Vibrant Vegan Pineapple Coleslaw with Cherries: Your Ultimate Oil-Free Summer Side Dish
Discover the refreshing taste of creamy, plant-based coleslaw, entirely without oil or dairy! This delightful mix features crisp cabbage and tender carrots, all brought together with a luscious almond milk yogurt dressing, punctuated by sweet pops of fresh pineapple and plump dried cherries. It’s the perfect healthy addition to any meal.
Embracing the Summer Spirit with Healthy, Flavorful Food
Happy Friday Eve, everyone! There’s something truly magical about summer, isn’t there? Last weekend, we ventured out on a delightful camping trip, taking our furry companion Harper for a refreshing hike along the beautiful Lake Anna. Losing myself in the embrace of the woods, surrounded by endless green trees and the scent of wet earth, with Harper’s fluffy white form leading the way – it’s an experience that always leaves me feeling incredibly grounded and at peace. It’s a return to a more childlike wonder, a simpler way of being.
Starting the day immersed in nature instills a sense of calm and rejuvenation that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of summer. It’s about slowing down, enjoying the simple pleasures, and making lasting memories. And what better way to complement these serene moments than with food that’s both nourishing and bursting with seasonal flavor?
Why This Plant-Based Coleslaw is Your New Summer Favorite
But enough about my outdoor adventures – let’s talk about your culinary plans for the upcoming weekend! Are you planning to attend any cookouts, barbecues, or simply enjoy a quiet meal on the patio? If so, I have the perfect dish for you: this vibrant Vegan Pineapple Coleslaw with Cherries. It’s not just a side; it’s a celebration of summer flavors, designed to be a standout addition to any warm-weather spread.
Forget the traditional, heavy coleslaws you might be used to. This recipe offers a refreshing, plant-based twist that will impress even the most discerning palates. The combination of crisp vegetables with juicy pineapple and sweet dried cherries elevates a classic to something truly extraordinary. It’s a freakin’ party in a bowl, and it’s about to become your new go-to for all summer gatherings!
A Mayo-Free Revelation: The Secret to a Creamy, Dairy-Free Dressing
When I was a kid, mayonnaise and I had a complicated relationship. To be frank, I never liked the taste. I’d always argue that it completely altered the flavor profile of whatever it touched – and honestly, I still stand by that! This is why my sandwiches were always mayo-free, and I’d watch the Subway sandwich makers like a hawk, ready to intervene if their hand even twitched towards that dreaded white tube of condiment. “Don’t even think about grabbing that mayo, buddy!” was my silent mantra.
So, as you can probably imagine, making the switch to a plant-based diet didn’t leave me heartbroken over giving up mayonnaise. However, I couldn’t deny its efficiency in binding together “slaws” and “salads” to create that desired creamy texture. The challenge was finding a plant-based alternative that offered the same luxurious mouthfeel without any eggs, dairy, or oil, and without compromising on flavor.
This quest led me to a delicious discovery, and the solution to a truly creamy, yet healthy, coleslaw dressing. I am thrilled to share that this Vegan Pineapple Coleslaw achieves its incredible creaminess through a surprising, wholesome ingredient. Prepare to be amazed by how wonderfully a few simple plant-based components can transform your coleslaw experience.
Crafting the Perfect Plant-Based Dressing: Simple & Delicious
So, you might be asking: “How is it possible to create a creamy coleslaw without any added egg, mayo, or oil?” The answer lies in our fantastic secret ingredient: unsweetened almond milk yogurt! This plant-based hero forms the creamy base of our dressing, offering a delightful tang and smooth texture that perfectly coats every strand of cabbage and carrot.
But we don’t stop there. To enhance the flavor and create a truly dynamic dressing, I’ve blended the almond milk yogurt with a thoughtful combination of other ingredients. A touch of rich tahini adds a nutty depth and extra creaminess, while fresh lemon juice provides a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness. Rice vinegar contributes a subtle sweetness and acidity, balancing the flavors beautifully, and a hint of Tamari lite rounds out the dressing with a savory umami note. Together, these ingredients create a harmonious, vibrant dressing that is perfectly designed to elevate your coleslaw without any heaviness or unwanted flavors. It’s proof that plant-based can be incredibly flavorful and satisfying!
A Burst of Sweetness: Pineapple and Cherries Elevate Classic Coleslaw
Once you have this incredible dressing, it’s time to talk about the stars of the show that truly set this coleslaw apart: the fruits! I decided to infuse this recipe with some extra fruit to liven things up and introduce a delightful sweetness and texture contrast. You are going to absolutely adore this slaw, which features a colorful blend of two types of cabbage (green and purple for visual appeal and varied crunch), finely shredded carrots, and generous portions of fresh, juicy pineapple and plump dried cherries.
While this might not be your traditional mom’s coleslaw recipe, it actually draws inspiration from my own mother’s beloved version! Growing up, she used to make a coleslaw for our family that included juicy raisins and pineapple chunks. It was unbelievably good, and I remember eagerly digging my serving spoon into the bowl, aiming specifically for those clumps of sweet raisins and pineapple, just like trying to win a prize in a crane game at the arcade. (Though, to be honest, I never did win that stuffed bear, or any animal for that matter – did you?)
