Sweet Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw Recipe Without Mayo

4.61 from 71 votes
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Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw puts a sweet and savory tropical twist on the classic picnic side dish. Lightened-up with Greek yogurt, this easy summer salad has no mayo. It’s definitely not the same old cole slaw recipe!

Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw Recipe with title

We aren’t going on a summer vacation this year. Honestly, I can’t complain and I am totally not complaining.

Earlier this year we went on a family cruise. Then in the fall the hubby and I are going on a trip together to celebrate a couple of milestone birthdays. So we are getting our share of vacation time.

But it’s summer, and who doesn’t want to go on a summer vacation?!

Luckily my mom lives near the beach and boardwalk, so we just spent a week there. Pool, sand, waves, ice cream, dancing, biking, kayaking, all the ingredients for a “real” summer vacation.

And sometimes I like to put the ingredients of a tropical vacation into my food. 

Healthy Tropical Coleslaw in a yellow bowl on an orange napkin

Hawaiian Coleslaw Recipe with Pineapple

Enjoy creamy, healthy no-mayo coleslaw with a dressing made with Greek yogurt makes. This cole slaw recipe is lighter than the traditional side dish. And the addition of pineapple and macadamia nuts adds a bit of sweetness, some crunch, and a little Hawaiian-inspired flair. It’s time to give an old salad recipe new and delicious tropical flavors.

How do you make coleslaw with no mayo?

The name coleslaw actually comes from a Dutch word that means “cabbage salad”. So it is literally a salad made with shredded cabbage usually tossed in a mayonnaise-based dressing, or occasionally a vinaigrette. However, this recipe eschews the usual mayo-based dressing.

Just like my Maple Dijon Coleslaw, the dressing starts with a base of Greek yogurt. So you get the same creaminess you come to expect from the classic side dish, but in an updated version that is healthier.

Is coleslaw healthy?

Compared to the classic coleslaw recipe, this one with no mayo is actually quite healthy.

There are only about 160 calories per serving, compared to over 250 calories in many other recipes and store-bought versions of this salad. And it even has 4 grams of protein, plus the probiotic benefits of Greek yogurt.

It has 18 grams of carbs per serving, but most of these are from the pineapple, and not from added sugars or other carbohydrates. In fact, it is naturally grain free and gluten fr gluten free and grain free.

Healthy Pineapple Coleslaw in a yellow serving dish

How to Make Tropical Cole Slaw

Here is a brief overview so you can see just how easy it is to make. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for the full quantities and details.
But don’t skip my PRO TIPS below!

For the coleslaw dressing, combine:

  • Plain Greek yogurt
  • Dijon mustard
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Pineapple juice
  • Salt and pepper

Then pour over:

  • Coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage
  • Pineapple tidbits
  • Chopped macadamia nuts

Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw Recipe Tips:

  • No need to buy separate pineapple juice. Just pick up a can of pineapple tidbits and reserve the liquid when you drain it. Use this in the coleslaw dressing.
  • You can serve it right away, or keep it in the fridge for a few hours to let the flavors really develop.
  • It will keep in the fridge for a couple of days, but the slaw will get softer and lose some of its crispness.
  • If you need to prepare it in advance, you can stir together the dressing, then quickly mix with the slaw right before serving.
  • For the cabbage, I like to use a slaw mix with white and red cabbage and carrots. You can use a bag with just white cabbage or shred the cabbage yourself. You’ll need 4-5 cups in total.
Sweet Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw closeup

What to serve with this tropical sweet coleslaw

It’s perfect for a gluten free summer barbecue.

Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw in an oval bowl on a polka dot napkin

More pineapple recipes

Sweet Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw Recipe

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Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw in an oval bowl on a polka dot napkin
4.6 from 71 votes

Sweet Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw with No Mayo

This easy summer salad recipe is a healthy, sweet and savory tropical twist on the classic picnic side dish. Lightened-up with Greek yogurt and gluten free.
Prep: 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 Tablespoons pineapple juice (reserved from draining the can of pineapple tidbits)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • one 10-15 oz. bag coleslaw mix or about 4-5 cups shredded cabbage (just green or a mix of red and green cabbage)
  • 1 cup pineapple tidbits from a can, drained
  • 1/2 cup macadamia nuts, coarsely chopped

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, pineapple juice, salt, and pepper, and stir until smooth and combined.
  • In a large bowl, toss together the coleslaw mix or cabbage, pineapple, and macadamia nuts.
  • Pour the dressing over the slaw and stir to distribute evenly.
  • Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Will keep for a couple days, but it will get softer and less crunchy.
Nutrition Facts
Sweet Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw with No Mayo
Amount Per Serving
Calories 163 Calories from Fat 81
% Daily Value*
Fat 9g14%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Cholesterol 2mg1%
Sodium 235mg10%
Potassium 165mg5%
Carbohydrates 18g6%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 16g18%
Protein 4g8%
Vitamin A 65IU1%
Vitamin C 9.4mg11%
Calcium 58mg6%
Iron 0.7mg4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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