa Moore, a registered dietitian nutritionist based in Atlanta. You’ll even sneak in some extra protein for satiety, she adds.
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Related Reading: This Vegan Mayonnaise Is Even Better Than the Real Thing
Add fresh veggies
The summer harvest is especially bountiful, so take advantage of those fresh flavors. Not only will you pump up the nutrition by adding variety to your traditional cabbage medley, but those flavor surprises will also outshine some of the unhealthier ingredients (such as salt or mayo) that you’re lacking. “Using fresh summer vegetables such as zucchini or corn allows for the season to really shine through,” says Geoffrey Zakarian, Food Network star and chef and partner of Point Royal at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Fla. Spiralize the zucchini or throw in raw corn kernels straight off the cob.
Embrace acid
“Bold and acidic ingredients punch up the flavor, allowing you to cut back on mayo and salt,” says Moore. First, cut back your mayo portion by at least 25 percent (the more you can slash, the better!), then add the acid. “Jazz up your traditional coleslaw with lemon or lime juice or apple cider vinegar.”
Related Reading: 11 Healthy Grilled Chicken Recipes in Under 30 Minutes
Experiment with ethnic ingredients
Cabbage has such a mild flavor that it can handle just about any flavor profile you dress it in. “Kick up the flavor without a lot of calories by trying international sauces or toppings like chimichurri, kimchi, English mustard, or ponzu,” says Judy Joo, owner and chef patron at Jinjuu Restaurants in London and Hong Kong. Mix the mustard with a little mayo, chimichurri in place of mayo, kimchi as a tangy mix-in, or a drizzle of ponzu to achieve that vinegar note.
Chowhound
Go Asian
Asian flavors meld seamlessly into a coleslaw. Moore suggests adding shredded carrots and make a dressing of rice vinegar, fresh grated ginger, and a small bit of sesame oil—then toss with a white and red cabbage mix and immediately inhale.
Related Reading: 6 Cookbooks That Are All About Salad
Don’t forget about fruit
Diced apple chunks or sectioned oranges can add a hit of sweetness to both a zesty vinegary slaw and a creamy one. Throw in a handful of sunflower seeds or chopped almonds or walnuts and you’ve just added fiber and protein to the mix.
Mix up your slaw mix
You don’t need to stick to strictly cabbage for it to be considered coleslaw. Shredded broccoli and kale make nutritionally powerful additions—not to mention delicious ones! If you need inspiration, try Moore’s broccoli slaw with a honey tahini dressing (the tahini is another smart mayo swap that provides creamy flavor without all the saturated fat.)
Moore's Zesty Garden Hern Marinade, $13.62 on Amazon
For a zestier herbier slaw try this marinade from Moore's.
Bring the heat
Spice is one of the easiest ways to cut back on fatty or salty ingredients. Add chili peppers, but be sure to serve it alongside something less spicy so you can really taste all the flavors.
Related Reading: Picnic-Perfect Potato Salad Recipes That Don’t Use Mayonnaise
Don’t forget about the sides to your side
Choose a healthy main dish, otherwise, you’ll negate all the good you did healthifying your coleslaw. Opt for lean protein like grilled chicken, fish, shrimp, or lean cuts of beef.
A few healthy slaw recipes to try
Tangy Cabbage Slaw
Chowhound
This slaw recipe with bright Latin flavors uses no mayo but rather oil and citrus as a binder. Feel free to use whatever healthy oil you prefer like avocado or coconut but nothing too heavy. Extra virgin olive oil will weigh this salad down. Get our Tangy Cabbage Slaw recipe.
Carrot Slaw
Chowhound
Another slaw sans mayonnaise that will up the health grade a few notches. Get some welcome vitamins from the carrot and a little zing and pep from the red wine vinegar. Get our Carrot Slaw recipe.
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