Inspired by those sweet childhood memories, I opted for fresh pineapple and added the wonderful Eden Foods dried cherries for their unique tart-sweetness. These particular dried cherries are fantastic because they are refined sugar-free and lightly sweetened with apple juice concentrate, allowing the true, vibrant flavor of the cherry to shine through. Fruit truly has an amazing way of balancing the creaminess of the dressing with bright, refreshing flavors and an intriguing texture that makes every bite exciting. It’s this thoughtful addition that transforms a simple side dish into something truly special and memorable.
More Than Just a Side: Versatile Ways to Enjoy This Slaw
This Vegan Pineapple Coleslaw with Cherries isn’t just a delicious and nutritious mix; it’s incredibly versatile! While it shines as a refreshing side dish at any summer gathering, don’t hesitate to elevate it to a main meal. Simply serve it alongside your favorite plant-based protein, such as grilled tofu, tempeh, or a hearty bean burger, for a complete and satisfying lunch or dinner. Its light yet fulfilling nature makes it perfect for quick warm-weather meals, or even as a healthy snack when you’re craving something crunchy and flavorful.
This slaw is a fantastic choice for those adhering to specific dietary needs, as it is naturally vegan, oil-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, grain-free, and refined sugar-free. This makes it an inclusive option for almost any guest at your next potluck or family barbecue. Its vibrant colors and refreshing taste are sure to be a hit, offering a healthy alternative that doesn’t compromise on deliciousness. The creamy texture, combined with the crispness of the vegetables and the sweet bursts of fruit, creates a compelling sensory experience that will leave everyone wanting more.
Tips for the Best Coleslaw Experience: Freshness and Storage
Like most coleslaw recipes, this mix truly benefits from a bit of chilling time. After preparing, I highly recommend refrigerating it for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and intensify, resulting in an even more delicious and cohesive dish. A well-chilled coleslaw is incredibly refreshing, especially on a hot summer day.
For the best texture and flavor, it’s ideal to enjoy this coleslaw within the first 1-2 days. This ensures that the cabbage and carrots retain their delightful crunch and don’t become wilted or soggy. Proper storage is key: always keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors. While it’s certainly enjoyable on day one, the flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delectable the next day. However, beyond two days, you might notice a slight decrease in crispness, though it will still be tasty!
Print

Vegan Pineapple Coleslaw with Cherries
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
No reviews
Author: Flora & Vino
Total Time: 20 mins
Yield: 2 servings
Diet: Vegan
Description
Creamy plant-based coleslaw without oil or dairy! Cabbage and carrot mixed with an almond milk yogurt dressing with pops of pineapple and dried cherry.
Ingredients
Vegan Coleslaw
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 1/2 cup finely shredded purple cabbage
- 1/2 cup finely shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1/4 cup Eden Foods dried cherries
Yogurt Dressing
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk yogurt
- 2 TBSP rice vinegar
- 1 TBSP lemon juice
- 1/2 TBSP tahini
- 2 tsp Tamari lite
Instructions
- Wash, chop, and slice the cabbage, carrots, and pineapple.
- Adding all ingredients for the yogurt tahini dressing to a bowl and whisk it with a fork until it’s smooth and creamy. Refrigerate the dressing until it’s ready for use.
- Add all of the slaw ingredients to a bowl then pour on dressing and toss everything to combine. Fold in the pineapple and cherries and toss again to evenly distribute them. Serve the slaw immediately or refrigerate it for ~30 mins to allow the flavors to meld.
- The slaw is best enjoyed fresh. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Side, Salad
- Method: Hand-mix
- Cuisine: Vegan, Oil-Free, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Refined Sugar-Free
This post is proudly brought to you by Eden Foods, a brand committed to organic and natural goodness. While this post is sponsored, rest assured that all the words, recipes, and delicious eats are entirely my own and reflect my genuine passion for wholesome, plant-based living. Thank you for supporting the incredible sponsors that help keep me hungry for creating more deliciousness!
Discover More Delicious Plant-Based Recipes for a Healthy Lifestyle
I genuinely hope you fall in love with this Vegan Pineapple Coleslaw with Cherries as much as I have! If you decide to make this delightful dish, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I’d absolutely love to hear how you enjoyed yours and see your beautiful creations. Your feedback is incredibly valuable as it helps me continue crafting more delicious and wholesome recipes for you to savor.
Be sure to leave a comment, rating, and review below – it truly makes a difference! And if you’re active on social media, give me a shout on Instagram and use #floraandvino to show off your culinary masterpieces. For even more inspiration, check out my Pinterest page, where you can pin this recipe and countless others to save for later.
Looking for other vibrant and healthy side dishes to complement your meals? You’ll love my Oil-Free Rosemary Three Bean Salad, a refreshing and protein-packed option perfect for any occasion. Or perhaps you’re craving something warm and comforting? My Tri-Spiced Yam Fries with Oil-Free Roasted Red Pepper Hummus offer a flavorful and guilt-free indulgence. For a uniquely colorful and nutritious treat, don’t miss my Oil-Free Purple Sweet Potato Fries with Beet Ketchup. Each of these recipes is designed to be as nourishing as it is delicious, fitting seamlessly into a healthy, plant-based lifestyle.
If you’ve enjoyed this post and want to stay updated with all my latest plant-based recipes and lifestyle tips, head over to my homepage and subscribe to my newsletter. You’ll get all the deliciousness delivered straight to your inbox, ensuring you never miss a new culinary adventure!
XO Lauren