Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw

Name: Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486579H24M55S
Total time: 34 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons pineapple juice; 1 bag coleslaw mix (10-15 oz) or shredded cabbage; 1 cup pineapple tidbits (drained); 1/2 cup coarsely chopped macadamia nuts

Recipe By:

Adrianaa

Posted:

May 23, 2025

Updated:

May 23, 2025

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Put a sweet and savory tropical twist on the classic picnic side dish with this Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw. This refreshing salad made with Greek yogurt instead of mayo is perfect for summer gatherings, BBQs, or as a unique addition to your meal prep. Its vibrant flavors and crunchy textures make it a delightful change from traditional coleslaw, ensuring everyone will want to come back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy Twist: Using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise makes this coleslaw lighter and healthier while still being creamy.
Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious side dish in no time.
Versatile Flavor: The combination of pineapple and macadamia nuts adds a tropical flair that pairs well with many main dishes.
Perfect for Gatherings: This Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw is an ideal choice for potlucks, BBQs, or summer picnics.
Make Ahead Option: It can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge, making it convenient for busy days.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw, gather a few essential tools that will help streamline the process. These tools ensure you have everything you need to create this delicious dish easily.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowls: These are essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts when chopping vegetables and nuts.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements help maintain the right flavor balance in your coleslaw dressing.

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 fully combined.

Step 2: Mix 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: Combine Dressing with Slaw

Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture. Use a spatula to stir gently until everything is coated evenly with the dressing.

Step 4: Serve or Store

Serve your Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw immediately. If you prefer to serve it later, store it in the refrigerator. It keeps well for a couple of days but may become softer over time. Enjoy!

How to Serve Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw

Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw is a delightful dish that brings a refreshing twist to any meal. It pairs beautifully with various foods, making it a versatile addition to your table.

As a Side Dish

Grilled Chicken: The sweetness of the coleslaw complements the savory flavors of grilled chicken perfectly.
Fish Tacos: Use the coleslaw as a topping for fish tacos for added crunch and tropical flair.
Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Add a scoop of this coleslaw to pulled pork sandwiches for a sweet and tangy contrast.

In a Wrap or Sandwich

Turkey Wraps: Incorporate Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw into turkey wraps for extra flavor and texture.
Veggie Sandwiches: Use it in veggie sandwiches to enhance taste while keeping it light and healthy.

As a Picnic Delight

Potluck Gatherings: This coleslaw is great for potlucks due to its easy preparation and crowd-pleasing taste.
BBQ Parties: Serve it at BBQs as a refreshing side that balances rich grilled meats.

How to Perfect Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw

To ensure your Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw turns out delicious every time, consider these tips.

Bold Flavoring: Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or pepper based on your taste preferences.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh cabbage instead of pre-packaged mixes for better crunch and flavor.
Chill Before Serving: Allow the coleslaw to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving; this enhances the flavors.
Add Variety: Experiment with different nuts like almonds or walnuts to add unique flavors and textures.

Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw

Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw pairs wonderfully with numerous side dishes. Here are some great options to accompany your meal.

Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled, corn on the cob adds sweetness that matches well with the tropical notes of coleslaw.
Baked Beans: The smoky flavor of baked beans provides a hearty contrast that’s perfect alongside coleslaw.
Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer an excellent balance of salty and sweet flavors.
Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds a savory touch that complements the freshness of the coleslaw.
Macaroni Salad: A classic side, macaroni salad pairs perfectly with Hawaiian dishes, enhancing your picnic spread.
Cucumber Salad: Light and refreshing, cucumber salad offers crispness that works well with the creamy coleslaw.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your slaw turns out perfectly.

Using the wrong type of cabbage: Always use fresh coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage for the best texture. Avoid wilted or old cabbage, as it can ruin the salad’s crunchiness.
Forgetting to drain the pineapple: Make sure to thoroughly drain the pineapple tidbits before adding them. Excess moisture can make your coleslaw too soggy and affect its flavor.
Overmixing the dressing: When combining the dressing with the slaw, gently toss instead of stirring vigorously. Overmixing can lead to a mushy consistency.
Skipping the chilling time: While you can serve Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw right away, letting it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes enhances its flavors. Don’t skip this step if you want a well-blended taste.
Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your dressing before mixing it with the slaw. Depending on personal preference, you may want to add more salt or pepper to enhance the overall flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw in an airtight container.
It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Make sure there’s minimal air in the container to maintain freshness.

Freezing Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw

Freezing is not recommended due to the texture of cabbage after thawing.
If you must freeze it, store in a freezer-safe container for up to a month but expect changes in texture upon thawing.

Reheating Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw

Oven: This dish is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating. However, if you prefer it warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm it gently.
Microwave: For quick reheating, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals of 20 seconds until warmed through.
Stovetop: You can also heat it on low in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through but be cautious not to overcook.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are in Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw?

Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw includes Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, pineapple juice, coleslaw mix, pineapple tidbits, and macadamia nuts.

How do I make Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw without mayonnaise?

This recipe uses Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, making it lighter and healthier while keeping that creamy consistency.

How long does Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this coleslaw will last up to 3 days for optimal freshness and taste.

Can I customize my Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw?

Absolutely! Feel free to add additional fruits like mango or vegetables such as bell peppers for added texture and flavor according to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw is a delightful twist on traditional coleslaw that brings tropical flavors into every bite. Its creamy texture from Greek yogurt and sweetness from pineapple makes it an ideal side dish for summer picnics or barbecues. Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients for an even more personalized touch! Enjoy making this refreshing salad that everyone will love!