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Pineapple Slaw is sweet and crunchy with a light dressing that will have you feeling like it’s summer! This quick and easy recipe is great to serve as a side dish and is a must at any backyard BBQ.
The tropical flavors of this slaw are perfect served with Crock Pot Pulled Pork and Baked Sweet Potatoes. YUM!
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Coleslaw Recipe
There’s nothing like the tropical twist of pineapple coleslaw to elevate dinnertime. Perfectly paired with grilled chicken, this flavor-packed side dish brings a fresh taste that’s hard to resist.
Whether you’re stuffing it into tacos, burgers or layering it on sandwiches, the vibrant taste will keep you coming back for more.
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Ingredients For Fresh Pineapple Coleslaw
- Pineapple Tidbits – chopped or crushed pineapple can be used. Make sure to drain the pineapple before using it.
- Shredded Coleslaw Mix – you can shred cabbage and add carrots if desired.
- Slivered Almonds
- Green Onions
Dressing For Cole Slaw
- Plain Greek Yogurt – you can also use mayonnaise if needed.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Brown Sugar
- Pineapple Juice – reserved from drained pineapple chunks
- Kosher Salt
- Cracked Black Pepper
- Red Pepper Flakes
Scroll Down For Measurements
How To Make Homemade Pineapple Slaw
- Drain pineapple tidbits, reserving juice. Set aside
- Add yogurt, vinegar, brown sugar, pineapple juice, salt, and red pepper in a small bowl or jar with a lid. Mix well. Add cabbage, pineapple tidbits, almonds, and green onions in a large bowl. Pour dressing over cabbage mixture and toss until well coated. Sprinkle on more red pepper if desired.
- Cover and place in refrigerator to chill until ready to serve.
Make It Your Own With These Substitutions
- Greek Yogurt: A healthier option that offers a tangy twist. It retains the creaminess of mayo but with added benefits like probiotics and reduced fat.
- Sour Cream: Offers a similar tang like Greek yogurt and maintains a creamy consistency.
- Buttermilk: Provides a slightly thinner but equally tangy alternative. It can be used for a lighter dressing consistency.
- Avocado: For a unique, creamy, and vegan-friendly twist, try mashing up some avocado. It provides a rich texture and pairs beautifully with the tanginess of pineapple.
Helpful Tips
Total Time Savers: Prepping your ingredients beforehand can significantly cut down the total time you spend making your coleslaw. Having your pineapple chunks, cilantro, and carrots ready to go ensures a quick mix when it’s time.
Drain Excess Liquid: Pineapples contain a lot of juice, which can make your coleslaw soggy. After cutting the pineapple, let the chunks sit in a sieve or colander for a few minutes to drain out extra juices.
Texture Matters: For a nice crunch, ensure your coleslaw mix, especially the cabbage, is freshly chopped and not overly soggy or wilted. This contrast in texture with the soft pineapple pieces makes every bite interesting.
Commonly Asked Questions
Absolutely. Mangoes, strawberries, or even macadamia nuts can be great additions. They can enhance the tropical vibe and add diverse textures to the coleslaw.
Yes, you can use canned pineapple, but ensure it’s well-drained to prevent the coleslaw from becoming too watery. However, fresh pineapple typically offers a crisper texture and a more vibrant flavor.
Ensure that the pineapple chunks are well-drained. Additionally, you can salt the shredded cabbage and let it sit for a few minutes to draw out excess moisture, then squeeze out any excess liquid before mixing.
Serve These Delicious Main Dishes With Easy Pineapple Slaw
- Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
- Roast Beef And Cheese Sliders
- The BEST Air Fryer Roasted Whole Chicken
- Sheet Pan Chili Lime Fajitas
Ingredients
- 1 20 oz. can pineapple tidbits
- 3 cups shredded cabbage (1 bag slaw mix)
- ¼ cup slivered almonds
- 3-4 green onions – chopped
Dressing
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3-4 tablespoons brown sugar **more or less to your liking
- 3-4 tablespoons pineapple juice – reserved from drained pineapple chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Drain pineapple tidbits reserving juice. Set aside
- In a small bowl or jar with a lid, add yogurt, vinegar, brown sugar, pineapple juice salt, pepper and red pepper. Mix well. In a large bowl, add cabbage, pineapple tidbits, almonds and green onions. Pour dressing over cabbage mixture and toss until well coated. Sprinkle on more red pepper if desired.
- Cover and place in refrigerator to chill until ready to serve.
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Made it once. It was very good and flavorful am going to try it on a cheeseburger
Simply delicious, Donya; refreshing with such complimentary flavors! Will be good to have again when it is 100° here in Albuquerque this summer 💥 😊
Hey there Jackie!
My goodness, I am thrilled to hear that you enjoyed this recipe! I’ve always been a huge fan of pineapple so I completely agree that this slaw is just about as refreshing and tasty as it gets. Thank you so much for your kind words and this phenomenal rating, I really appreciate your support! If you ever have any questions about a recipe, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
~Donya
I just tried this recipe and my family loves it! It is a healthy side dish and I also eat it by itself. The flavors really go well together! Thanks for sharing!
Hey there Brenda!
I am so happy to hear that y’all have been enjoying this recipe! I completely agree with you, it’s a perfect side dish but I could honestly just eat it straight out of the bowl! Thank you so much for this terrific rating and for your kind words of support! Let me know if you ever have any questions about a recipe, I would be more than happy to help out!
~Donya
Going to try this recipe this weekend. Looks so good. Is is better to make this slaw the same day as serving or could you make it the day before?
Hey there Lori!
Thank you so much for your interest in this recipe! You can serve it either way, I like to make it the day before and then let it chill until I serve but that’s just my personal preference. I hope you enjoy this recipe, let me know how it turns out!
~Donya
Yum!!!! Also, was there a nutritional breakdown here?
Hey Scott!
Thank you so much for your support, I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe! I don’t include a nutritional breakdown for my recipes, but the link I included below will calculate it for you if you copy and paste the recipe. I hope this helps!
https://www.myfitnesspal.com/recipe/calculator
~Donya
I made this recipe and it was great pineapples are one of my favorite fruit.
Hey Frances!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed this recipe, pineapples are a favorite in my house as well. Thank you so much for your rating and your support!
~Donya
Very tasty! Will make again.
Thanks, Cheri! I’m honored you made the recipe and so appreciate the 5 star rating.
Have a great day,
~Donya
I just mix the slaw ingredients with Marzetti’s slaw dressing, leaving a tablespoon or so of the pineapple liquid. It’s delicious.