Grilled Pineapple Slaw
As a home cook, I'm always on the lookout for new and exciting side dishes to add to my repertoire. And when the weather starts to warm up, I find myself craving lighter, fresher flavors that complement the rich and savory flavors of grilled meats and vegetables. That's where this grilled pineapple slaw comes in - a perfect combination of sweet and tangy, crunchy and soft, that's sure to become a summer staple in your household.
I first discovered the magic of grilled pineapple at a backyard barbecue, where a friend had tossed slices of fresh pineapple onto the grill alongside the burgers and hot dogs. The result was nothing short of amazing - caramelized, slightly charred, and infused with a deep, smoky flavor that elevated the entire dish. From that day on, I was hooked on the idea of incorporating grilled pineapple into my cooking, and this slaw is one of my favorite ways to do so.
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a little excitement to their summer salads and sides. It's easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and can be customized to suit your tastes and preferences. Plus, it's a great way to use up fresh pineapple and cabbage, two ingredients that are often overlooked in favor of more exotic or trendy options.
So if you're looking for a new side dish to add to your summer rotation, look no further than this grilled pineapple slaw. It's a game-changer, and I'm excited to share it with you.
In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of fresh pineapple, crunchy cabbage, and a hint of spice to create a slaw that's both refreshing and flavorful. We'll also be adding in some red onion and cilantro for extra texture and flavor, and a squeeze of lime juice to bring everything together. It's a simple but powerful combination that's sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
- It's a great way to use up fresh pineapple and cabbage
- The combination of grilled pineapple and crunchy cabbage provides a delightful textural contrast
- The slaw is refreshing and flavorful, making it perfect for summer
- It's customizable to suit your tastes and preferences
- It's a great side dish for grilled meats and vegetables
Why This Recipe Works
So what makes this grilled pineapple slaw so special? For starters, the combination of grilled pineapple and crunchy cabbage provides a delightful textural contrast that's sure to keep your taste buds engaged. The sweetness of the pineapple is balanced by the tanginess of the lime juice and the spiciness of the red pepper flakes, creating a flavor profile that's both refreshing and exciting.
But what really sets this slaw apart is the way it's put together. By grilling the pineapple and then tossing it with the cabbage, red onion, and cilantro, we're able to create a dish that's both fresh and caramelized, with a depth of flavor that's hard to achieve with raw ingredients alone. And by adding in a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of salt, we're able to bring everything together and create a slaw that's truly greater than the sum of its parts.
Of course, the key to making this slaw work is to use high-quality ingredients and to pay attention to the details. That means using fresh, ripe pineapple and cabbage, and taking the time to grill the pineapple until it's caramelized and slightly charred. It also means being mindful of the amount of lime juice and salt you add, as these can quickly overpower the other flavors in the dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this grilled pineapple slaw, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including fresh pineapple, cabbage, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and red pepper flakes. You'll also need some olive oil for grilling the pineapple, and a bit of honey to balance out the flavors.
When shopping for these ingredients, be sure to choose fresh, ripe pineapple and cabbage. You want the pineapple to be slightly sweet and the cabbage to be crunchy and firm. You should also try to find red onion and cilantro that are fresh and flavorful, as these will add a lot of depth to the dish.
- 1 ripe pineapple, sliced into 1-inch thick roundsFresh pineapple is essential for this recipe, as it provides the sweetness and flavor that balances out the other ingredients. Look for a pineapple that's slightly sweet and has a nice, firm texture.
- 1 small head of cabbage, shreddedCabbage is a great addition to this slaw, as it provides a nice crunch and a bit of bitterness to balance out the sweetness of the pineapple. Look for a head of cabbage that's fresh and firm, and be sure to shred it finely so that it's easy to mix with the other ingredients.
- 1/2 red onion, thinly slicedRed onion adds a nice sweetness and crunch to this slaw, and it's also a great way to add some extra flavor and texture. Look for a red onion that's fresh and firm, and be sure to slice it thinly so that it's easy to mix with the other ingredients.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantroCilantro is a great addition to this slaw, as it provides a nice freshness and flavor that complements the other ingredients. Look for fresh cilantro that's fragrant and has a nice, green color.
- 2 tablespoons lime juiceLime juice is essential for this recipe, as it provides the acidity and flavor that balances out the sweetness of the pineapple. Look for fresh lime juice that's 100% juice, with no added sugars or preservatives.
