If you’re watching your carbs but still want a delicious, satisfying side or snack, this Creamy Coleslaw Recipe for Low Carb Lovers is about to be your new favorite. It’s everything you love about classic coleslaw—creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor—minus the sugar-heavy dressing or carb-laden add-ins.

I first made this for a backyard BBQ when a few of our friends were doing keto, and it was gone before the burgers hit the grill. Even the non-low-carb crowd loved it. It’s perfect as a side dish or served in mini phyllo or wonton cups for a fun, bite-sized appetizer. The best part? It takes just minutes to throw together.

Let’s break down how to make this ultra-simple and ultra-tasty dish.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 2 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
• ¼ cup ranch dressing
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Mini phyllo cups or wonton cups (pre-baked or store-bought)
• Chopped green onions (optional)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by cooking your turkey bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Once it cools, crumble it into small pieces and set it aside. This adds a smoky, savory crunch to every bite.

STEP 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a medium bowl, combine the ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it until smooth and well blended. This creamy base is the key to making the coleslaw feel indulgent, even without all the carbs.

STEP 3: Add the Coleslaw Mix

Now, toss in the coleslaw mix. If you’re using a pre-shredded bag from the store (which I highly recommend for ease), just make sure it’s fresh and crisp. Stir until all the cabbage and carrot strands are evenly coated in the creamy dressing.

FINISHING TOUCHES FOR THIS LOW CARB CREAMY COLESLAW

We’ve already got our creamy coleslaw base ready, and now it’s time to kick the flavor and texture up a notch. The add-ins in this recipe—crispy turkey bacon and sharp cheddar cheese—turn a basic slaw into something downright craveable. Plus, we’ll show you how to serve it in fun little bite-sized cups that make it perfect for parties, picnics, or even a light lunch.

Let’s get right back into the steps.

STEP 4: Add the Bacon and Cheese

Take your crumbled turkey bacon and shredded cheddar cheese and stir them into the slaw mixture. The saltiness of the bacon paired with the creamy cheddar gives this coleslaw a more hearty, savory profile that really satisfies.

If you’re not a cheddar fan, you can swap in pepper jack for a little heat, or even feta for a tangier bite.

STEP 5: Spoon into Cups

Now comes the fun part—presentation! Using mini phyllo cups or pre-baked wonton cups, spoon the coleslaw mixture into each one. These cups add a slight crunch and are perfect for individual servings, whether you’re making a party platter or prepping grab-and-go snacks.

You can usually find these cups in the freezer section of your grocery store. If you’re making them at home, just bake wonton wrappers in a muffin tin for a few minutes until crisp.

STEP 6: Garnish

For a pop of color and a little extra flavor, sprinkle the tops with chopped green onions. Not only does this add freshness, but it also makes the dish look polished and appetizing.

You could also use chopped chives or parsley if that’s what you have on hand.

STEP 7: Chill or Serve Immediately

This coleslaw can be served right away, but it also holds up well if you want to prep it a few hours ahead of time. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated. I recommend serving it the same day for the best texture, especially if you’re using crispy phyllo or wonton shells.

TIPS FOR THE BEST LOW CARB COLESLAW CUPS

• Make it ahead (partially): You can mix the slaw filling and store it in the fridge a few hours ahead, but wait to fill the cups until you’re ready to serve so they don’t get soggy.
• Use fresh coleslaw mix: The fresher your cabbage and carrots, the better the crunch.
• Crank up the flavor: A dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne can add some zip if you want a little heat.
• Alternative dressings: Don’t have ranch? Try using a homemade Greek yogurt-based dressing for an extra tangy, low-carb option.
• Bacon choices: You can use traditional bacon if you’re not keeping it lean. Either way, make sure it’s crispy for the best texture.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CREAMY COLESLAW CUPS

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the creamy coleslaw mixture a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to wait until right before serving to fill the phyllo or wonton cups to keep them crisp.

Are there other low-carb shell options besides phyllo or wonton cups?

If you’re looking for a completely low-carb option, consider serving the coleslaw in lettuce cups or small bell pepper halves. They add crunch without the carbs.

Can I use store-bought coleslaw dressing instead of making my own?

You can, but keep in mind that many store-bought dressings contain added sugar. Making your own with ranch and sour cream lets you control the ingredients and keep it low carb.

What’s the best way to cook turkey bacon so it stays crispy?

Bake it in the oven at 400°F for 10–12 minutes on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. It’ll come out evenly cooked and crispy—perfect for crumbling.

Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt works as a great substitute and adds a little tang while keeping things creamy. It also bumps up the protein content.

How long do leftovers last?

The coleslaw mixture will stay fresh in the fridge for about 2–3 days. Once the cups are filled, though, they’re best eaten the same day for the best texture.

FINAL THOUGHTS: A FRESH, FUN LOW CARB DISH

This Creamy Coleslaw in Mini Cups recipe is one of those gems you’ll want to keep on hand all year long. It’s fast, flavorful, and totally customizable. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard BBQ, packing it for lunch, or making a tray for your next gathering, it never disappoints.

I love how it strikes a perfect balance between crunchy and creamy, and the smoky turkey bacon and cheddar cheese just take it to the next level. And with a little creativity, you can easily adjust it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turned out! I’d love to hear if you made any fun variations or swapped ingredients. Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to share this with a friend who’s always looking for quick, low-carb snacks that taste amazing.

Happy crunching!

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