Craving a vibrant and refreshing side dish that's both easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further! This pineapple slaw recipe is your answer. It's the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, fish tacos, or even as a standalone healthy meal. Forget boring salads; this slaw offers a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and crunchy textures that will elevate any meal. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest with this quick dinner idea!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve ¼ cup juice)
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup reserved pineapple juice
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Prep the Veggies: In a large bowl, combine the shredded red cabbage, green cabbage, carrots, and red onion. Make sure to shred the cabbage finely for optimal texture.
- Add the Pineapple: Gently fold in the drained pineapple chunks. Don't overmix; you want to retain some chunkiness.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, rice vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), soy sauce, Dijon mustard, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.
- Dress the Slaw: Pour the dressing over the cabbage and pineapple mixture. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Allow the flavors to meld for at least 15 minutes in the refrigerator before serving. This allows the flavors to deepen and the slaw to become even more delicious!
Tips and Tricks for the Best Pineapple Slaw:
- Shredding: For a finer slaw, use a food processor or mandoline slicer to shred the cabbage and carrots.
- Pineapple Juice: Using reserved pineapple juice adds a natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile. If you don’t have any juice you can add a little extra honey or maple syrup.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Make Ahead: This slaw can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually improve with time!
Variations:
- Add Protein: Boost the protein content by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Tropical Twist: Incorporate other tropical fruits like mango or mandarin oranges.
- Peanut Butter Slaw: Add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter to the dressing for a unique Asian-inspired flavor.
- Creamy Slaw: Substitute mayonnaise for some of the olive oil in the dressing for a creamier texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on variations)
- Fat: 8-12g
- Protein: 2-4g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fiber: 4-6g
This delicious and easy pineapple slaw recipe is perfect for any occasion. It's a healthy and flavorful side dish that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this quick and easy recipe!