Pineapple Cucumber Salad

Pineapple Cucumber Salad is a bright and refreshing dish that combines the sweet taste of pineapple with the cool crunch of cucumber. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a light side dish, this salad is easy to make and full of flavor. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a colorful plate that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Why Make This Recipe

This salad is a great choice for several reasons. First, it is a fantastic way to use fresh and juicy ingredients during the warmer months. Second, the combination of pineapple and cucumber provides a balance of sweetness and crunch that many people enjoy. Third, it’s a healthy option that is low in calories while being rich in vitamins and hydration. Plus, it can be prepared in just a few minutes!

How to Make Pineapple Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
• 1 large cucumber, diced
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or mint, chopped
• 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Dice the pineapple and cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion and chop the cilantro or mint. If using jalapeño, remove seeds and finely dice it.
2. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, salt, and black pepper.
3. Combine: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pineapple, cucumber, red onion, cilantro (or mint), and jalapeño. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
4. Chill & Serve: Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve Pineapple Cucumber Salad

Pineapple Cucumber Salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. It makes a wonderful side dish for grilled meats or as a fresh and zesty addition to any meal. You can also serve it in a colorful bowl to showcase the vibrant ingredients.

How to Store Pineapple Cucumber Salad

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It is best consumed within 1-2 days. The ingredients may release juices, so be prepared to drain some liquid before serving if it sits for a while.

Tips to Make Pineapple Cucumber Salad

• Use ripe pineapple for the best flavor.
• Adjust the lime juice, honey, and seasoning to taste based on your preference.
• To enhance the flavor, you can let the salad marinate longer before serving if you have the time.

Variation

You can add other ingredients like diced bell peppers, avocado, or even a handful of arugula for an extra twist. Feel free to experiment with different herbs too, such as basil or parsley.

FAQs

1. 
   

   Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
   Yes, you can use canned pineapple, but fresh pineapple will give a better texture and flavor.

   
   
2. 
   

   Is this salad spicy?
   The salad is not spicy unless you add the jalapeño. You can omit it for a milder flavor.

   
   
3. 
   

   Can I make this salad ahead of time?
   While it’s best fresh, you can prepare it a few hours ahead. Just wait to add the dressing until you are ready to serve to keep it crispy.

   
   

Pineapple Cucumber Salad

A bright and refreshing salad combining sweet pineapple and crunchy cucumber, perfect for summer gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Healthy

Servings 4 servings

Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients

  

Salad Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced Use ripe pineapple for the best flavor.
• 1 large cucumber, diced
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro or mint, chopped Use cilantro or mint based on preference.
• 1 small jalapeño, finely diced Optional, remove seeds for less spice.

Dressing Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup Adjust sweetness to taste.
• 1 medium lime, juiced Juice of 1 lime.
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Dice the pineapple and cucumber into bite-sized pieces.
• Thinly slice the red onion and chop the cilantro or mint.
• If using jalapeño, remove seeds and finely dice it.

Mixing the Dressing

• In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, salt, and black pepper.

Combine Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the pineapple, cucumber, red onion, cilantro (or mint), and jalapeño.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.

Chill & Serve

• Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Best consumed within 1-2 days. Can add diced bell peppers, avocado, or a handful of arugula for an extra twist.

Keyword Cucumber Salad, Healthy Recipe, Pineapple Salad, Refreshing Salad, Summer Salad