Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw with Marshmallows – Easy Summer Side

Nothing says summer cookout quite like a bowl of this sweet and tropical Hawaiian pineapple coleslaw. This isn’t your typical tangy coleslaw, this crowd-pleasing recipe transforms ordinary cabbage into a creamy, sweet side dish that perfectly complements grilled meats and barbecue favorites. The combination of juicy pineapple chunks and fluffy marshmallows creates a delightfully unique texture that will have guests asking for the recipe.

A bowl of pineapple coleslaw and salad tongs behind it.

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Why This Recipe Works

The magic behind this Hawaiian pineapple coleslaw lies in the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The natural enzymes in pineapple help tenderize the cabbage while adding bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the Miracle Whip. The marshmallows provide unexpected sweetness and a soft, pillowy contrast to the crisp cabbage. Unlike traditional vinegar-based slaws, this creamy version won’t wilt as quickly, making it ideal for outdoor gatherings and potluck dinners.

Pineapple Coleslaw Recipe Ingredients

Main Components:

  • Green cabbage – Provides the crisp, fresh base with mild flavor that absorbs the dressing beautifully
  • Pineapple chunks or tidbits – Adds tropical sweetness and bright acidity to balance the creamy dressing
  • Miniature marshmallows – Contribute unexpected sweetness and soft texture contrast
  • Miracle Whip salad dressing – Creates the signature tangy-sweet flavor profile that mayo cannot replicate

Optional Enhancements:

  • Sesame seeds – Add nutty crunch and visual appeal as garnish
  • Macadamia nuts – Provide buttery richness and tropical authenticity

In this recipe, most people like using green cabbage, also known as cannonball cabbage. However, you can make Hawaiian Coleslaw with savoy or Napa cabbage. It’s best to avoid purple cabbage as it can be bitter and turn other ingredients red.

Pineapple coleslaw ingredients.

How To Make Coleslaw with Pineapple

  1. Discard any damaged outer leaves and rinse the cabbage under running water.
  2. Quarter the cabbage. 
  3. Cut out the core with a knife.
  4. Use a slaw slicer or a chef’s knife to shred the cabbage. 
  5. An optional step is to salt the cabbage with a teaspoon of kosher salt and mix. Allow the salted cabbage to drain for 30 minutes in a colander in the sink. After 30 minutes, rinse and drain well.
  6. Place the shredded cabbage, drained pineapple chunks, miniature marshmallows, and Miracle Whip in a large mixing bowl.
Pineapple coleslaw ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
  1. Stir or toss until this becomes a uniform mixture.
  2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge for at least an hour to develop the flavors before serving. 
Pineapple coleslaw in a serving bowl.

Recipe variations 

​You can customize this coleslaw to make it your own. Here are a few mix-in ideas for you. 

  • Sesame seeds – Garnish your dish with two teaspoons, and you can add a crunchy flair to this recipe. 
  • Macadamia nuts – add a quarter cup of chopped crunchy Macadamia nuts for a beautiful pop of crunch. 
  • Green onions – if you want a delicate onion flavor, add a tablespoon of sliced green onions.

What Does Pineapple Coleslaw Go Well With?

I love to serve this coleslaw at a summer cookout for a barbeque. It is the perfect side dish and a wonderful take on the classic coleslaw recipe you may use. The sweetness and tang of coleslaw with pineapple in this Hawaiian coleslaw recipe pairs perfectly with grilled or breaded meat, particularly any with a creamy or sweet sauce, such as:

Storage & Reheating Instructions

  • Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place coleslaw in an expandable metal steamer inside a large bowl to prevent a soggy bottom from excess liquid.
  • Reheating Method: This dish is served cold and does not require reheating. Stir gently before serving if separation occurs.
  • Freezing: Not recommended, as marshmallows and cabbage do not freeze well and will become mushy when thawed.
Overhead view of pineapple coleslaw and salad tongs on top of a yellow napkin.

Love Coleslaw? Try These Favorite Recipes

Favorite Pineapple Recipes

Check out more of the best side dish recipes and favorite family recipes here on CopyKat!

This recipe is by Virginia McDowell. Jefferson City, Mo. 1967.

A bowl of pineapple coleslaw and salad tongs behind it.

Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw with Marshmallows

Sweet and creamy tropical coleslaw with pineapple chunks and marshmallows. Perfect summer BBQ side dish that's ready in minutes!
5 from 2 votes
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Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cabbage slaw with fruit, Coleslaw, Pineapple Coleslaw
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 185kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds cabbage grated
  • 20 ounces pineapple chunks
  • 16 ounces miniature marshmallows
  • 1 cup Miracle Whip

Instructions

  • Place all the ingredients into a large bowl.
  • Mix thoroughly.

Nutrition

Calories: 185kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 211mg | Potassium: 197mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 110IU | Vitamin C: 32.1mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 0.6mg

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. SCV

    My mother and grandmother made this coleslaw but they always added Miracle Whip salad dressing,sugar, apple cider vinegar, bananas, and about and a little bit of pineapple juice. it was so good, you should give it a try this way. 🙂

  2. Patricia

    My mom made this in the ’60s and was my favorite coleslaw recipe. But instead of using one cup of Miracle Whip salad dressing, she used one cup of mayonnaise with 3 Tbs. sugar and 3 Tbs. vinegar.

  3. Bobbi gisler

    Do you have a recipe for coleslaw from the chain restaurant El Pollo Asado. It closed back in the late 80’s.

    • Groovy

      I’m thinking this pineapple slaw recipe is pretty close with the mini marshmallows, but I do believe it also had sunflower seeds in it. I’m gonna try it!

5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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