- 1 teaspoon saltSalt is a great way to add flavor and depth to this slaw, and it's also essential for bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients. Look for a high-quality salt that's fresh and has a nice, crunchy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakesRed pepper flakes are a great way to add some heat and flavor to this slaw, and they're also a nice way to balance out the sweetness of the pineapple. Look for red pepper flakes that are fresh and have a nice, spicy flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oilOlive oil is essential for grilling the pineapple, as it provides the moisture and flavor that helps to caramelize the fruit. Look for a high-quality olive oil that's fresh and has a nice, fruity flavor.
- 1 tablespoon honeyHoney is a great way to add some sweetness and flavor to this slaw, and it's also a nice way to balance out the acidity of the lime juice. Look for a high-quality honey that's fresh and has a nice, floral flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, for garnishFresh mint is a great way to add some freshness and flavor to this slaw, and it's also a nice way to garnish the dish. Look for fresh mint that's fragrant and has a nice, green color.
Equipment You’ll Need
How to Make Grilled Pineapple Slaw
- 1Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, until it reaches an internal temperature of 400°F. While the grill is heating up, slice the pineapple into 1-inch thick rounds and brush them with olive oil.
- 2Grill the pineapple slices for 2-3 minutes per side, until they're caramelized and slightly charred. You'll know they're done when they've developed a nice, dark brown color and a sweet, smoky flavor.
- 3While the pineapple is grilling, shred the cabbage and slice the red onion. You want the cabbage to be finely shredded and the onion to be thinly sliced, so that they're easy to mix with the other ingredients.
- 4In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro. You want to mix these ingredients together until they're well combined and the cabbage is slightly wilted.
- 5Once the pineapple is done grilling, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it into smaller pieces. You want the pineapple to be slightly warm, but not hot, so that it's easy to mix with the other ingredients.
- 6In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, salt, and red pepper flakes. You want to mix these ingredients together until they're well combined and the salt is dissolved.
- 7Pour the lime juice mixture over the cabbage mixture and toss until the cabbage is evenly coated. You want to make sure that the cabbage is slightly wilted and the flavors are well combined.
- 8Add the grilled pineapple to the bowl and toss until it's evenly coated with the lime juice mixture. You want to make sure that the pineapple is well mixed with the other ingredients and the flavors are well combined.
- 9Drizzle the honey over the top of the slaw and toss until it's evenly coated. You want to make sure that the honey is well mixed with the other ingredients and the flavors are well balanced.
- 10Taste the slaw and adjust the seasoning as needed. You want to make sure that the slaw is slightly sweet, slightly tangy, and slightly spicy, with a nice balance of flavors.
- 11Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the slaw for at least 30 minutes, until it's chilled and the flavors are well combined. You want to make sure that the slaw is cold and refreshing, with a nice balance of flavors.
- 12Just before serving, garnish the slaw with chopped fresh mint and serve. You want to make sure that the slaw is fresh and flavorful, with a nice balance of textures and flavors.
Expert Tips
- Make sure to use fresh, ripe pineapple for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't over-grill the pineapple, as it can become too caramelized and bitter.
- Use a high-quality olive oil for grilling the pineapple, as it will add a nice flavor and texture to the dish.
- Don't over-dress the slaw, as it can become too soggy and overwhelming.
- Add the honey just before serving, as it will help to balance out the flavors and add a nice sweetness to the dish.
- Use fresh, fragrant herbs for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure to chill the slaw for at least 30 minutes before serving, as it will help to combine the flavors and textures.
- Experiment with different types of citrus juice, such as lemon or orange, for a unique flavor profile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using unripe or low-quality pineapple, which can result in a bland or bitter flavor.
- Over-grilling the pineapple, which can make it too caramelized and bitter.
- Not chilling the slaw long enough, which can result in a soggy or overwhelming texture.
- Over-dressing the slaw, which can make it too soggy or overwhelming.
- Not using fresh, fragrant herbs, which can result in a bland or unappetizing flavor.
- Not adjusting the seasoning to taste, which can result in a slaw that's too sweet, too tangy, or too spicy.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add some diced jalapeño or serrano peppers to the slaw for an extra kick of heat.
- Use different types of citrus juice, such as lemon or orange, for a unique flavor profile.
- Add some chopped nuts or seeds, such as pecans or pumpkin seeds, for a nice crunch and texture.
- Use different types of herbs, such as basil or parsley, for a unique flavor profile.
- Add some diced grilled chicken or shrimp to the slaw for a protein-packed meal.
- Use different types of vinegar, such as apple cider or balsamic, for a unique flavor profile.
- Add some diced apples or pears to the slaw for a sweet and crunchy texture.
