There are probably as many ways to make coleslaw as there are cooks.

In San Luis Obispo, I discovered the most delicious coleslaw at a barbecue joint called Mo’s.  Not only do they have the best ribs ever (definitely not skinny), they make a fantastic, crunchy slaw.  It’s not at all soggy like the typical coleslaw.

The secret to Mo’s keeping it ‘crunchy’?  Tossing in the dressing just before serving.  They say they were on the quest for the best slaw and got their recipe from The Original Pantry in downtown Los Angeles.

I decided to recreate this fabulous slaw but a whole lot skinner.  Instead of using regular mayo, I’ve tossed the slaw in my skinny ranch dressing.

Now each serving has 78 calories, 3 grams of fat and 3 Weight Watchers POINTS PLUS.  When prepared with regular mayonnaise a serving has 172 calories and 15 grams of fat. You might just become a true slaw lover!

Prep time: 10 minutes

Easy Skinny Crunchy Cole Slaw Recipe 

Ingredients

6 cups shredded green cabbage

1 cup shredded carrots

½ cup The BEST Skinny Ranch Dressing (3 ingredients)

 or reduced-fat mayonnaise

2½ tablespoons sugar

1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. In a large bowl add shredded cabbage and carrots.

2. in a small bowl whisk together the ranch dressing or reduced-fat mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar.

3. Refrigerate the cabbage, carrots and dressing until ready to serve.  Do not toss together until ready to eat.

Makes 6 servings (~1 cup each)

Food Fact
The word coleslaw comes from the Dutch koosla, which means “cabbage salad.”  Coleslaw is a salad usually of green or red cabbage mixed with mayonnaise, vinaigrette, or other types of dressing.  Sometimes other ingredients are added such as carrots, red pepper, onions or celery.

Cabbage is an honored member of the cruciferous family which includes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower.

Healthy Benefits
Cabbage is a nutrient dense, low calorie, food that provides an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, folic acid, B6, biotin, calcium, and a respectable amount of fiber.  In addition, studies have shown that cabbage has anticancer benefits.

Carrots have been renowned for their health benefits. They’re just about the best source of vitamin A.

Cider vinegar adds zip to food with practically no sodium, fat, cholesterol or calories.

Prep Tip
To save time, you can buy shredded cabbage and shredded carrots in bags.  Most supermarkets carry both.

Weight Watchers (old points) 1
Weight Watchers POINTS PLUS 3

SKINNY FACTS: for 1 serving (~1 cup, based on using Nancy’s Skinny Ranch)
78 calories, 3g fat, 7g protein, 13g carbs, 2g fiber, 128mg sodium, 7g sugar

FAT FACTS: for 1 serving
172 calories, 15g fat, 1g protein, 10g carbs, 2g fiber, 119mg sodium, 8g sugar

Find more delicious recipes from Nancy Fox on her website, Skinny Kitchen