This Pineapple Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, tropical dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the crunch of cucumber, enhanced by a tangy lime dressing. It’s quick to make and full of hydration and flavor, making it the perfect summer salad or snack. The contrast between sweet and savory, with a kick of heat from optional jalapeños, will leave you wanting more. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or tacos and is also easy to customize to your taste.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced

• 1 large English cucumber, diced (or 2 Persian cucumbers)

• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for spice)

• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for a salty contrast)

For the Dressing:

• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice

• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   • Dice the pineapple into bite-sized pieces.

   • Slice the cucumber into half-moons or small cubes.

   • Thinly slice the red onion and jalapeño (if using).

   • Chop the cilantro and crumble the feta cheese (if using).

2. Make the Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

3. Assemble the Salad:

   • In a large bowl, combine the pineapple, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.

   • Drizzle with the lime dressing and toss gently to coat.

   • Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese (if using).

4. Serve & Enjoy:

   • Serve immediately or let it chill in the fridge for 15–30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Garnish with extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime before serving.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 120 kcal

• Fat: 5g

  • Saturated Fat: 1g

• Carbohydrates: 16g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sugar: 12g

• Protein: 2g

• Sodium: 200mg

Why Pineapple Cucumber Salad is So Special

This salad is all about the balance of flavors and textures. The pineapple’s natural sweetness is beautifully complemented by the cool, crunchy cucumber, while the lime dressing adds a zesty kick. If you enjoy a bit of heat, the jalapeños offer a touch of spice that perfectly contrasts the sweetness of the fruit. For added depth and a savory contrast, optional crumbled feta cheese brings a salty note that rounds out the flavors.

The salad is versatile and customizable to your preferences. You can adjust the level of sweetness and spice to your liking, making it a truly personalized dish. It’s also light and hydrating, making it a great option for hot weather or when you’re looking for something fresh and light.

Key Ingredients and Their Role in the Recipe

• Fresh Pineapple: Pineapple brings a natural sweetness and juiciness that serves as the base of this salad. Its tropical flavor is the star, offering a refreshing contrast to the other ingredients.

• Cucumber: The cucumber adds a refreshing, crisp texture to the salad. It’s mild in flavor, which balances the sweetness of the pineapple and enhances the salad’s lightness.

• Red Onion: Red onion provides a slight bite and sharpness, adding depth to the salad while balancing the sweetness and freshness of the fruit and cucumber.

• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds an herbal, slightly citrusy note that brightens the flavors of the salad and enhances its overall freshness.

• Jalapeño (Optional): For those who enjoy a little heat, the jalapeño slices add a spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweet pineapple and cool cucumber.

• Feta Cheese (Optional): Crumbled feta cheese brings a salty, creamy element to the salad, balancing out the sweetness of the pineapple and adding richness to the dish.

• Lime Dressing: The lime juice adds acidity and freshness, while honey (or maple syrup) provides sweetness, making the dressing a perfect complement to the salad. Olive oil helps tie everything together with a silky texture, while red pepper flakes (if used) add an extra layer of heat.

How to Make the Perfect Pineapple Cucumber Salad

This salad is quick to prepare and only requires a few steps. Here’s how to make it:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   • Dice the pineapple into bite-sized pieces. You can use fresh or canned pineapple, but fresh pineapple will offer the best flavor.

   • Slice the cucumber into half-moons or small cubes, depending on your preference.

   • Thinly slice the red onion and jalapeño (if using). Remove the seeds from the jalapeño if you prefer less heat.

   • Chop the cilantro and crumble the feta cheese (if using).

2. Make the Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness or acidity as needed, depending on your preference.

3. Assemble the Salad:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced pineapple, cucumber, sliced red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño (if using).

   • Drizzle the lime dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients. Make sure the dressing is evenly distributed for a balanced flavor.

4. Serve & Enjoy:

   • Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese (if using) for a savory contrast.

   • Serve immediately, or chill the salad in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Garnish with extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime just before serving for a fresh touch.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pineapple Cucumber Salad

• Adjust the Sweetness: If the pineapple isn’t as sweet as you’d like, feel free to add a bit more honey or maple syrup to the dressing to balance the flavors.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh pineapple, cucumbers, and herbs. This will enhance the freshness and natural sweetness of the salad.

• Customize the Heat: The jalapeño is optional, but it adds a nice balance of heat to the salad. If you want a spicier kick, feel free to use more jalapeño or even try another type of chili pepper.

• Add More Protein: If you want to make the salad more substantial, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even beans for an extra protein boost.

• Let It Chill: While the salad can be served immediately, allowing it to chill for a bit helps the flavors meld and enhances the refreshing quality of the dish.

Serving Suggestions for Pineapple Cucumber Salad

This salad is versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some serving ideas:

• With Grilled Meats: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, pork, or steak. Its sweetness and crunch balance the richness of grilled meats.

• With Seafood: It’s also a great accompaniment to seafood dishes, like grilled shrimp or fish tacos. The fresh, citrusy flavors complement the delicate seafood perfectly.

• With Tacos: Serve this salad alongside tacos for a fresh contrast to the savory flavors. It works well with both meat and vegetarian tacos.

• On Its Own: Pineapple Cucumber Salad is refreshing enough to enjoy on its own as a light, healthy lunch or snack.

Nutritional Information for Pineapple Cucumber Salad

Each serving of Pineapple Cucumber Salad contains approximately 120 calories, with 5 grams of fat, including 1 gram of saturated fat. The salad has 16 grams of carbohydrates, including 2 grams of fiber and 12 grams of sugar. It also provides 2 grams of protein and 200 mg of sodium per serving. The inclusion of fresh vegetables and pineapple makes this salad hydrating, low-calorie, and nutrient-rich, while the feta (if used) adds a nice dose of protein and calcium.

Conclusion

Pineapple Cucumber Salad is a light, refreshing dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Whether served as a side, a snack, or a topping for tacos or grilled meats, this salad is versatile, customizable, and easy to make. The combination of pineapple, cucumber, and a zesty lime dressing makes this salad the perfect addition to your summer meals. It’s quick to prepare, full of flavor, and a healthy choice that everyone will enjoy!