🍍 Your New Summer Obsession: Pineapple Coleslaw That Steals the Spotlight! 🌞
Hey there, foodie friends! Chef Jamie here, ready to spill the beans on the dish that’s been hogging all the compliments at my backyard BBQs lately. Picture this: crunchy cabbage, sweet pineapple tidbits, and a tangy-sweet dressing that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. This Pineapple Coleslaw isn’t just a side dish—it’s the life of the party! Whether you’re grilling burgers, smoking ribs, or just craving a refreshing bite on a hot day, this slaw brings the tropics to your table. And the best part? You can whip it up in 5 minutes flat. Let’s dive in—your summer spread is about to get a major upgrade!
🌴 The BBQ Miracle That Started It All
Okay, story time! Last summer, I hosted a cookout for my crew, and let’s just say… I got a little *too* ambitious. I smoked a brisket (took 14 hours!), grilled corn, and baked three pies. But guess what everyone raved about? The accidental slaw I threw together with leftover coleslaw mix and a rogue can of pineapple in my pantry. My buddy Dave literally licked the bowl clean (no shame, Dave—we’ve all been there). That’s when I knew: pineapple in coleslaw isn’t just a hack—it’s a revelation. Sweet, tangy, and ridiculously easy? Sign me up forever.
✨ What You’ll Need (And Why It Works!)
- Coleslaw Mix (14 oz bag): Time-saver alert! I grab pre-shredded cabbage/carrot mix, but feel free to chop your own if you’re feeling fancy. Chef Tip: Purple cabbage adds gorgeous color!
- Canned Pineapple Tidbits (8 oz, drained): Juicy, sweet, and perfectly bite-sized. Save that liquid gold (aka pineapple juice) for the dressing! Fresh pineapple works too—just chop it small.
- Salt & Pepper: Just ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper—trust me, the dressing brings plenty of flavor.
- Dressing Squad:
- Mayo (½ cup): Creaminess queen! Swap in Greek yogurt or vegan mayo if you’re lightening things up.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tbsp): Tangy kick! Lemon juice works in a pinch.
- Sugar (2 tbsp) + Pineapple Juice (2 tbsp): Sweetness without the cloying—this duo is magic.
👩🍳 Let’s Make Magic in 5 Minutes (Seriously!)
- Mix the Base: In a big bowl, toss coleslaw mix, pineapple, salt, and pepper. Chef Hack: Massage the salt into the cabbage for 30 seconds to soften it slightly—game changer!
- Whisk the Dressing: In a smaller bowl, combine sugar, pineapple juice, vinegar, and mayo. Whisk until smooth. Pro Tip: Taste and adjust! Want more tang? Add a splash of vinegar. Sweeter? A pinch more sugar.
- Marry Them Together: Pour dressing over the slaw and mix until every shred is coated. No dry spots allowed!
- Chill Out: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is golden). Why? The flavors mingle, the cabbage softens just right, and it turns into slaw nirvana.
- Serve & Slay: Give it a final stir, garnish with cilantro or sesame seeds, and watch it disappear!
🍽️ How to Serve This Tropical Treasure
Pile it high on pulled pork sandwiches, stuff it into fish tacos, or scoop it onto grilled chicken bowls. For picnics, pack it in mason jars—cute and leak-proof! Garnish with toasted coconut or a lime wedge for extra flair.
🌶️ 5 Fun Twists to Keep It Fresh
- Spicy Fiesta: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of chili lime seasoning.
- Crunchy Upgrade: Toss in toasted cashews or crispy chow mein noodles.
- Vibe Shift: Swap pineapple for mango or mandarin oranges.
- Bold & Creamy: Mix in a spoonful of sriracha mayo or coconut milk.
- Herb It Up: Fresh cilantro, mint, or basil add a garden-fresh pop.
🔪 Chef Jamie’s Confessions & Pro Tips
True story: I once forgot to drain the pineapple. The slaw turned into soup—oops! Learn from my mistakes, friends. Over the years, I’ve tweaked this recipe like crazy. Originally, I used heavy mayo, but cutting it with pineapple juice lightened it up without sacrificing creaminess. Also, if you’re meal-prepping, keep the dressing separate until the day you serve it. Your cabbage will stay crunch-tastic!
❓ FAQs: Your Questions, Answered!
“Can I make this ahead?”
Absolutely! It gets better with time. Prep it up to 24 hours before serving.
“My slaw’s too watery. Help!”
Ah, the dreaded sogginess. Always drain pineapple thoroughly, and don’t skip the chilling step—it lets excess moisture settle.
“Mayo haters unite—got swaps?”
Try Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even avocado crema. Vegan? Coconut yogurt works wonders!
“How long does it keep?”
3-4 days in the fridge. It’ll soften but still taste delish!
🥄 Nutrition Per Serving (Because You’re Curious!)
Calories: 172 | Carbs: 23g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 19g
Print
Easy Pineapple Coleslaw
- Total Time: 4 hrs 5 mins
- Yield: 1 large bowl
Ingredients
Slaw Mix:
• 1 (14 oz) bag coleslaw mix
• 1 (8 oz) can pineapple tidbits, drained (reserve juice)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
Dressing:
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp reserved pineapple juice
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup mayonnaise
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix, drained pineapple, salt & pepper.
In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, pineapple juice, vinegar, and mayo until smooth.
Pour dressing over slaw mix and stir until fully coated.
Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor. Stir before serving!
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 4 hours
Nutrition
- Calories: 172
- Sodium: 227mg
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 6mg
📌 Pin This for Later!
Pin Title: 🍍 Easy Pineapple Coleslaw Recipe – Summer’s Sweet & Tangy Side Dish! 🥗
Pin Description: “Whip up this tropical Pineapple Coleslaw in just 5 minutes! Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or meal prep, this creamy, crunchy slaw combines juicy pineapple, crisp cabbage, and a light tangy dressing. Gluten-free, customizable with vegan options, and guaranteed to be the star of your summer table. Save this easy recipe for your next cookout or weeknight dinner—it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as versatile as it is delicious! 🌞🥗 #PineappleColeslaw #SummerRecipes #BBQSides #EasySalad”
SEO Meta Description: “Add tropical flair to BBQs with easy Pineapple Coleslaw! Creamy, tangy, ready in 5 mins. Perfect for summer gatherings. 🌞🥗”