If you’re on the hunt for an unforgettable side dish that bursts with freshness, crunch, and tropical flair, look no further than pineapple coleslaw! This crowd-pleasing recipe takes everything you love about classic coleslaw and gives it a sun-soaked twist with sweet pineapple tidbits, vibrant broccoli slaw, and a lusciously tangy dressing. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, prepping a weekday lunch, or need something bright and unexpected for your next potluck, pineapple coleslaw is that magical bowl everyone ends up coming back to for seconds.

Pineapple Coleslaw Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about pineapple coleslaw is how effortlessly it all comes together. Each ingredient adds something special, from the addictive crunch of slaw to the tropical notes of real pineapple. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you don’t want to skip a thing.

Broccoli slaw: Loaded with hearty crunch and subtle earthiness, it gives this coleslaw its modern bite and plenty of color.
Angel hair coleslaw (or very thinly sliced cabbage): Classic slaw base! Finely shredded cabbage melds all the flavors and brings satisfying crispness to every forkful.
Pineapple tidbits in natural juice: The star of the show—these juicy little bursts of sunshine add sweetness and keep things extra refreshing.
Mayonnaise: Creamy, craveable richness binds the veggies and fruit together for that classic slaw texture.
Apple cider vinegar: Brings a perky tang and keeps the dressing light and lively.
Granulated sugar: A little helps balance the vinegar and highlights the pineapple’s natural sugars.
Fresh cracked black pepper: Just enough heat and complexity to make every bite interesting.
Kosher salt: The finishing touch that makes all those flavors pop!

How to Make Pineapple Coleslaw

Step 1: Combine the Slaw Ingredients

Grab your biggest mixing bowl—you’ll want plenty of space to toss everything together with gusto. Add the broccoli slaw, angel hair coleslaw (or your super-thin sliced cabbage), and those glorious pineapple tidbits straight from the can (just make sure to reserve some juice for the dressing!). Give everything a gentle, preliminary toss to get the party started.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Creamy Pineapple Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, combine the reserved ⅓ cup pineapple juice, your favorite mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, fresh cracked black pepper, and kosher salt. Whisk the whole mix vigorously until the dressing is silky-smooth and completely blended. The pineapple juice gives this dressing a tropical twist, so don’t skip it!

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Pour your homemade dressing over the slaw mixture. This is where the magic happens! Use tongs to gently but thoroughly mix everything together, ensuring that each strand and tidbit is luxuriously coated in the creamy, tangy dressing. You want every bite of this pineapple coleslaw to be full of flavor.

Step 4: Chill and Let the Flavors Meld

Cover your bowl and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. Trust me, patience pays off here—the longer the coleslaw chills, the better and brighter those flavors will be. The slaw softens slightly while staying crisp, and the dressing gets to mingle with the veggies and pineapple for a picture-perfect bite every time.

How to Serve Pineapple Coleslaw

Garnishes

You can take your pineapple coleslaw from tasty to irresistible with a few simple garnishes. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh cilantro instantly brightens the bowl, while a handful of crushed macadamia nuts or sliced green onions add color, crunch, and an extra flair that always gets compliments.

Side Dishes

This pineapple coleslaw is the ultimate partner for grilled favorites like barbecue chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, or juicy burgers. It also pairs beautifully alongside spicy dishes, tangy tacos, or crispy fried fish, bringing a cool, sweet crunch that balances bold flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve pineapple coleslaw in colorful individual cups or mason jars for an easy picnic option, or pile it high on sliders for an unexpected twist. Feeling festive? Layer it in a trifle dish for a dramatic centerpiece, or tuck it inside soft tortillas with grilled shrimp for dreamy tropical tacos.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once everyone has enjoyed their fill, cover any leftovers tightly and refrigerate. Pineapple coleslaw keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, and honestly, the flavors only get better as they meld together—though odds are it won’t last that long!

Freezing

While coleslaw in general isn’t a great candidate for the freezer (the veggies can become watery and lose their crispness), you can mix up just the dressing and freeze it in a well-sealed container. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and add to fresh slaw ingredients.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat pineapple coleslaw—it’s meant to be served chilled and fresh from the fridge. If it’s been sitting out, simply give it a good toss to redistribute the dressing before serving again.

FAQs

Can I make pineapple coleslaw ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making pineapple coleslaw the night before lets all the flavors meld together perfectly. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple works wonderfully! Just be sure to chop it into small tidbits and reserve about ⅓ cup of pineapple juice (squeeze from the fresh fruit or add a splash of bottled unsweetened pineapple juice).

Is this pineapple coleslaw gluten-free?

Most of the time, yes—it depends on your mayonnaise brand. Always check your labels to ensure all your ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I swap out the broccoli slaw for another type?

Definitely. You can use extra cabbage or even pre-shredded carrot for a different take, but broccoli slaw brings a special crunch and color that makes this version stand out.

What can I do if my coleslaw seems too watery?

If the coleslaw lets off a little extra liquid after chilling, just give it a good toss before serving or use a slotted spoon. The taste will still be fantastic!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to turn a classic side into something everyone will be talking about, give pineapple coleslaw a spot at your next gathering. It’s cool, crunchy, and full of tropical vibes—a dish that brings sunshine to any meal. You won’t believe how quickly it disappears!