This Pineapple Walnut Raisin Coleslaw is a delightful twist on the classic coleslaw, combining crunchy cabbage, juicy pineapple, sweet raisins, and nutty walnuts in a creamy, tangy dressing. The perfect balance of flavors makes this dish a refreshing side for barbecues, picnics, and holiday gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and tangy balance – The combination of pineapple, raisins, and a creamy dressing creates an irresistible contrast.
- Crunchy and refreshing – The crisp cabbage and walnuts add great texture.
- Easy to make – No cooking required, just mix and chill!
- Perfect for any occasion – Great for summer cookouts, holiday dinners, or as a light side dish.
- Customizable – Easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Green cabbage (shredded)
- Red cabbage (shredded, optional for color)
- Carrots (grated)
- Crushed pineapple (drained)
- Raisins
- Walnuts (chopped)
- Mayonnaise
- Greek yogurt (or sour cream for extra creaminess)
- Apple cider vinegar
- Honey (or sugar for sweetness)
- Salt and black pepper
Directions
- Prepare the ingredients – Shred the cabbage, grate the carrots, and chop the walnuts.
- Make the dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix the coleslaw – In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, pineapple, raisins, and walnuts. Pour the dressing over and toss to coat evenly.
- Chill – Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve – Give it a final toss before serving. Enjoy chilled!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Dairy-Free Option: Use all mayo instead of Greek yogurt.
- Nut-Free: Skip the walnuts or substitute with sunflower seeds.
- Extra Crunch: Add chopped apples or celery for more texture.
- Tropical Twist: Add shredded coconut for a sweeter, tropical flavor.
- Lighter Version: Use a mix of Greek yogurt and a little lemon juice instead of mayonnaise.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as coleslaw tends to become watery when thawed.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the dressing separately and toss with the veggies just before serving for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?
Yes! A pre-shredded coleslaw mix saves time and works just as well.
Do I need to drain the pineapple?
Yes, draining the pineapple prevents the coleslaw from becoming too watery.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
What kind of raisins should I use?
Regular, golden, or even craisins work well in this recipe.
Can I substitute walnuts?
Yes, pecans or almonds are great alternatives.
What if my coleslaw is too watery?
After mixing, let it sit for a few minutes, then drain any excess liquid before serving.
Can I add more fruit?
Yes! Try adding diced apples, pears, or mandarin oranges for extra sweetness.
Is this coleslaw gluten-free?
Yes! Just double-check that all ingredient brands used are certified gluten-free.
What can I serve this with?
This coleslaw pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a topping for pulled pork sliders.
Can I make this without mayonnaise?
Yes! Substitute mayo with more Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative.
Conclusion
This Pineapple Walnut Raisin Coleslaw is a refreshing, crunchy, and slightly sweet twist on traditional coleslaw. With its bright flavors and creamy dressing, it’s a perfect side dish for warm-weather meals and festive gatherings. Try it today and bring a tropical twist to your table!
PrintPineapple Walnut Raisin Coleslaw
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pineapple Walnut Raisin Coleslaw is a sweet and tangy twist on classic coleslaw! Crisp cabbage is mixed with juicy pineapple, crunchy walnuts, and chewy raisins, then tossed in a creamy, lightly sweetened dressing. It’s the perfect refreshing side dish for BBQs, potlucks, or Easter celebrations!
Ingredients
For the Coleslaw:
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage (optional, for color)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup diced fresh or canned pineapple (drained if canned)
- 1/2 cup raisins (golden or regular)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (toasted for extra crunch)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream (for extra creaminess)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
-
Make the dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
-
Prepare the coleslaw mix:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, pineapple, raisins, walnuts, and parsley.
-
Toss & chill:
- Pour the dressing over the coleslaw and toss until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend.
-
Serve & enjoy!
- Give it a final stir before serving and garnish with extra walnuts or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: This coleslaw tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge!
- Nut-Free Option: Simply omit the walnuts or swap for sunflower seeds.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use all mayonnaise instead of adding Greek yogurt.
- Extra Crunch: Add shredded apples or sunflower seeds for more texture.
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