Ranch Coleslaw

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This crunchy Ranch Coleslaw is the perfect twist on traditional coleslaw. Packed with crunchy celery, cabbage, and carrots in a homemade ranch slaw dressing.

105 CAL 12g CARBS 4g FAT 3g PROTEIN
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There are so many things to love about this Ranch Coleslaw. It's such a fun spin on a traditional coleslaw and also a crowd-pleaser since it uses a ranch dressing instead of the traditional sweet mayo dressing. Plus it stays crunchy and delicious - no soggy salad here. 

Yesterday I shared this quick and easy Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes recipe and today I wanted to share the ranch slaw that I make as the perfect side or sandwich topping. It's crunchy, it's crispy, and the homemade ranch dressing tames the spice of the buffalo chicken making it a winning combo. Pile it right on top to make the most delicious sandwich. 

This ranch slaw is also great on its own as a salad or side dish. I will be making it all summer long to serve with burgers and all our grilled favorites

Looking for more fun slaw recipes? Try this Creamy Mexican Slaw, Kale Slaw, and Asian Peanut Slaw

Key Ingredients

  • Coleslaw: Like any good slaw, this starts with a base of shredded cabbage and shredded carrots. Packaged coleslaw mixed works or fresh cabbage can be shredded using a sharp knife, mandolin, or food processor. 
  • Celery: To add crunch and flavor to this slaw, it includes lots of celery. Use both the stalks of the celery and the leaves for the best flavor. 
  • Yogurt and buttermilk: To make a creamy dressing that is also light, this recipe uses Greek yogurt, buttermilk, and mayonnaise. Sour cream can be used in place of the mayonnaise. Plain yogurt can be used in place of Greek yogurt.
  • Ranch seasoning: This uses a spice blend with parsley, dill, chives, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper to get that delicious ranch seasoning. Additionally, you could use a store-bought ranch seasoning or this homemade version.

Recipe Ideas and Substitutions

There are many ways to switch up this recipe based on what you have on hand or your preferences. Here are some things to consider:

  • Use store-bought ranch dressing: For a quicker option, swap in your favorite store-bought ranch dressing or make your own homemade ranch
  • More crunch: Add even more crunch with some sliced cucumbers, red onions, or green onions.
  • Add tomatoes: For a pop of color and flavor, add in some chopped cherry tomatoes. If you are making this in advance, add these right before serving. 
  • Make it spicy: Make a spicy version of this tasty celery slaw using this jalapeno ranch
  • Make it a meal: This also makes a great entree salad by adding cooked chicken, canned tuna, cooked fish, chickpeas, or cooked quinoa. 
  • Add cheese: Add another layer of flavor with some crumbled feta cheese, blue cheese, or goat cheese.
  • No buttermilk? If you don't have buttermilk dressing, leave it out. Just add a splash of lemon juice or white vinegar. 

What to Serve with Ranch Coleslaw

To be honest, this is one of those salads that I would serve with almost anything from grilled chicken to burgers and hot dogs. It's delicious in place of a traditional side salad and is a hit with kids since it's so crunchy. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most common questions about making this celery slaw.

This ranch coleslaw can be made with store-bought ranch dressing instead of the homemade option provided in the recipe. Use about 1/2 cup of dressing to replace the homemade option. 

This ranch slaw can be made up to 24 hours in advance but the salad will get softer as it sits, much like a traditional coleslaw. If you prefer a crunchier salad, store the dressing separately. Then combine 30-60 minutes before serving.

If you prefer not to use cabbage, simply replace the cabbage with more celery and carrots. Additionally you can add lettuce if you prefer a more traditional salad. 

The Recipe
Ranch coleslaw with shredded cabbage, chopped celery, parsley, and ranch dressing in a bowl.

Ranch Coleslaw

105 CAL 12g CARBS 4g FAT 3g PROTEIN
PREP TIME: 5 Min
COOK TIME: 5 Min
TOTAL TIME: 10 Min
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Ingredients

US METRICS
  • 3 cups shredded coleslaw mix
  • 4 ribs celery, sliced thin
  • 1/3 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/3 cup lowfat buttermilk
  • 3 tbsp. light mayonnaise
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp. parsley
  • 1 tbsp. chives
  • 1 tsp. dried dill
  • 1/2 tsp. onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
  • Salt to taste

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Instructions

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1

Mix together the yogurt, buttermilk, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, parsley, chives, dill, onion powder, pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Taste and season if needed.

2

Toss with coleslaw mix and celery.

Nutritional Facts
Serving Size: 1 cup
Amount Per Serving
Calories 105
Calories from Fat 35
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 4g
6%
Saturated Fat 1g
3%
Monounsaturated Fat 0g
0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
0%
Cholesterol 1mg
0%
Sodium 232mg
10%
Total Carbohydrate 12g
4%
Dietary Fiber 4g
15%
Sugars 8g
Protein 3g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Nutritional Values provided are estimates only and may vary based on the preparation method.

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About the author Meet Kristen McCaffrey
Hi, I’m the cookbook author, recipe developer, and food enthusiast behind Slender Kitchen. I am obsessed with making healthy food that is easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. Meal planning is my secret weapon and I hope I can make meal time easier for you with our tried and tested recipes and foolproof meal plans. Learn More
1 Comment
On Ranch Coleslaw
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Freda Potter
January 16, 2017 - 05:32
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4
Perfect with the buffalo chicken sloppy joes to cut the heat. I omitted the celery as we are not fans of it. Will make again.
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