No-Mayo Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw : Irresistible & Flavorful Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with the tropical crunch of No-Mayo Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw : Irresistible & Flavorful! Bursting with juicy pineapple, vibrant cabbage, and a zippy citrus dressing, this slaw skips the mayo entirely but keeps all the creamy, satisfying character you crave in a classic coleslaw. Whether you’re dreaming of sunny picnics or just want to add a pop of freshness to weeknight dinners, this recipe is a revelation. Discover a lighter, brighter coleslaw to make your table shine all season long!

Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the beauties of No-Mayo Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw : Irresistible & Flavorful is how each simple ingredient creates a fantastic blend of color, texture, and taste. These kitchen staples come together with tropical flair, making every bite something to look forward to.
- Green cabbage: Crunchy and mild, it forms the crisp backbone of every great slaw and helps the flavors sing.
- Purple cabbage: Adds a pop of vibrant color and an extra hint of peppery bite for visual and flavor contrast.
- Carrots: Shredded carrots bring beautiful orange color and a gentle sweetness that balances the tangy dressing.
- Fresh pineapple chunks: Juicy bursts of tropical flavor that are truly the soul of this Hawaiian-inspired dish.
- Pineapple juice: Intensifies the bright, fruity notes and ties the flavors together in the dressing.
- Apple cider vinegar: For acidity and depth, it’s the perfect partner for pineapple and keeps the slaw lively.
- Honey or agave syrup: Adds just enough sweetness to highlight the fruit and mellow the tang.
- Lime juice: Provides a citrusy zing and a fresh, tropical aroma that instantly wakes up your palate.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors into balance and enhances the coleslaw’s natural brightness.
- Black pepper: For a subtle, earthy warmth you’ll notice in every bite.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): If you’re a fan of herbs, this adds an aromatic finishing touch—but feel free to skip it if you’re not!
How to Make No-Mayo Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw : Irresistible & Flavorful
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables and Pineapple
Begin by shredding your green and purple cabbage, and grating the carrots. Freshness is key here—the crisper the veggies, the better the crunch. Cut your pineapple into bite-size chunks if starting with a whole one, or drain a can of pineapple tidbits (remember to save some juice for the dressing!).
Step 2: Whisk the Vibrant Dressing
In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, honey or agave, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously. The result should be slightly sweet, tangy, and fragrant, with just enough acidity to keep the final slaw lively without overwhelming the fruit.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Place the shredded cabbage, carrots, and pineapple chunks into a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the mixture and use tongs or clean hands to toss until everything is well coated. At this stage, the colors will really pop and hints of the tropical dressing should already be making you hungry.
Step 4: Chill and Meld the Flavors
Cover the bowl and let the slaw chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to develop and marry, giving you that signature No-Mayo Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw : Irresistible & Flavorful taste—a perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and refreshing crunch.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Right before serving, give the slaw one last gentle toss. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top if you’d like a fresh herbal note, or keep it simple. If you want extra crunch, a handful of toasted macadamia nuts or almonds makes this dish even more special.
How to Serve No-Mayo Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw : Irresistible & Flavorful

Garnishes
For extra flair, garnish your bowl with a few extra pineapple tidbits, a sprig of cilantro, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts. These finishing touches not only add color and texture, but also highlight just how irresistible and flavorful this slaw truly is.
Side Dishes
This coleslaw is a dream with grilled chicken, fish tacos, spicy BBQ, or even on a burger for a tropical twist. The crunch and freshness perfectly balance smoky or spicy main dishes, making every bite more exciting than the last.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving it in hollowed-out pineapple halves for a fantastic party presentation, or use the slaw as a topping for tacos and pulled pork sandwiches. The bright colors and fresh flavors of No-Mayo Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw : Irresistible & Flavorful make it a standout star on any buffet or picnic table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover No-Mayo Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw : Irresistible & Flavorful will stay crunchy and fresh for up to three days if kept in an airtight container in the fridge. If it seems a bit watery after a day, just give it a quick toss and maybe drain off any excess liquid before serving.
Freezing
Because this coleslaw is raw and packed with fresh produce, freezing isn’t recommended. The texture of the cabbage and pineapple can become mushy and the flavors may dull when frozen and thawed. Enjoy it fresh for the best crunch and taste!
Reheating
There’s no reheating needed here! This is a chilled dish meant to be enjoyed cold, making it a snap for summer gatherings and meal prep. If serving leftovers, simply toss again and garnish with fresh herbs or nuts right before eating.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned pineapple tidbits are a great timesaver and still offer bright, juicy flavor. Just make sure they’re packed in juice, not syrup, and remember to reserve some of that juice for the dressing.
Is this coleslaw vegan?
Yes, as long as you use agave syrup instead of honey, No-Mayo Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw : Irresistible & Flavorful is completely plant-based and suitable for vegan diets.
Can I make this slaw ahead of time?
Definitely. The flavors actually improve after some time in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining. Just wait to add nuts or cilantro until right before serving for the best texture and freshness.
Which main dishes pair best with this coleslaw?
No-Mayo Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw : Irresistible & Flavorful shines next to grilled or roasted meats, seafood, and anything with spicy or smoky flavors. It’s especially wonderful alongside fish tacos, BBQ chicken, or pulled pork sandwiches.
Can I add other fruits or veggies?
Of course! Mango, bell peppers, or even thinly sliced radishes make fantastic additions. This base recipe is super versatile, so feel free to riff and make it your own.
Final Thoughts
No-Mayo Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw : Irresistible & Flavorful is pure sunshine in a bowl—refreshing, colorful, and absolutely delicious at any time of year. If you’re ready for a slaw that stands out from the crowd and delights every guest, give this recipe a try. Your taste buds (and your picnic table) will thank you!
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No-Mayo Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw : Irresistible & Flavorful Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Enjoy the tropical flavors of Hawaii with this No-Mayo Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw. This vibrant and refreshing slaw is perfect for summer gatherings and pairs beautifully with grilled dishes or as a standalone side.
Ingredients
For the Coleslaw:
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, and pineapple chunks.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Toss: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Before serving, toss again and add fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- For added crunch, consider including toasted macadamia nuts or sliced almonds.
- This coleslaw is a great accompaniment to grilled chicken, fish tacos, or as a refreshing side dish for summer meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Salad
- Method: No-Cook, Mixing
- Cuisine: Hawaiian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg