Slaws

Spicy Pineapple Slaw

Name: Spicy Pineapple Slaw
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded green cabbage; 1 cup shredded red cabbage; 1 cup diced fresh pineapple; 1/2 cup diced red onion; 1/4 cup diced fresh cilantro; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sour cream; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 teaspoon grated lime zest; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1-2 diced jalapeños; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

By Quinn Ainsworth · June 19, 2026 · Slaws

Prep20 min

Cook0 min

Total30 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time I made Spicy Pineapple Slaw for a summer barbecue. The combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors was a hit with my friends and family. Since then, it's become a staple at our outdoor gatherings.

The key to this recipe is using fresh, seasonal ingredients. I like to use a mix of green and red cabbage for a pop of color, and fresh pineapple for natural sweetness. The spicy kick comes from diced jalapeños, which add a nice depth of flavor.

This slaw is perfect for making ahead of time, as the flavors meld together beautifully in the refrigerator. It's also a great side dish for grilled meats, fish, or as a topping for tacos or burgers.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make Spicy Pineapple Slaw from scratch, with a few simple ingredients and some easy-to-follow steps. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, you'll love the simplicity and flavor of this dish.

So, let's get started and make some delicious Spicy Pineapple Slaw!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The slaw is perfect for making ahead of time, as the flavors meld together beautifully in the refrigerator.
It's a great side dish for grilled meats, fish, or as a topping for tacos or burgers.
The spicy kick from the jalapeños adds a nice depth of flavor.
The creamy dressing balances out the spicy and tangy flavors.
This recipe is perfect for summer barbecues and picnics.
It's a healthy and refreshing side dish that's low in calories and high in fiber.

Why This Recipe Works

The reason this recipe works so well is that it balances sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. The pineapple adds natural sweetness, while the cabbage provides a nice crunch. The jalapeños add a spicy kick, which is balanced by the creamy dressing.

The dressing is made with a combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice, which adds a nice tanginess to the slaw. The cilantro adds freshness and depth of flavor, while the salt and pepper bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.

The key to making this slaw is to use the right amount of each ingredient. Too much of any one ingredient can throw off the balance of flavors, so be sure to follow the recipe carefully.

Another important factor is the texture of the slaw. The cabbage should be crunchy, while the pineapple should be tender. The dressing should be creamy and well-balanced, without being too thick or too thin.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Spicy Pineapple Slaw, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The key is to use fresh, seasonal ingredients, such as cabbage, pineapple, and cilantro. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, like mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose the freshest produce you can find. Look for cabbage with crisp, green leaves and a firm head. Choose a ripe pineapple with a sweet aroma and a slightly soft texture.

2 cups shredded green cabbageI like to use a mix of green and red cabbage for a pop of color. Look for cabbage with crisp, green leaves and a firm head.
1 cup shredded red cabbageRed cabbage adds a nice depth of flavor and a pop of color to the slaw.
1 cup diced fresh pineappleChoose a ripe pineapple with a sweet aroma and a slightly soft texture.
1/2 cup diced red onionRed onion adds a sweet, crunchy texture to the slaw. Look for onions with a firm, smooth texture.
1/4 cup diced fresh cilantroCilantro adds freshness and depth of flavor to the slaw. Look for cilantro with fresh, green leaves and a fragrant aroma.
1/4 cup mayonnaiseMayonnaise adds creaminess and richness to the dressing. Choose a high-quality mayonnaise with a smooth texture.
2 tablespoons sour creamSour cream adds a tangy flavor and a creamy texture to the dressing.
2 tablespoons lime juiceLime juice adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the dressing. Choose fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
1 teaspoon grated lime zestLime zest adds a nice depth of flavor and a pop of color to the dressing.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt brings out the flavors of the other ingredients and adds depth to the slaw.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper adds a nice kick and depth of flavor to the slaw.
1-2 diced jalapeñosJalapeños add a spicy kick to the slaw. Use one or two, depending on your desired level of heat.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsleyParsley adds freshness and depth of flavor to the slaw. Look for parsley with fresh, green leaves and a fragrant aroma.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowlCutting boardSharp knifeMeasuring cups and spoonsWhiskInstant-read thermometerSpatula