What to Serve With Grilled Pineapple Slaw
This grilled pineapple slaw is perfect for serving as a side dish or adding to your favorite salads and bowls. It's also a great topping for tacos, grilled meats, and vegetables.
Some of our favorite ways to serve this slaw include as a topping for grilled fish tacos, as a side dish for grilled chicken or steak, or as a addition to a fresh green salad. You can also use it as a topping for soups or stews, or as a filling for sandwiches and wraps.
Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating
This grilled pineapple slaw can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To store, simply place the slaw in an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve.
When freezing, it's best to freeze the slaw in a single layer on a baking sheet, and then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. This will help to prevent the slaw from becoming soggy or icy.
To thaw, simply place the frozen slaw in the refrigerator overnight, or thaw it quickly by submerging the container in cold water. Once thawed, the slaw can be served immediately, or refrigerated for up to 3 days.
It's also a good idea to make a fresh batch of the slaw every few days, as the flavors and textures can become muted over time. However, with proper storage and handling, this slaw can be a delicious and healthy addition to your meals for several days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
While canned pineapple can be a convenient substitute, it's not recommended for this recipe. Fresh pineapple provides a sweetness and flavor that's essential to the dish, and canned pineapple can be too soft and soggy.
Can I make this slaw ahead of time?
Yes, this slaw can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it's best to make it fresh just before serving, as the flavors and textures can become muted over time.
Can I use different types of citrus juice?
Yes, you can use different types of citrus juice, such as lemon or orange, for a unique flavor profile. However, keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different, and you may need to adjust the amount of honey or other ingredients to balance out the flavors.
Can I add protein to this slaw?
Yes, you can add protein to this slaw, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, for a protein-packed meal. Simply cook the protein according to your preference, and then add it to the slaw just before serving.
Can I use this slaw as a topping for other dishes?
Yes, this slaw can be used as a topping for a variety of dishes, such as tacos, grilled meats, and vegetables. It's also a great addition to soups and stews, or as a filling for sandwiches and wraps.
Can I freeze this slaw?
Yes, this slaw can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply place the slaw in an airtight container or freezer bag, and then thaw it according to the instructions above.
How do I prevent the slaw from becoming soggy?
To prevent the slaw from becoming soggy, make sure to not over-dress it, and to chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. You can also add some chopped nuts or seeds to the slaw for a nice crunch and texture.
Can I make this slaw without the honey?
Yes, you can make this slaw without the honey, but keep in mind that the flavors may be slightly different. The honey helps to balance out the acidity of the lime juice and adds a nice sweetness to the dish.

Ingredients
- 1 ripe pineapple, sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
- 1 small head of cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, until it reaches an internal temperature of 400°F. While the grill is heating up, slice the pineapple into 1-inch thick rounds and brush them with olive oil.
- Grill the pineapple slices for 2-3 minutes per side, until they're caramelized and slightly charred. You'll know they're done when they've developed a nice, dark brown color and a sweet, smoky flavor.
- While the pineapple is grilling, shred the cabbage and slice the red onion. You want the cabbage to be finely shredded and the onion to be thinly sliced, so that they're easy to mix with the other ingredients.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro. You want to mix these ingredients together until they're well combined and the cabbage is slightly wilted.
- Once the pineapple is done grilling, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it into smaller pieces. You want the pineapple to be slightly warm, but not hot, so that it's easy to mix with the other ingredients.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, salt, and red pepper flakes. You want to mix these ingredients together until they're well combined and the salt is dissolved.
- Pour the lime juice mixture over the cabbage mixture and toss until the cabbage is evenly coated. You want to make sure that the cabbage is slightly wilted and the flavors are well combined.
- Add the grilled pineapple to the bowl and toss until it's evenly coated with the lime juice mixture. You want to make sure that the pineapple is well mixed with the other ingredients and the flavors are well combined.
- Drizzle the honey over the top of the slaw and toss until it's evenly coated. You want to make sure that the honey is well mixed with the other ingredients and the flavors are well balanced.
- Taste the slaw and adjust the seasoning as needed. You want to make sure that the slaw is slightly sweet, slightly tangy, and slightly spicy, with a nice balance of flavors.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the slaw for at least 30 minutes, until it's chilled and the flavors are well combined. You want to make sure that the slaw is cold and refreshing, with a nice balance of flavors.
- Just before serving, garnish the slaw with chopped fresh mint and serve. You want to make sure that the slaw is fresh and flavorful, with a nice balance of textures and flavors.