This easy pineapple coleslaw recipe combines sweet pineapple, crunchy cabbage, and a creamy dressing for a fresh, crowd-pleasing side dish. Serve it at barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners for a fun and colorful addition to any meal.

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Table of Contents

Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions
How to Make Pineapple Coleslaw
How To Serve Pineapple Coleslaw
Why You'll Love This Pineapple Slaw Recipe
Recipe FAQ
Serving FAQ
Storage FAQ
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Table of Contents

Bring some sweet crunch to your table with this fresh pineapple coleslaw recipe. Juicy pineapple, crisp cabbage, and carrots mix together fast. This easy side dish bursts with bold flavors and bright colors perfect for any meal. Make this pineapple coleslaw ahead of time for even better texture and taste.

You can whip up this easy recipe at home by following the simple guide below. Step-by-step photos and directions make it quick and stress-free. Plus, we packed in expert tips, tricks, and answers to the most frequently asked recipe questions to help you every step of the way.

Close-up of pineapple coleslaw being scooped with a wooden spoon, highlighting shredded cabbage, pineapple chunks, and broccoli.

More Recipes ⭐ Broccoli Apple Salad | Broccoli Cauliflower Salad | Classic Coleslaw

Fresh pineapple coleslaw makes the perfect side dish for potlucks, barbecues, family dinners, and special celebrations. Sweet pineapple and crunchy cabbage come together for a flavor that everyone will love.

This easy coleslaw recipe stands out with bright colors, crisp textures, and a sweet and tangy taste that feels fresh and fun. Follow the simple steps below to make a crowd-pleasing dish that keeps getting better.

Ingredients

What you'll need to make this pineapple slaw recipe:

For The Coleslaw:

1 (16-ounce) package of broccoli slaw
3 cups of angel hair coleslaw (you can substitute very thinly sliced cabbage)
1 (20-ounce) can of pineapple tidbits in natural pineapple juice (reserve ⅓ cup of the pineapple juice, but drain the remaining juice)

For The Dressing:

1 cup of mayonnaise (your favorite brand)
3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
2 teaspoons of fresh cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon of kosher salt

Pro Tip

If you can’t find angel hair coleslaw, you can make your own by slicing cabbage very thinly or, in a pinch, using a regular bagged cabbage mixture instead from the grocery store.

Substitutions and Additions

Broccoli slaw: If you can’t find broccoli slaw, swap it with a bag of regular coleslaw mix for this easy recipe.

Mix-ins: Toss in chopped nuts for extra crunch or mix in dried cranberries to add a sweet pop to this side dish.

Coleslaw: The easiest way to make this tropical coleslaw is with a bagged mix. Angel hair coleslaw works best, but regular works too.

If you want, you can also shred your own cabbage at home using green, red, or purple cabbage. A food processor makes shredding fast and easy.

How to Make Pineapple Coleslaw

Follow along with our step-by-step pictures, easy instructions, and helpful tips and tricks to make the best pineapple coleslaw. Every step makes this sweet and crunchy side dish even better for your next meal or party. Let’s get started and whip up a batch today!

Pro Tip

If you love this pineapple slaw and plan to make it frequently, double, or even triple the dressing and store the extras in a mason jar in the fridge for next time.

FIRST STEP: Add the broccoli slaw, angel hair coleslaw, and canned pineapple tidbits to a large bowl.

Pro Tip

You can alternatively add all the coleslaw to a 2-gallon Ziploc bag to mix the coleslaw together and also to store the coleslaw. This will lessen the number of dishes to clean up.

Large glass bowl filled with shredded cabbage, broccoli slaw, and pineapple tidbits being stirred with wooden spoons.

SECOND STEP: Add the reserved pineapple juice, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, cracked black pepper, and kosher salt to a small bowl. Whisk the dressing until completely smooth and well incorporated.

Two-panel image showing ingredients in a bowl, then a creamy coleslaw dressing being whisked smooth and ready to pour.

THIRD STEP: Pour the dressing over the slaw. Use tongs to mix the coleslaw together until completely coated. Cover the coleslaw and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. The longer the coleslaw is chilled, the better the flavor will be. Serve with your favorite main dish.

Fresh pineapple coleslaw in a mixing bowl with dressing poured on top, being tossed with wooden tongs.

How To Serve Pineapple Coleslaw

Pineapple coleslaw brings fresh crunch and sweet flavor to any meal, making it a favorite for both kids and adults. This easy side dish fits perfectly with so many occasions all year round.