How to Make Spicy Pineapple Slaw

1
In a large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, diced pineapple, diced red onion, and diced cilantro.
2
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, grated lime zest, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3
Add the dressing to the bowl with the cabbage mixture and toss until the slaw is well coated.
4
Add the diced jalapeños to the slaw and toss to combine.
5
Taste the slaw and adjust the seasoning as needed.
6
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the slaw for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7
Before serving, toss the slaw again to combine and adjust the seasoning as needed.
8
Serve the slaw chilled, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
9
To make ahead, prepare the slaw up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
10
To freeze, prepare the slaw without the dressing and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and dress before serving.
11
To reheat, simply thaw the frozen slaw and dress with the prepared dressing.
12
To make the dressing ahead, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, grated lime zest, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate for up to a day.
13
When ready to serve, give the slaw a good toss and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Expert Tips

Use fresh, seasonal ingredients for the best flavor.
Don't over-dress the slaw, as it can become too soggy.
Adjust the level of heat to your liking by using more or fewer jalapeños.
Add some crunch to the slaw by tossing in some chopped nuts or seeds.
Make the slaw ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day.
Freeze the slaw without the dressing for up to 2 months and thaw and dress before serving.
Use this slaw as a topping for tacos, burgers, or grilled meats.
Add some diced mango or papaya to the slaw for extra flavor and texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using old or wilted cabbage, which can make the slaw soggy and unappetizing.
Over-dressing the slaw, which can make it too soggy and overwhelming.
Not adjusting the seasoning, which can make the slaw taste bland or unbalanced.
Not using fresh, seasonal ingredients, which can make the slaw lack flavor and texture.
Not chilling the slaw before serving, which can make it taste flat and unappealing.
Not garnishing the slaw with fresh herbs, which can make it look unappealing and lack freshness.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced mango or papaya to the slaw for extra flavor and texture.
Use different types of cabbage, such as napa or savoy, for a different flavor and texture.
Add some chopped nuts or seeds, such as pecans or pumpkin seeds, for extra crunch.
Use different types of citrus, such as lemon or orange, for a different flavor.
Add some diced avocado or grilled chicken to the slaw for extra creaminess and protein.
Use this slaw as a topping for tacos, burgers, or grilled meats.
Make a spicy version of the slaw by adding more jalapeños or using hot sauce.

What to Serve With Spicy Pineapple Slaw

This Spicy Pineapple Slaw is perfect for serving as a side dish or using as a topping for tacos, burgers, or grilled meats. It's also a great addition to a barbecue or picnic spread.

Try pairing it with some grilled chicken or fish, or using it as a topping for a taco salad. You can also serve it as a side dish for a summer barbecue or picnic.

Grilled chicken or fishTacos or burgersBarbecue or picnic spreadSalad with mixed greens and grilled chickenSide dish for a summer barbecue or picnicTopping for a taco salad

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store the slaw, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to a day. You can also freeze it without the dressing for up to 2 months and thaw and dress before serving.

To freeze, prepare the slaw without the dressing and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw the slaw and dress it with the prepared dressing.

To reheat, simply thaw the frozen slaw and dress it with the prepared dressing. You can also make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day.

When reheating, be sure to give the slaw a good toss and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can also add some extra lime juice or salt and pepper to taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this slaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the slaw ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. You can also freeze it without the dressing for up to 2 months and thaw and dress before serving.

Can I use different types of cabbage?

Yes, you can use different types of cabbage, such as napa or savoy, for a different flavor and texture.

Can I add other ingredients to the slaw?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the slaw, such as diced mango or papaya, chopped nuts or seeds, or grilled chicken or fish.

Can I make this slaw spicy?

Yes, you can make this slaw spicy by adding more jalapeños or using hot sauce.

Can I use this slaw as a topping for tacos or burgers?

Yes, you can use this slaw as a topping for tacos or burgers. It's also a great addition to a barbecue or picnic spread.

Can I freeze the slaw with the dressing?

No, it's best to freeze the slaw without the dressing and then dress it when you're ready to serve. This will help prevent the slaw from becoming too soggy or unappetizing.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day.

Can I use this slaw as a side dish for a summer barbecue or picnic?

Yes, this slaw is perfect for serving as a side dish at a summer barbecue or picnic. It's also a great addition to a taco salad or as a topping for grilled meats or fish.

The Full Recipe

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