Creamy Cole Slaw(40 Calories Per Serving)
A light and creamy cole slaw with tangy lemon, fresh chives, and subtle caraway, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing side dish with any meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons fresh or 2 teaspoons freeze-dried chives ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons low-fat sour cream ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon caraway seed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 3 cups finely shredded green cabbage ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded carrot ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix buttermilk, chives, sour cream, lemon juice, caraway seed, salt, and pepper in a large glass or plastic bowl.
- Add the shredded cabbage, shredded carrot, and chopped onion to the bowl.
- Toss everything together until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for about 2 hours or until chilled before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to the dressing. If you want a bit of sweetness, try incorporating a teaspoon of honey or a diced apple. You can substitute green cabbage with red cabbage for a colorful twist, or use a bagged coleslaw mix to save time. Fresh herbs like parsley can also enhance flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy cole slaw is a fantastic side dish for summer barbecues and pairs beautifully with Peanut Loaf (Vegetarian) or grilled chicken. It also makes a delicious topping for pulled pork sandwiches. For a complete meal, serve it alongside baked beans or corn on the cob.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits. Avoid freezing the slaw, as the texture will suffer upon thawing. When ready to serve, give it a good toss to redistribute the dressing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Cole Slaw(40 Calories Per Serving) contains roughly 567 calories, with 20g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (319% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (146% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1546mg per serving (67% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cole slaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cole slaw a day in advance. Just mix the dressing and vegetables, then refrigerate. However, keep in mind that the cabbage may soften slightly, so it's best enjoyed within 2-3 days for optimal crunch.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don't have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using. This will provide the same tangy flavor and consistency.
Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
Absolutely! To make a vegan version, substitute the low-fat buttermilk and sour cream with a plant-based yogurt or nut milk mixed with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. This will mimic the acidity and creaminess of the original recipe.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).