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If you’re craving a vibrant, fresh, and utterly delicious salad that bursts with flavor and color, then the Tangy Tropical Hawaiian Coleslaw Recipe is exactly what you need on your table. This delightful dish brilliantly combines the crunch of shredded cabbages and carrots with sweet pineapple chunks and zesty accents, all tied together with a creamy, tangy dressing that dances on your taste buds. Perfect for summer cookouts, casual lunches, or anytime you want to add a touch of island-inspired sunshine to your meal, this coleslaw brings both a tropical vibe and a refreshing twist that’ll make you fall in love with coleslaw all over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh, and easy to find—each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. You’ll be amazed at how these everyday ingredients come together to create something truly spectacular!
- Green cabbage: Provides a crisp, crunchy base with mild flavor that holds up beautifully against the dressing.
- Red cabbage: Adds vibrant purple color and a slightly earthier taste for visual appeal and depth.
- Carrots: Bring sweetness and a bright orange splash, plus that irresistible crunch.
- Pineapple chunks: These juicy, tropical bursts add a naturally sweet tang that lifts the entire dish.
- Red bell pepper: Offers a mild sweetness and eye-catching red hue for extra freshness.
- Green onions: Adds a subtle oniony sharpness to balance the sweetness.
- Cilantro: Imparts a fresh, herbal brightness that makes this coleslaw distinctly island-inspired.
- Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy, smooth texture that ties everything together.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and lightness, making the dressing less heavy.
- Apple cider vinegar: Brings zesty acidity that enhances all the flavors.
- Honey: Balances the acidity with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Lime juice: Adds a fresh citrus pop to brighten the dressing even more.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that highlight and elevate every ingredient.
- Sliced almonds (optional): For a nutty crunch that makes every bite extra interesting.
- Shredded coconut (optional): Adds a subtle tropical sweetness and chewy texture as a final flourish.
How to Make Tangy Tropical Hawaiian Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Base Vegetables
Start by tossing together the green cabbage, red cabbage, and grated carrots in a large mixing bowl. This creates the crunchy foundation that will soak up the flavors of the dressing perfectly. Make sure everything is evenly mixed so each bite gets an exciting blend of textures.
Step 2: Add the Tropical and Fresh Accents
Next, fold in the juicy pineapple chunks, diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro. This colorful medley introduces bursts of sweetness and brightness—each ingredient bringing a unique touch that transforms the slaw from ordinary to extraordinary.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk the creamy mayonnaise with the tangy Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, golden honey, fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This luscious dressing is the heart of the recipe, delivering that perfect balance of creamy tang and tropical sweetness that defines the Tangy Tropical Hawaiian Coleslaw Recipe.
Step 4: Coat the Slaw
Pour the dressing over the bowl of vegetables and fruit. Gently toss everything with a large spoon or spatula until every shred and chunk is beautifully coated, ensuring that flavor reaches every inch of your coleslaw.
Step 5: Season and Chill
Taste the slaw and add more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed—it’s all about finding your perfect flavor balance. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle and the dressing to meld into every bite.
Step 6: Final Toss and Garnish
Before serving, give the coleslaw another quick toss to redistribute the dressing. Then, sprinkle on sliced almonds and shredded coconut if you desire an extra touch of crunch and visual flair that takes this dish up a notch.
How to Serve Tangy Tropical Hawaiian Coleslaw Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of sliced almonds and shredded coconut doesn’t just make the coleslaw look incredible; these garnishes add a delightful crunch and a subtle nutty and tropical twist that complements the tangy dressing perfectly. Fresh cilantro leaves or a wedge of lime on the side are also lovely finishing touches.
