This is not your average coleslaw.
This Fruity Coleslaw (also known as Strawberry Pineapple Coleslaw) is sweet, tangy, crunchy and full of bright, fresh flavor. It’s the kind of side dish that surprises people—in the best way—and always disappears quickly at parties. Kind of like my Apple Cole Slaw recipe!
If you’re looking for something a little different to bring to a gathering, and specifically if you are looking for a summer cole slaw recipe, this is it.
Why This Sweet Coleslaw Recipe Is So Good
Traditional coleslaw leans creamy and savory.
This one takes a different (and really delicious) direction:
• Sweet from strawberries, pineapple and coconut
• Tangy from the dressing
• Crunchy from cabbage, nuts and snap peas
• Colorful and fresh
👉 It’s a fun twist that feels perfect for spring and summer.
What Makes This Version Stand Out
There are fruity slaws out there—but this one has a few things that make it extra special:
• Strawberries + pineapple combo for bright flavor
• Crunchy nuts for texture
• Sweetened coconut for a little tropical vibe
• Sugar snap peas for freshness and crunch
It’s layered, interesting and anything but boring.
If you love a unique, make-ahead salad recipe, you may also wish to try our recipes for Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, Pea Salad and spaghetti salad.
Recipe Tips
- Chill before serving: This helps all the flavors come together.
- Add nuts just before serving (optional): Keeps them extra crunchy.
- Use fresh strawberries when possible: They give the best flavor and texture.
- Chop everything evenly: So you get a balanced bite every time.
Can You Make This Ahead?
Yes—and it’s actually even better that way. Make it a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to serve. If making it far in advance, add the nuts just before serving for the best texture.
What to Serve with Fruity Coleslaw
This pairs especially well with:
• Grilled chicken
• Pulled pork
• Burgers
• BBQ ribs
• Picnic and potluck menus
👉 It’s a great contrast to rich, savory mains.
Why This Easy Cole Slaw Recipe Works
It’s all about balance.
The sweetness from the fruit is offset by the tangy dressing and crunchy vegetables, creating a side dish that feels fresh, flavorful and just a little unexpected.
This is one of those recipes people always ask about after trying it. It’s easy, colorful and just different enough to stand out on a table full of more traditional sides.
🍓 VARIATIONS
- Tropical Fruity Coleslaw: Add mango or mandarin oranges for even more tropical flavor. Or make my simple mango slaw.
- Lighter Fruity Coleslaw: Use a yogurt-based dressing instead of traditional coleslaw dressing.
- Nut-Free Version: Skip the nuts or replace them with sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Extra Crunch Version: Add shredded carrots or chopped cabbage for more texture.
- Sweet + Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne or sliced jalapeño for a little heat.
🔍 FAQS
- Can you make fruity coleslaw ahead of time? Yes—this is a great make-ahead salad. Prepare it a few hours in advance. Refrigerate until ready to serve. For best texture, add nuts just before serving.
- Will the strawberries make the coleslaw soggy? Not if you prepare it correctly. Use fresh strawberries. Add them shortly before serving if possible. This helps keep everything crisp and fresh.
- Can you use fresh pineapple instead of canned? Absolutely! Fresh pineapple adds brighter flavor and better texture. Just make sure it’s chopped into small pieces.
- What kind of dressing works best? A creamy coleslaw dressing works best for this recipe. It balances the sweetness of the fruit and ties everything together.
- Can you make this lighter? Yes! Try using a lighter or reduced-fat dressing, adding more vegetables and reducing the coconut slightly.
Strawberry Pineapple Coleslaw
Equipment
Ingredients
- Two 14-ounce packages coleslaw mix
- One 13-ounce jar coleslaw salad dressing
- 1 cup salted cashews or macadamia nuts
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup chopped fresh or canned pineapple
- 1 cup chopped sugar snap peas
- 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
- ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl; toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered, until serving.
Notes
- Chill before serving for best flavor
- Add nuts just before serving for crunch
- Use fresh fruit when possible
- Great for make-ahead meals
- Perfect for potlucks and BBQs
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
