Hawaiian Pineapple Yogurt Slaw Recipe

Get ready to brighten up any table with Hawaiian Pineapple Yogurt Slaw! This crunchy, creamy, and utterly tropical twist on classic slaw packs a punch of vibrant flavors—sweet pineapple, tangy yogurt, and buttery macadamia nuts come together in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that just feels like sunshine on your plate, making it perfect for picnics, barbecues, or when you just want a splash of island inspiration at dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe is in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a starring role, from the tangy Greek yogurt that forms the dreamy dressing to the sweet, juicy pineapple and rich crunch of macadamia nuts. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Plain Greek yogurt: The creamy base for our dressing, it adds a tangy, luscious texture while keeping things light.
• Dijon mustard: Just a spoonful sharpens the flavor, giving the slaw a satisfyingly zesty kick.
• Apple cider vinegar: A splash brings bright, balancing acidity that lifts every other ingredient.
• Pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple tidbits): Tropical sweetness infuses both the dressing and the final dish, tying all the flavors together.
• Kosher salt: Enhances each ingredient’s natural taste without being overpowering.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right touch of gentle heat and earthiness.
• Coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage (red, green, or both): The crisp and colorful foundation—feel free to mix varieties for a rainbow effect.
• Canned pineapple tidbits, drained: Juicy bursts of sweetness and a subtle tropical tang in every bite.
• Macadamia nuts, coarsely chopped: Buttery, crunchy, and unmistakably Hawaiian—they’re the gourmet finishing touch!

How to Make Hawaiian Pineapple Yogurt Slaw

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl. Add in your plain Greek yogurt, a generous spoonful of Dijon mustard, a splash of apple cider vinegar, the reserved pineapple juice, and then sprinkle in the salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is creamy and perfectly blended—no streaks or lumps, just one glorious, tangy base.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base

Next, switch over to a large bowl and pour in your coleslaw mix or freshly shredded cabbage. Toss in those golden pineapple tidbits and coarsely chopped macadamia nuts. Gently toss with your hands or tongs so the vibrant colors and delicious bits are evenly distributed—every scoop should get a little of everything.

Step 3: Dress the Salad

It’s time to marry those beautiful flavors! Pour your silky yogurt dressing all over the cabbage mixture. Use a big spoon or spatula to stir everything really well, making sure every piece of cabbage and each pineapple tidbit is luxuriously coated. The mixture should look glossy and irresistible.

Step 4: Serve or Store

If you love your slaw ultra-crunchy, enjoy it right away. For slightly softer flavors that mingle together, cover and refrigerate the slaw for at least 30 minutes. Whichever way you like it, Hawaiian Pineapple Yogurt Slaw brings pure freshness and unbeatable flavor to any meal.

How to Serve Hawaiian Pineapple Yogurt Slaw

Garnishes

Scatter a few extra macadamia nuts or a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions on top just before serving. A handful of toasted coconut flakes also makes for a fun, eye-catching finish that echoes the Hawaiian inspiration. These final touches provide even more crunch and a pop of personality.

Side Dishes

Hawaiian Pineapple Yogurt Slaw is the perfect companion for grilled meats—think juicy chicken, tangy barbecue pork, or simple grilled fish. It’s also a super fresh side for veggie burgers or tacos. Want to go full luau? Serve it up alongside sticky rice or Hawaiian sweet rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not get playful? Pile the slaw high in hollowed-out pineapple halves for a show-stopping centerpiece, or scoop individual portions into colorful lettuce cups for a party-perfect appetizer. You can even use the Hawaiian Pineapple Yogurt Slaw as a cool, crunchy taco or sandwich topping!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store the slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It tastes great for up to two days, but remember the cabbage will soften and the nuts might lose a bit of crunch over time. Stir gently before serving to refresh the texture.

Freezing

This dish isn’t a great candidate for the freezer— the fresh, crisp veggies just don’t take well to freezing and thawing. Freezing can cause the yogurt dressing to separate and the macadamia nuts to lose their delightful crunch, so it’s best to enjoy your Hawaiian Pineapple Yogurt Slaw fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

No reheating is needed! Hawaiian Pineapple Yogurt Slaw is best served cold or at cool room temperature. If making ahead, simply give it a good stir and allow it to sit out of the fridge for a few minutes before serving, so the flavors can really shine.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh pineapple adds wonderful brightness to the slaw, just chop it into bite-sized pieces. If you go this route, you may need to add a splash of bottled pineapple juice to the dressing for extra sweetness and moisture.

What’s the best way to chop macadamia nuts?

For the perfect texture, coarsely chop the macadamias with a sharp knife or pulse briefly in a food processor. You want big, crunchy pieces—not fine dust—so they stand out in every forkful.

Is there a dairy-free or vegan version of Hawaiian Pineapple Yogurt Slaw?

Definitely! Swap the Greek yogurt with your favorite thick, dairy-free yogurt (coconut or cashew yogurts work particularly well) and be sure your coleslaw mix is vegan-friendly. The flavor will still sing with tropical delight!

Can I make Hawaiian Pineapple Yogurt Slaw in advance?

You can prepare the dressing and salad base separately, then mix them just before serving to keep everything crisp. If you mix it all together ahead, know that the veggies will slightly soften over time, but it will still taste fantastic.

What other toppings can I add?

Get creative! Try toasted sesame seeds for a nutty undertone, finely sliced chili for a kick of heat, or a handful of chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbal note. Hawaiian Pineapple Yogurt Slaw is endlessly adaptable to your cravings.

Final Thoughts

One bowl of this tropical, tangy crunch and you’ll see why Hawaiian Pineapple Yogurt Slaw wins hearts every time. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to sunny-day salad—crave-worthy, colorful, and guaranteed to impress!

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