Side Dishes
This coleslaw shines as a refreshing side for grilled meats like teriyaki chicken, juicy burgers, or fish tacos. Its bright and tangy flavors cut through rich, smoky dishes effortlessly, making your entire meal feel balanced and vibrant, no matter the occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Tangy Tropical Hawaiian Coleslaw dressed up in crisp lettuce cups for a fun finger food option, or pile it generously on pulled pork sandwiches or shrimp po’boys to add that irresistible island flair. You can even turn it into a colorful, crunchy topping for rice bowls or grain salads—there’s no limit to the ways you can enjoy this recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Tangy Tropical Hawaiian Coleslaw Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, so it’s just as delicious the next day, if not more!
Freezing
Because of its fresh vegetables and creamy dressing, this coleslaw isn’t ideal for freezing as it may cause the texture to become mushy upon thawing. Enjoy it fresh whenever possible to savor the perfect crunch and flavor.
Reheating
This coleslaw is best served chilled and does not require reheating. If you prefer a slightly warmer salad, allow it to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving, but avoid heating it directly to maintain its crisp texture and tangy freshness.
FAQs
Can I make the Tangy Tropical Hawaiian Coleslaw Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for plant-based alternatives like vegan mayo and coconut yogurt, and you’ll have a delicious vegan version that still bursts with tropical tang and creaminess.
What can I substitute for pineapple if I don’t have any?
Mango or papaya make excellent substitutes as they offer a similar juicy sweetness and tropical vibe that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients in this coleslaw.
Is this coleslaw spicy?
Not at all! The Tangy Tropical Hawaiian Coleslaw Recipe focuses on sweet, tangy, and fresh flavors, making it refreshingly mild. However, if you love a little heat, a dash of finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper can be great additions.
How far in advance can I prepare this coleslaw?
You can prepare the coleslaw up to a day ahead of time. Just keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator to allow those flavors to meld beautifully without sacrificing the crunch.
Can I add protein to make this a complete meal?
Definitely! Grilled shrimp, diced chicken, or even chickpeas would be tasty additions that turn this vibrant coleslaw into a satisfying main dish while keeping that tropical flair intact.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Tangy Tropical Hawaiian Coleslaw Recipe is like bringing a burst of island sunshine straight to your plate—full of fresh, colorful ingredients and bright, balanced flavors. Whether you’re sharing it with friends at a barbecue or enjoying a solo lunch, this coleslaw is sure to become a treasured favorite in your recipe collection. Dive in, savor every bite, and let the tropical tang take your taste buds on a joyful escape!
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Tangy Tropical Hawaiian Coleslaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 0m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Tangy Tropical Hawaiian Coleslaw featuring a colorful mix of green and red cabbage, carrots, pineapple chunks, and bell peppers tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, and lime juice. This easy-to-make coleslaw is perfect as a side dish or a tropical topping for sandwiches and tacos, offering a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Fruits
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 2 cups red cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Combine the base vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, and grated carrots. Toss them well until evenly mixed to create the coleslaw base.
- Add tropical fruits and extra vegetables: Add the chopped pineapple chunks, diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro to the cabbage mixture. Mix thoroughly so all ingredients are well combined.
- Prepare the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth, creamy, and fully blended.
- Combine dressing with coleslaw: Pour the prepared dressing over the coleslaw mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, toss everything together until the slaw is completely coated with the creamy dressing.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the coleslaw and adjust the seasoning as needed by adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice according to your preference.
- Refrigerate for flavor melding: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Toss before serving: Before serving, give the coleslaw a quick toss to redistribute the dressing evenly throughout the salad.
- Add optional garnishes: Sprinkle sliced almonds and shredded coconut on top of the coleslaw if desired, for added texture and tropical flair.
- Serve chilled: Serve the Tangy Tropical Hawaiian Coleslaw chilled as a refreshing side dish or as a flavorful topping for sandwiches, tacos, or grilled dishes.
Notes
- Make sure to drain pineapple chunks well to avoid excess moisture that can dilute the dressing.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt.
- The coleslaw is best served chilled but can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- To keep the slaw crunchy, add the optional garnishes just before serving.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey based on your taste preference.
