This easy pineapple coleslaw reminds me of summer all year long. I enjoy it as a side dish with all kinds of meals or on top of my favorite pulled pork sandwich or chicken burger. This pineapple slaw is sweet, tangy and refreshing in all the best ways.
When I think about summer, pineapple always come to mind. And even though fresh pineapple is available year-round, pineapple’s peak season runs from March through July.
However, this easy pineapple coleslaw utilizes canned pineapple tidbits, making it a simple dish you can tackle regardless of the season.
I’ve noticed when it comes to coleslaw, ingredients seem to vary by region and season. There are the more vinegar-based coleslaw dishes, which I also love. And there are the mustard coleslaw recipes.
And while I love coleslaw alongside my burgers, I especially enjoy coleslaw, when served with my favorite fish sandwich. If I’m being honest, if you put coleslaw in front of me, I’m going to eat and love every last bite. I’m guessing many of you feel the same way.
Why I Love This Recipe
- I love using packaged broccoli coleslaw in this recipe because it adds texture and makes preparation even easier.
- What really stands out to me about this pineapple coleslaw recipe is its perfectly balanced flavor. It’s not too sweet or too tangy; it just hits all the right spots.
- The texture and taste of Napa cabbage are something I truly enjoy.
- Whenever I make ham, I always serve this coleslaw as the perfect side dish.
If you love all things coleslaw, make sure to also try my mustard slaw, tarragon coleslaw and cilantro slaw recipe.
Ingredients
Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Broccoli coleslaw: I love using packaged broccoli coleslaw because it adds a satisfying crunch to the dish and saves me time on chopping vegetables.
- Napa cabbage: The crisp texture and mild flavor of Napa cabbage elevate the coleslaw, making each bite refreshing and enjoyable.
- Unsweetened pineapple tidbits: I appreciate the subtle sweetness that unsweetened pineapple tidbits add to the coleslaw without being overpowering, creating a balance of flavors.
- Green onions: Chopping green onions and adding them to the coleslaw gives it a pop of color and a mild onion flavor, enhancing its overall freshness.
- Mayonnaise: I find the creamy consistency of mayonnaise helps bind all the ingredients together while adding richness to the coleslaw.
- Seasoned rice vinegar: I prefer using seasoned rice vinegar for its tangy yet slightly sweet flavor, which complements the other ingredients perfectly without being too acidic.
- Pepper and salt: This enhances the flavors without overwhelming them.
Recipe Tips
- I let the pineapple slaw chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste. It also gives the vegetables time to soften slightly.
- Sometime I enhance the flavor of this coleslaw by adding some citrus zest, such as lime or orange, to the dressing. This adds some brightness and complexity to the dish.
- If you like a creamier coleslaw, add more mayonnaise or yogurt. For a tangier flavor, increase the amount of vinegar or add some citrus juice.
- I’m always cautious not to over-dress the coleslaw. I start by adding a moderate amount of dressing and gradually increasing if needed. My goal is for the vegetables to be coated, but not swimming in dressing.
Serving Suggestions
This pineapple coleslaw pairs exceptionally well with meats such as barbecue chicken or pulled pork. The sweet and tangy flavors of the coleslaw complement the smoky notes of the grilled meat perfectly.
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Easy Pineapple ColeslawEnjoy the flavors of pineapple coleslaw. This easy and delicious side dish is a great addition to any meal, from sandwiches to barbecues.
Servings: 12
Calories: 160kcal
Ingredients
Instructions
VideoNotesFor optimal outcomes when making this pineapple coleslaw, I recommended referring to the recipe details within the post. The recipe post commonly includes valuable notes, expert tips and frequently asked questions, that are not presented in the recipe card, often including how to make this recipe dairy-free, gluten free or vegan and ideas for healthy ingredient substitutions or variations.
