Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw

Name: Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486314H14M6S
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons pineapple juice; 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 10 oz. bag coleslaw mix; 1 cup pineapple tidbits (drained); 1/2 cup macadamia nuts (coarsely chopped); Fresh parsley for garnish

Recipe By:

Alexandra

Posted:

June 1, 2025

Updated:

June 1, 2025

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Put a sweet and savory tropical twist on the classic picnic side dish with this Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw. This easy summer salad, made with Greek yogurt and no mayo, is perfect for any occasion—from backyard barbecues to potlucks. Its unique blend of flavors and textures will surprise your guests and elevate your meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Refreshing Flavor: The combination of pineapple and Greek yogurt brings a bright, tangy taste that enlivens the palate.
Healthier Option: With Greek yogurt instead of mayo, this coleslaw is lower in calories and fat while still being creamy and delicious.
Quick Preparation: Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s an easy side dish that won’t take up your whole day in the kitchen.
Versatile Serving: Great as a side dish for grilled meats or as a topping for tacos, this coleslaw fits seamlessly into any meal.
Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge; it still tastes great after a day or two.

Tools and Preparation

To make Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure smooth preparation. Having the right equipment makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Cutting board
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowls: Useful for combining ingredients easily without making a mess.
Whisk: Helps to create a smooth dressing by blending all the wet ingredients thoroughly.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping fruits and nuts.
Knife: Essential for cutting fresh ingredients like macadamia nuts or parsley.

Ingredients

For the Dressing

3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 Tablespoons pineapple juice (reserved from draining the can of pineapple tidbits)
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Slaw

one 10-15 oz. bag coleslaw mix (or about 4-5 cups shredded cabbage (just green or a mix of red and green cabbage))
1 cup pineapple tidbits (from a can, drained)
1/2 cup macadamia nuts (coarsely chopped)

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, pineapple juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well mixed.

Step 2: Combine the Slaw Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss together the coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage, pineapple tidbits, and coarsely chopped macadamia nuts until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture. Stir gently to ensure that all ingredients are coated in dressing.

Step 4: Serve or Store

Serve immediately for maximum crunchiness or refrigerate until ready to serve. It will stay fresh for a couple of days but may lose some crunch over time. Enjoy your Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw!

How to Serve Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw

Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw is a delightful dish that brings a tropical flair to your meals. It’s perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or casual dinners. Here are some fun ways to serve it.

As a Side Dish

Serve alongside your favorite grilled meats for a refreshing contrast.
Pair it with fish tacos for a delicious beach-inspired meal.

On Sandwiches

Use as a topping on pulled pork sandwiches for added sweetness and crunch.
Add it to a turkey sandwich for an unexpected tropical twist.

In Tacos

Spoon onto soft tortillas with shrimp or chicken for tropical-inspired tacos.
Combine with black beans and avocado for a hearty vegetarian option.

With Chips

Serve as a dip with tortilla chips for a fun appetizer.
Pair it with pita chips for a unique snack option.

How to Perfect Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw

To make your Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw truly shine, follow these simple tips.

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cabbage and pineapple will enhance the flavor and texture.
Chill before serving: Letting the coleslaw sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter slaw, consider adding more pineapple juice or honey.
Add herbs: Fresh cilantro or mint can elevate the freshness of your coleslaw.
Include additional fruits: Try adding mango or shredded carrots for extra color and flavor.
Experiment with nuts: Swap macadamia nuts with cashews or pecans for a different crunch.

Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw

Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some recommendations to round out your meal.

Grilled Chicken: Juicy chicken thighs marinated in tropical spices complement the slaw perfectly.
Pulled Pork: Sweet and smoky pulled pork balances well with the bright flavors of the coleslaw.
Fish Tacos: Lightly battered fish topped with coleslaw creates a deliciously fresh bite.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn drizzled with lime butter adds a sweet touch that matches well.
Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad adds richness that contrasts nicely with the crunchy slaw.
Stuffed Peppers: Colorful peppers filled with rice and spices make an eye-catching side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here’s how to avoid them.

Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Always opt for fresh or high-quality coleslaw mix and pineapple tidbits. Poor quality can lead to bland flavors and a soggy texture.
Skipping the Dressing: Some people forget to mix the dressing well before adding it to the slaw. Ensure it’s smooth for even flavor distribution throughout the coleslaw.
Over-Mixing: When combining the coleslaw with the dressing, be gentle. Over-mixing can break down the cabbage and make it mushy.
Not Chilling Before Serving: For optimal flavor, let your Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Ignoring Texture: If you want crunch, add macadamia nuts just before serving. Adding them too early can lead to a soggy salad.

Refrigerator Storage

Store Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw in an airtight container.
It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Make sure to stir before serving as ingredients may separate.

Freezing Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw

Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to its creamy dressing and fresh vegetables.
If you must freeze it, consider storing just the dressing separately from the slaw mix for best results.

Reheating Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place coleslaw in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Transfer a portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through until warm.
Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, warm slowly while stirring. This method helps retain some crunch but may soften it slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw different from regular coleslaw?

Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw includes sweet pineapple tidbits and uses Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, giving it a tropical twist that’s refreshing and healthier.

Can I customize my Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw?

Absolutely! You can add shredded carrots, bell peppers, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick. Adjusting ingredients allows you to personalize it according to your taste preferences.

How do I make this Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any gluten-based ingredients. Always check labels on packaged items like coleslaw mix to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

How long does Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw last in the refrigerator?

Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw lasts up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that elevate any meal. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish at dinner. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting seasonings. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!