Pineapple Cucumber Salad

Introduction

Light, juicy, and bursting with tropical flavor—this vibrant salad is the perfect side for summer meals, BBQs, or a healthy snack! Quick to throw together and full of zingy freshness, it’s sunshine in a bowl.

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)
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine pineapple, cucumber, red onion, and herbs.
2. Add jalapeño if using, for a little spicy kick.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey (or maple), salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Chill for 15–30 minutes for best flavor—or serve immediately!

Variation

• Mint or Cilantro – Choose Your Vibe: Cilantro gives a fresh, citrusy pop that pairs perfectly with pineapple, while mint brings a cool, crisp note that makes the salad even more refreshing. Feel free to mix both for a flavor party!
• Spicy or Mild – Your Call: Add more jalapeño (or leave the seeds in) if you’re into heat. Prefer it mellow? Skip the jalapeño altogether or swap it for a bit of red bell pepper for color and crunch without the fire.
• Fruit Switch-Up: Not a pineapple fan or just want to change it up? Try mango, watermelon, or even papaya! Each one brings a different kind of sweetness and tropical flair.
• Vegan Swap: Sub honey with maple syrup or agave to keep it fully plant-based without losing any of the sweet, tangy balance.
• Crunch Boost: Toss in some toasted pepitas, sunflower seeds, or chopped roasted peanuts for extra texture and nuttiness.

Cooking Notes

• Chilling Time Matters: While it’s totally fine to serve this right away, letting it chill for 15–30 minutes helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Juiciness Factor: Pineapple and cucumber both release a lot of liquid—especially after sitting. If prepping ahead, drain off a little excess liquid just before serving to keep it crisp and vibrant.
• Knife Skills = Pretty Salad: Uniform dicing makes for a prettier presentation and more even bites. Keep everything roughly the same size for the best texture.
• Onion Power: If you find raw red onion too strong, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes before adding. It tones down the bite but keeps the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

1. BBQ & Grill Sidekick: This salad pairs like a dream with grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish. The sweet and tangy combo balances smoky, savory mains beautifully.
2. Taco Topper Extraordinaire: Spoon it over tacos—especially ones with pork, fish, or black beans—for a burst of juicy freshness. It’s like salsa, but more filling and chunky.
3. Meal Prep Magic: Pack it into lunch containers with some rice or quinoa and a protein for a light, tropical-inspired bowl that’s ready to grab and go.
4. Party-Ready Appetizer: Serve it in mini cups or lettuce cups for an easy, hand-held appetizer at picnics or potlucks. Cute, colorful, and super tasty!

Tips

1. Use Ripe Pineapple: The sweeter the pineapple, the better the flavor! Look for fruit that’s golden and slightly soft when pressed.
2. Don’t Overdress: Start with about ¾ of the dressing, toss, then add more if needed. You want it coated, not soggy.
3. Chop Right Before Serving (If Possible): Cucumbers can go limp and watery after sitting too long. If you’re prepping in advance, keep ingredients separate and mix just before serving.
4. Taste & Adjust: Always taste before serving. Want more zing? Add a squeeze of extra lime. Need balance? A pinch more salt or honey can do wonders.
5. Fresh Herbs Only: Dried herbs won’t give you that vibrant pop—stick with fresh for the best flavor and color.

Prep Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes (plus optional 15–30 min chill time for max flavor)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – approx. 1 cup)

• Calories: ~80
• Protein: ~1g
• Sodium: ~200mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
   Yes! It holds up well for a few hours in the fridge. Just note that it may release a bit of liquid over time—so give it a quick toss and drain any excess before serving for the freshest texture.
2. How long does it last in the fridge?
   This salad is best enjoyed fresh or within 24 hours. If storing, keep it covered in the fridge. It will still taste great the next day, but the texture may soften slightly due to the juicy ingredients.
3. What can I substitute for pineapple?
   Mango, watermelon, or papaya are all great swaps. They each bring a different sweetness and work well with the lime and herbs in the dressing.
4. Is this salad spicy?
   It’s totally up to you! The jalapeño adds just a mild kick, especially if you remove the seeds. Want no heat at all? Just leave it out or use a milder pepper like bell pepper.

Conclusion

This Pineapple Cucumber Salad is the definition of fresh, easy, and totally craveable. With juicy fruit, crisp cucumber, and a zesty lime-honey dressing, it’s the perfect way to add a tropical twist to your table—whether you’re grilling, meal prepping, or just feeling the sunshine vibes. 🌞🍴 Try it once, and it just might become your new favorite go-to salad!

Pineapple Cucumber Salad

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• Author: Avery
• Total Time: 10 minutes (plus optional chilling)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Light, juicy, and bursting with tropical flavor—this vibrant salad is the perfect side for summer meals, BBQs, or a healthy snack! Quick to throw together and full of zingy freshness, it’s sunshine in a bowl.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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)
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine pineapple, cucumber, red onion, and herbs.
2. Add jalapeño if using, for a little spicy kick.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey (or maple), salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Chill for 15–30 minutes for best flavor—or serve immediately!

Notes

1. Mint gives it a cooling twist, while cilantro brings herby brightness—use your fave!
2. Want more heat? Leave in some jalapeño seeds.
3. Delicious alongside grilled meats, tacos, or as a solo star in your lunch bowl.
4. Make it ahead and keep in the fridge for up to a day—just drain any extra liquid before serving!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad, Side Dish
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Tropical, Fusion, Fresh

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: ~80
• Sugar: ~11g
• Sodium: ~200mg
• Fat: 0.5g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: ~18g
• Fiber: ~2g
• Protein: ~1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: pineapple cucumber salad, summer salad, tropical salad, vegan salad, refreshing side dish