The provided nutrition information is merely an approximation, as variations can arise depending on the specific ingredients/brands you select. NutritionNutrition Facts
Easy Pineapple Coleslaw
Amount Per Serving (1 cup)
Calories 160
Calories from Fat 117
% Daily Value*
Fat 13g20% Saturated Fat 0.2g1% Cholesterol 6mg2% Sodium 292mg13% Potassium 153mg4% Carbohydrates 9g3% Fiber 1g4% Sugar 7g8% Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 1235IU25% Vitamin C 55.4mg67% Calcium 34mg3% Iron 0.5mg3% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Melissa Sperka says
Perfect Summer side dish
Cathy says
Yes it is!
Heather says
I adore this coleslaw! So yummy and easy to make!
Cathy says
Glad you like it.
Liz says
I feel the same way about coleslaw—and pineapple will be in my next batch! Genius!
Cathy says
Enjoy it!
Joanne says
I love the sweetness that the pineapple adds to such a classic side!
Cathy says
Thanks.
Jennifer Farley says
I love this twist on coleslaw! Such a great idea.
Cathy says
Thank you.
Erin says
Coleslaw is one of my favorite things to make and the pineapple is such a fun, fresh twist.
Cathy says
Yes one of my faves too.
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
I love this! Looks really good!
Lori @ RecipeGirl says
Hello new version of coleslaw! Yum!
Pattyjune says
I haven’t tried this yet, but it brings precious memories of my mother in law. This was a dish she was so proud of. May not be same recipe but she used pineapple. I will make this with her in mind and a smile thinking of that precious lady.
Cathy says
How sweet!
Randy says
Could a fellow simply add pineapple bits to pre-made coleslaw? However, I did make this and it was so good!
Cathy says
A fellow can do whatever he chooses:).
Amy says
Surprised I haven’t seen your site before! Will try this but since I’m shelter-in-place will substitute celery for the broccoli. I did just get a Napa cabbage in my CSA box.
Your journey inspires me…also in a NorCal college town, with a kid in Portland. Would love to get up that way. Congrats! Update: I did make this and it was wonderful.
AJ says
This is a delicious recipe. Thank you so much! We used vegan mayo, (egg allergy), and it still tasted delicious!
Andrea says
This sounds/looks amazing! Thinking of tossing some fresh jalapeños in to give it a little heat. Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Diane Anderson says
Can’t wait to try this!! Just wondering, have you ever tried Greek yogurt in place of the Mayo?
Cathy says
Have never tried it. Let us know if you do. I think you would only get close to the result if you used full fat Greek Yogurt and you will likely need to add salt.
Dana Paz says
Just wondering if I can sub finely shredded angel green cabbage for the Napa cabbage? Will it alter the taste?
Cathy says
Should be ok, but not as crunchy.
Marsha says
We absolutely loved this. So good with burgers. Love pineapple!
Cathy says
Team pineapple forever!
Jase says
Best side dish recipe, goes with everything.
Cathy says
Yes!
Ethel Bulsterbaum says
First of all my grocery didn’t have broccoli coleslaw so I got two bags of the regular w/carrots and I didn’t have rice vinegar. I got a bag a frozen broccoli that I cut up into the salad and for the vinegar I used raspberry vinaigrette. It turned out awesome. I let it sit overnight for my church luncheon and I stirred it up and took a LITTLE bowl, and I couldn’t believe it. Awesome Awesome Awesome ! ! ! !
Cathy says
Great.
sammy says
I serve this pineapple coleslaw with everything! Pork, ham, all the things. We love it.
Cathy says
It really is the best side dish.
Matthew says
Made this pineapple coleslaw recipe last night with fish sandwiches. It was so so good. Going into my regular rotation of recipes now.
Cathy says
That is a good pairing for sure.
Sienna says
Making another batch of your pineapple coleslaw today, it’s really good and I want to have it for the weekend.
Angela says
Love coleslaw and cabbage. Can’t wait to try this version out.
kira says
Absolutely love making this pineapple coleslaw as a side dish.
Stephanie says
Love the pineapple spin on this slaw.
Mary says
love the sweetness the pineapple adds, it was so good.
Jayne says
Oh my gosh this recipe is delicious!! So tropical and refreshing. I added some chopped sweet red pepper and thinly sliced celery since I had it. I will definitely make this again. Thank you.
Lorraine says
Can I sub apple cider vinegar for the rice vinegar?
Cathy says
Yes!