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Flavorful Coleslaw with Pineapple and Jalapeño

flavorful coleslaw with pineapple and jalapeño - featured image

A bright, lively coleslaw combining sweet pineapple and spicy jalapeño for a perfect sweet-spicy kick. This easy recipe is a fresh and addictive side dish ideal for barbecues, potlucks, and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
  • 2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 cup carrots, julienned or grated
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
  • 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Finely shred 4 cups of green cabbage and 2 cups of red cabbage. Place in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Julienne or grate 1 cup of carrots and thinly slice ¼ cup of red onion. Add to the bowl with the cabbage.
  3. Dice 1 cup of fresh pineapple into small bite-sized pieces and add to the vegetable mixture.
  4. Slice 1 small jalapeño in half, remove seeds if less heat is desired, then finely chop and add to the bowl.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper until smooth and creamy.
  6. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and gently toss until well coated.
  7. If desired, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro and toss again.
  8. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and cabbage soften slightly.
  9. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, lime juice, or jalapeño as needed.

Notes

Remove thick core pieces from cabbage to avoid fibrous texture. Keep pineapple pieces bite-sized to maintain crunch balance. If dressing is too thick, loosen with a splash of pineapple juice or water. Adjust jalapeño heat after chilling to control spice level. Best served chilled or at cool room temperature. Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator up to 3 days. Not suitable for freezing.

Nutrition

Keywords: coleslaw, pineapple, jalapeño, sweet and spicy, side dish, barbecue, potluck, easy recipe