This pineapple cucumber salad is a cool and tasty treat! It’s filled with sweet pineapple, crisp cucumber, and a zingy dressing that gets your taste buds dancing.
Honestly, this salad is like a vacation in a bowl. I love serving it on hot days—it’s so refreshing! Just toss everything together, and you’ve got a delicious side dish in no time!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives sweetness and juiciness. If you don’t have fresh, you can use canned pineapple chunks, but make sure they are in juice, not syrup, to keep it healthy.
Cucumber: I prefer English cucumbers for their thin skin and sweet flavor, but you can use any variety. If they’re too watery for your recipe, try using a seedless cucumber.
Red Onion: This adds a touch of zing! If red onion is too strong for you, consider using green onions for a milder taste.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a nice herbaceous note. If you’re not a fan, try parsley or mint as substitutes—it’ll taste different but still delicious!
Jalapeño: I love the heat, but if you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to skip it or use a pinch of red pepper flakes instead for a milder kick.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is the best for zing! If you’re out, lemon juice works nicely in a pinch, although it will slightly change the flavor.
How Can I Make Sure My Salad Stays Crisp?
Keeping the salad crisp hinges on properly preparing your ingredients. Start with fresh, firm cucumbers and pineapple. Also, don’t forget to chill the salad after mixing!
- Dice cucumber just before serving to avoid excess moisture.
- Mix your dressing separately to keep ingredients from getting soggy until ready to serve.
- Chill your salad for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to blend without getting too soft.
Refreshing Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional for a mild kick)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and just a little time to chill in the refrigerator. You’ll need an extra 20 minutes to let it marinate and get nice and flavorful before serving. In total, you can have this delicious salad ready in about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Base Ingredients:
In a large bowl, start by combining the diced pineapple, cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. This gives your salad a beautiful mix of colors and a sweet-tart flavor!
2. Add Fresh Herbs and Heat:
Next, add the chopped cilantro and jalapeño (if you like a little spice). The cilantro will bring some fresh herbal notes while the jalapeño adds a pleasant kick!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, honey (or agave syrup), salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined. This dressing is what ties all the flavors together.
4. Dress Your Salad:
Pour the dressing over your pineapple and cucumber mixture. Give everything a gentle toss to make sure the dressing coats all the ingredients nicely.
5. Chill for Best Flavor:
Cover the salad with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. This will let all the flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, serve the salad cold as a refreshing side dish or a light snack. Enjoy the tasty flavors and the compliments that come your way!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple! Just make sure to choose pineapple packed in juice rather than syrup to keep it light and fresh. Drain and rinse it to reduce the sweetness if desired.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just be sure to add the dressing right before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer less heat, omit the jalapeño altogether or remove the seeds and membranes, which contain most of the heat. You can also substitute it with bell pepper for added crunch without the spice.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just remember that the cucumbers may release water, so give it a quick stir before serving again!
