If you’re looking for a dish that wakes up your taste buds and brightens up any table, Spicy Pineapple Slaw is about to become your new go-to. This crunchy, colorful slaw combines sweet pineapple with a little kick from jalapeño and a tangy, creamy dressing that ties it all together. It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures: refreshing, spicy, and surprisingly versatile. Whether you pile it onto tacos, serve it as a side at your next BBQ, or sneak forkfuls straight from the fridge, Spicy Pineapple Slaw is the upgrade your summer menu didn’t know it needed!

Spicy Pineapple Slaw Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Spicy Pineapple Slaw is how straightforward the ingredient list is—no hard-to-find or complicated items. Each component brings something special, whether it’s crunch, color, creaminess, or that irresistible pop of heat.

Green cabbage: Delivers classic crunch and a mild, versatile base that soaks up the dressing beautifully.
Purple cabbage: Adds vibrant color and an earthier crunch, making your slaw visually irresistible.
Fresh pineapple: Brings juicy sweetness that balances the heat and adds tropical flair.
Carrot: Offers more crunch and a gentle sweetness that rounds out the flavor.
Green onions: Lend a delicate sharpness without overpowering the other ingredients.
Jalapeño: Provides that essential spicy kick; adjust the amount to your heat preference.
Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy, rich dressing that holds everything together.
Lime juice: Brightens with acidic zest and balances the creamy and sweet notes.
Honey: Adds just a kiss of sweetness to mellow the spice and enhance the tropical notes.
Rice vinegar: Offers a gentle tang that sharpens the whole slaw without overpowering it.
Chili powder: Delivers a subtle warmth and deepens the overall flavor profile.
Cayenne pepper: Brings extra spice for true heat-lovers; use more or less as you like.
Salt: Essential for enhancing every flavor and balancing the sweetness.
Black pepper: Adds a light bite and earthy depth to finish the dressing.

How to Make Spicy Pineapple Slaw

Step 1: Combine the fresh produce

Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl—it’ll make tossing everything together so much easier. Add the shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, diced pineapple, shredded carrot, thinly sliced green onions, and minced jalapeño. This is when those vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas start to come alive. Toss it all gently to distribute the pineapple and jalapeño evenly so no bite is lacking in excitement.

Step 2: Make the creamy dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, rice vinegar, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. The dressing should be ultra-smooth and a bit tangy, with a beautiful hint of warmth from the spices. Give it a taste and adjust the cayenne or honey to suit your personal sweet vs. spicy preferences—this is where you can really make the Spicy Pineapple Slaw your own!

Step 3: Toss and coat

Now comes the magic moment. Pour the prepared dressing over the cabbage mixture and use tongs or your hands (gloved, if you like) to gently toss and coat every bite. Make sure the pineapple and jalapeño bits are dotted throughout so every scoop is as flavorful as the last.

Step 4: Chill for peak flavor

Cover the slaw and tuck it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This little nap lets the flavors meld and the cabbage soak up the dressing, resulting in a perfectly refreshing, crave-worthy Spicy Pineapple Slaw. Right before serving, give it a gentle stir to wake up all those punchy flavors.

How to Serve Spicy Pineapple Slaw

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes make this Spicy Pineapple Slaw even more enticing. Sprinkle extra green onions, a handful of chopped cilantro, or a pinch of toasted sesame seeds over the top for an eye-catching finish. If you like it extra spicy, add a few thin jalapeño slices on top—just warn your guests before they dive in!

Side Dishes

Spicy Pineapple Slaw is a side dish superstar. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, especially anything from the barbecue, and works wonders alongside tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, or even fish. Its tangy sweetness helps cut through richer dishes and adds a refreshing contrast wherever you serve it.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking for a fun twist, pile the Spicy Pineapple Slaw onto sliders, tuck it into lettuce wraps, or serve it in individual mason jars at your next picnic—portable and Instagram-worthy! For summer parties, lay out tacos and let everyone pile on their slaw for a build-your-own bar experience that’s as festive as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stash any extra Spicy Pineapple Slaw in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll stay crisp and fresh for up to 2 days. You might even find the flavors deepen and get punchier overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even better. Just give it a quick toss before you serve it again to redistribute any dressing that settled at the bottom.

Freezing

Because this slaw is full of fresh, raw veggies and juicy pineapple, freezing isn’t recommended. The texture will get soggy and lose that signature crunch we all love. Your best bet is to enjoy it fresh or within a day or two of making it.

Reheating

No reheating required here! In fact, Spicy Pineapple Slaw is best served cold or at least well-chilled. Just let it sit out for a few minutes to take the chill off if you prefer, then give it a stir and get ready to enjoy all those bright, lively flavors.

FAQs

Can I make Spicy Pineapple Slaw ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a few hours in advance lets the flavors blend even more. Just wait to add garnishes until right before serving for the freshest presentation.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

For a lighter twist, substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise. You’ll get a tangy, creamy texture with a boost of protein and less fat—the slaw will still be just as delicious!

How spicy is this slaw?

With one small jalapeño and a touch of cayenne, it has a pleasant kick but isn’t overwhelmingly hot. Adjust the amount of jalapeño and cayenne to suit your heat preference, and feel free to omit seeds for less spice.

Can I use canned pineapple?

Fresh pineapple gives the best flavor and texture, but canned pineapple in juice (drained well) works in a pinch. Avoid pineapple in syrup, as it’s too sweet for this recipe.

Is Spicy Pineapple Slaw gluten-free and vegetarian?

Yes! This slaw is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making it a wonderful option for gatherings where you need something everyone can enjoy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to liven up your summer meals or wow your friends at your next potluck, you absolutely need to make Spicy Pineapple Slaw. It’s bursting with fresh, zingy flavors and colorful crunch in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how quickly it disappears from the table—enjoy every tangy, spicy, sweet forkful!

Spicy Pineapple Slaw Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

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Description

This Spicy Pineapple Slaw is a vibrant and flavorful twist on traditional coleslaw. The combination of sweet pineapple, spicy jalapeño, and tangy lime juice creates a refreshing side dish perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Slaw:

4 cups shredded green cabbage
2 cups shredded purple cabbage
1 cup fresh pineapple (diced)
1 medium carrot (shredded)
2 green onions (thinly sliced)
1 small jalapeño (seeded and finely minced)

For the Dressing:

1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the green cabbage, purple cabbage, pineapple, carrot, green onions, and jalapeño. Toss to mix well.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, rice vinegar, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until well coated. Ensure all ingredients are evenly dressed.
Refrigerate the slaw for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Stir gently before serving to ensure the dressing is well distributed.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise.
Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.
This slaw is versatile and pairs well with various dishes like tacos, burgers, or pulled pork sandwiches.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Fusion