Light, juicy, and bursting with tropical flavor—this vibrant salad is the perfect side for summer meals, BBQs, or a healthy snack! 😍☀️ Crisp cucumbers, juicy pineapple, zesty lime, and a hint of heat make every bite pop with freshness.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 large cucumber, diced (peeled if preferred)
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro or mint, chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional for heat)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the produce: Dice the pineapple and cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and finely chop your herbs and jalapeño.
- Mix it up: Add the pineapple, cucumber, red onion, herbs, and jalapeño to a large bowl.
- Whisk the dressing: In a small bowl, mix the lime juice, honey (or maple), salt, and pepper.
- Toss to coat: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until well combined.
- Chill & serve: For best flavor, chill for 10–15 minutes. Serve cold or at room temp. Garnish with extra herbs if you like!
Variations
- Mint instead of cilantro – Swap out cilantro for fresh mint to give this salad a cooling, mojito-like twist. It’s especially great if you’re serving it on a hot day or pairing it with spicy dishes.
- Add creamy avocado – Toss in some diced ripe avocado just before serving for a creamy contrast to the crisp cucumber and juicy pineapple. It makes the salad a little more filling and adds healthy fats, too.
- Spice it up with chili flakes – If you want a bigger flavor kick than jalapeño alone, sprinkle in some red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. It brings an extra layer of heat and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Cooking Notes
- Dice everything evenly – Try to cut your pineapple and cucumber into similar-sized cubes. This helps the salad feel balanced and ensures every bite gets a bit of everything.
- Let it chill for max flavor – Giving the salad 10–15 minutes to rest in the fridge helps the flavors come together. The lime and honey soak into the fruit and veggies, making each bite more delicious.
- Use fresh, ripe pineapple – Fresh pineapple makes a huge difference in taste and texture. Look for one that smells sweet and has a bit of give when pressed gently.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with grilled meats or seafood – This salad is a bright, fresh counterpoint to smoky BBQ flavors. It’s especially amazing alongside grilled shrimp, chicken skewers, or fish tacos.
- Serve as a taco topper – Spoon it over tacos for a juicy, crunchy burst of freshness. It pairs perfectly with pulled pork, fish, or black beans.
- Enjoy as a light snack or appetizer – Serve it in small bowls or even lettuce cups as a refreshing starter on hot days. It’s hydrating and energizing—perfect poolside food!
Tips
- Taste and adjust the seasoning – Depending on how sweet or tart your pineapple is, you may want to add a bit more lime juice or honey. Always taste before serving and tweak it to your liking.
- Go easy on the onion – Red onion can be strong, so if you’re sensitive to its bite, soak the slices in cold water for 5–10 minutes before adding them. This mellows the flavor.
- Double the batch for parties – This salad disappears fast, so if you’re serving a crowd, go ahead and double (or triple!) the recipe. It scales easily and adds a colorful pop to any spread.
Prep Time & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required!)
- Total Time: 10–15 minutes (including optional chilling)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 70
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- (Also includes ~17g carbs, 2g fiber, 11g sugar, <1g fat)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can! It’s best eaten fresh, but you can prep it a few hours in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and give it a quick stir before serving. Add avocado last-minute if using. - What if I don’t like cilantro?
No problem—swap in mint or even Thai basil for a different but equally delicious herb flavor. You can also leave the herbs out altogether if you prefer it super simple. - Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Fresh pineapple is definitely the best for this recipe, but canned can work in a pinch. Just make sure to drain it well and go for pineapple packed in juice, not syrup. - Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Just skip the jalapeño for a no-spice version that kids will love. It’s sweet, crunchy, and fun to eat—perfect for little ones on hot days.
Conclusion
This Pineapple Cucumber Salad is everything you want in a summer side: juicy, crisp, refreshing, and full of flavor! Whether you’re tossing it together for a BBQ, using it to top tacos, or just enjoying a bowl as a healthy snack, it’s a quick, vibrant dish that always hits the spot.
Make it your own with a few simple tweaks, and let the tropical vibes shine!
Pineapple Cucumber Salad, Sweet, Tangy & Super Refreshing!
- Total Time: 10–15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Light, juicy, and bursting with tropical flavor—this vibrant salad is the perfect side for summer meals, BBQs, or a healthy snack! Crisp cucumbers, juicy pineapple, zesty lime, and a hint of heat make every bite pop with freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 large cucumber, diced (peeled if preferred)
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro or mint, chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional for heat)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the produce: Dice the pineapple and cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and finely chop your herbs and jalapeño.
- Mix it up: Add the pineapple, cucumber, red onion, herbs, and jalapeño to a large bowl.
- Whisk the dressing: In a small bowl, mix the lime juice, honey (or maple), salt, and pepper.
- Toss to coat: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until well combined.
- Chill & serve: For best flavor, chill for 10–15 minutes. Serve cold or at room temp. Garnish with extra herbs if you like!
Notes
- Swap in mint for cilantro if you prefer a more cooling, mojito-style vibe.
- Add avocado or feta for a creamy twist.
- Want it spicier? Keep the jalapeño seeds in or add chili flakes. 🌶️🔥
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish, Snack
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Tropical, Fusion, Summer
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~1 cup
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pineapple cucumber salad, summer salad, tropical salad, vegan, healthy snack, BBQ side