Serve at summer barbecues and picnics: Pineapple coleslaw makes a bright, refreshing side for grilled chicken, pulled pork sliders, or BBQ baked beans. Everyone will love the sweet twist on a classic side, especially at hot weather gatherings.
Add to weeknight dinners for quick flavor: You can pile this coleslaw on top of shrimp tacos, serve it with crispy air fryer chicken thighs, or next to sloppy joe sandwiches. Its crunchy texture and juicy pineapple bring an instant pop of flavor to easy meals.
Bring to potlucks, parties, and holidays: This sweet and colorful slaw fits right in at potlucks, family parties, and springtime holidays like Easter. Pair it with ham and cheese sliders, creamy pumpkin macaroni and cheese, or baked popcorn chicken for a crowd-pleasing plate.

Pineapple coleslaw served in a white bowl with fresh pineapples in the background, ready to be served as a side dish.

Why You'll Love This Pineapple Slaw Recipe

Hawaiian coleslaw is a huge favorite with our readers because it’s fresh, easy, and full of bright, sweet flavors. It’s a perfect side dish for everything from summer barbecues to weeknight dinners, and it always gets rave reviews.

Fun and Colorful: The bright colors from cabbage, carrots, and pineapple make every plate look more festive and fun.
Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults love the sweet and tangy flavor, so you can serve it to everyone without worry.
Versatile: This tropical coleslaw fits right in at cookouts, potlucks, holidays, or even a casual dinner at home.
Fresh and Flavorful: Every crunchy bite bursts with juicy pineapple and crisp cabbage, making it taste super fresh and satisfying.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep this easy coleslaw ahead of time, and it actually tastes better after sitting for a little while.

Pineapple coleslaw is such a fresh and fun recipe, and we know it will become a family favorite at your table too!

Zoomed-in image of coleslaw texture showing crunchy cabbage, juicy pineapple chunks, and black pepper seasoning.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned for pineapple coleslaw?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to drain any extra juice so the slaw stays crisp.

Can I make the pineapple coleslaw dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can make your dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you mix the slaw.

How do I keep pineapple coleslaw from getting watery?
To keep coleslaw from getting watery, drain the pineapple well and mix just before serving if possible.

Can I add other fruits to this pineapple coleslaw recipe?
Yes, you can add other fruits like mango or apple if you want even more sweet flavor.

What kind of cabbage works best for pineapple coleslaw?
Both green cabbage and red cabbage work great, but a mix gives the brightest color and crunch.

Do I need to chill pineapple coleslaw before serving?
Chilling pineapple coleslaw before serving helps all the flavors come together and keeps it cool and refreshing.

Can I double this pineapple coleslaw recipe for a large group?
Yes, you can easily double this recipe to feed a crowd for parties, barbecues, or potlucks.

Side-by-side comparison of chopped slaw ingredients in a bowl next to a completed bowl of pineapple coleslaw.

Serving FAQ

Should I serve pineapple coleslaw chilled or at room temperature?
Coleslaw tastes best served chilled because it keeps the cabbage crisp and the flavors fresh and bright.

Can I serve pineapple coleslaw on sandwiches or sliders?
Yes, pile pineapple coleslaw onto pulled pork sliders, grilled chicken sandwiches, or fish tacos for a fresh, crunchy topping.

Is pineapple coleslaw a good side dish for barbecue meals?
Coleslaw makes a fantastic side dish for barbecue ribs, burgers, grilled chicken, and anything smoky or savory.

How much pineapple coleslaw should I plan for each person?
Plan about ½ cup of coleslaw per person if you’re serving it as a side dish at a party or dinner.

Can I serve pineapple coleslaw for holidays like Easter or summer parties?
Yes, this coleslaw recipe fits perfectly with Easter brunch, summer picnics, backyard barbecues, and family potlucks all season long.

Hands mixing pineapple coleslaw with wooden spoons in a clear bowl, next to a finished bowl full of creamy coleslaw.

Storage FAQ

Make sure to follow the tips and directions below for the best way to store your pineapple coleslaw. Keeping it fresh and crisp is easy with the simple steps we share here.

Can I make pineapple coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can make pineapple coleslaw ahead of time. Chill it in the fridge for a few hours to boost the flavors.

What’s the best way to store leftover pineapple coleslaw?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh and crunchy for about four days.

Can I freeze pineapple coleslaw?
No, freezing is not recommended because the cabbage and pineapple will turn soggy after thawing.

How do I keep my coleslaw from getting watery?
Drain the pineapple well and keep the coleslaw tightly covered in the fridge to help it stay crisp and fresh.

Should I toss pineapple coleslaw again before serving?
Yes, give coleslaw a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and keep everything coated evenly.

Can I add dressing later if serving coleslaw the next day?
Yes, you can mix the cabbage and pineapple first, then add the dressing just before serving to keep it extra crisp.