Refreshing, vibrant, and bursting with tropical flavor, this Pineapple Cucumber Salad is the perfect side dish for warm weather meals. Sweet pineapple, crisp cucumber, and zesty lime dressing come together in a light, hydrating salad that’s both cooling and delicious. Great for BBQs, picnics, or a healthy snack, it’s a must-try fusion of sweet and savory.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tropical & Refreshing – The perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy.
Healthy & Light – Naturally low in calories and packed with hydration.
Quick & Easy – Ready in 10 minutes with minimal prep.
Versatile – Great on its own or as a topping for grilled dishes.
Vibrant & Colorful – A beautiful addition to any plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad:
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced or diced
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh mint or cilantro, chopped
- 1 small red chili or jalapeño, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
- Optional: ½ red bell pepper, finely diced for extra crunch
For the Lime Dressing:
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Tools You’ll Need
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Citrus juicer (optional)
- Whisk or fork for mixing dressing
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Dice the pineapple into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice or dice the cucumber (peeled or unpeeled, your choice).
- Thinly slice red onion and chili (if using).
- Chop herbs and any additional vegetables.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
5. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
6. In a large bowl, combine pineapple, cucumber, red onion, herbs, and chili.
7. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Step 4: Chill & Serve
8. Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes in the fridge to let the flavors meld.
9. Serve chilled, garnished with extra herbs or lime wedges if desired.
Tips for the Best Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Use Ripe Pineapple – Sweet, juicy pineapple balances the salad beautifully.
Chill Before Serving – Enhances the refreshing qualities.
Add Heat Sparingly – Just a touch of chili brings balance without overpowering.
Go Fresh – Fresh lime juice and herbs make a big difference in flavor.
Customize Freely – Add avocado, cherry tomatoes, or a handful of arugula for variety.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled Chicken or Fish – A refreshing side to balance smoky mains.
Taco Topping – Adds juicy sweetness and crunch to tacos.
BBQ Side – Lightens up heavier dishes.
Poolside Snack – Hydrating and satisfying on hot days.
How to Store & Reuse
Storing:
Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Best eaten fresh for optimal texture.
Reusing:
As a Salsa – Spoon over grilled meats, seafood, or veggie burgers.
With Rice – Mix into cold rice bowls or grain salads.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes, but drain it well and look for pineapple in juice, not syrup. - Is this salad spicy?
Only if you add the chili—adjust to your heat preference. - Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Prep everything and mix just before serving to keep it crisp. - What type of cucumber works best?
English or Persian cucumbers have fewer seeds and thin skin—ideal for salads.
Final Thoughts
Pineapple Cucumber Salad is your go-to dish for vibrant flavor and cooling refreshment. Sweet, crisp, and citrusy, it complements everything from BBQ to tacos and makes a tasty snack on its own. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a tropical escape in every bite.
Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how yours turns out.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: Tropical Fusion
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 90 | Protein: 1g | Carbohydrates: 14g | Fat: 3g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 100mg
Pineapple Cucumber Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Description
Refreshing, vibrant, and bursting with tropical flavor, this Pineapple Cucumber Salad is the perfect side dish for warm weather meals. Sweet pineapple, crisp cucumber, and zesty lime dressing come together in a light, hydrating salad that’s both cooling and delicious. Great for BBQs, picnics, or a healthy snack, it’s a must-try fusion of sweet and savory.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
-
2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
-
1 large cucumber, thinly sliced or diced
-
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
-
2 tbsp fresh mint or cilantro, chopped
-
1 small red chili or jalapeño, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
-
Optional: ½ red bell pepper, finely diced for extra crunch
For the Lime Dressing:
-
Juice of 1 lime
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
-
¼ tsp salt
-
¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
-
Dice the pineapple into bite-sized pieces.
-
Slice or dice the cucumber (peeled or unpeeled, your choice).
-
Thinly slice red onion and chili (if using).
-
Chop herbs and any additional vegetables.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
5. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
6. In a large bowl, combine pineapple, cucumber, red onion, herbs, and chili.
7. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Step 4: Chill & Serve
8. Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes in the fridge to let the flavors meld.
9. Serve chilled, garnished with extra herbs or lime wedges if desired.
Notes
Use Ripe Pineapple – Sweet, juicy pineapple balances the salad beautifully.
Chill Before Serving – Enhances the refreshing qualities.
Add Heat Sparingly – Just a touch of chili brings balance without overpowering.
Go Fresh – Fresh lime juice and herbs make a big difference in flavor.
Customize Freely – Add avocado, cherry tomatoes, or a handful of arugula for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cuisine: Tropical Fusion
