Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy—ready in minutes with minimal prep
- Perfect balance of flavors—sweet, tangy, crunchy, and creamy
- Great for gatherings—a refreshing side dish for BBQs and potlucks
- Customizable—easy to adjust ingredients to fit your taste
- Healthy and nutritious—full of fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Salad:
- 1 lb. shredded cabbage coleslaw mix with carrot
- 14 oz. can pineapple tidbits, drained
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped
Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage mix, drained pineapple tidbits, raisins, and chopped walnuts.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mix and toss well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Give it a final toss and serve chilled.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free mayo alternative.
- Nut-Free Version: Replace walnuts with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely.
- Extra Crunch: Add chopped apples or celery for more texture.
- Tropical Twist: Mix in shredded coconut for even more island flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for some heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture will become watery when thawed.
- Refreshing Leftovers: If the coleslaw becomes watery, drain excess liquid and stir in a little more mayo before serving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes! Just chop fresh pineapple into small pieces and use an equivalent amount.
How do I prevent my coleslaw from becoming too watery?
Drain the pineapple well and avoid overmixing the salad too early before serving.
Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours as the flavors meld.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a lighter, tangier dressing.
Are there other nuts I can use instead of walnuts?
Yes! Pecans, almonds, or cashews work well too.
Can I make this coleslaw vegan?
Yes! Use vegan mayo and ensure the sugar is plant-based.
Why add cider vinegar to the dressing?
Cider vinegar adds a nice tangy balance to the sweetness of the pineapple and raisins.
Is this coleslaw served cold or at room temperature?
It’s best served cold, so refrigerate it before serving.
Can I add more veggies?
Definitely! Try adding shredded red cabbage, bell peppers, or thinly sliced green onions for extra color and crunch.
Conclusion
Pineapple coleslaw is a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and crunchy flavors that brighten up any meal. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbecue, as a side for grilled meats, or even in a sandwich, this refreshing dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and bring a tropical twist to your next meal!
Print
Pineapple Coleslaw
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pineapple coleslaw is a refreshing and tropical twist on the classic coleslaw. This easy side dish combines crunchy cabbage, sweet pineapple, raisins, and walnuts, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a topping for grilled meats and sandwiches, this vibrant coleslaw is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 1 lb. shredded cabbage coleslaw mix with carrot
- 14 oz. can pineapple tidbits, drained
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped
Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, mix the shredded cabbage, drained pineapple, raisins, and chopped walnuts.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve: Toss again before serving and enjoy chilled.
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Customizations: Add apples, celery, shredded coconut, or jalapeños for a unique twist.
- Serving Suggestions: Great with BBQ, grilled meats, or as a sandwich topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American