Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing & Hydrating – The combination of pineapple and cucumber makes this salad incredibly cooling and hydrating.
- Quick & Easy – Takes just minutes to prepare, making it a great last-minute dish.
- Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and natural sweetness.
- Versatile – Perfect as a side dish, light snack, or even a topping for grilled meats.
- Customizable – Easily adjust the ingredients to your taste with different herbs and seasonings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks (peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 large cucumber, diced (peel if desired)
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or mint
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1-2 tbsp honey (optional, adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the pineapple chunks, diced cucumber, red bell pepper (if using), and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or mint.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled and enjoy this vibrant, refreshing salad!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped jalapeño or a dash of chili flakes for some heat.
- Tropical Twist: Mix in mango or papaya for extra sweetness.
- Creamy Version: Add diced avocado or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy texture.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts for added crunch.
- Savory Option: Crumble feta cheese on top for a salty contrast.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating. If the salad releases too much liquid, simply drain it before serving.
FAQs
How do I prevent the salad from getting watery?
Cucumbers release water over time. To reduce this, you can lightly salt the cucumbers and let them sit for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh pineapple provides the best flavor. If using canned, drain it well to avoid excess liquid.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best texture, it’s recommended to prepare it no more than a few hours in advance.
What can I serve with this salad?
It pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, shrimp, or as a side for tacos.
Can I add other fruits?
Absolutely! Mango, papaya, or even strawberries can be delicious additions.
How do I adjust the sweetness?
If your pineapple is very sweet, you may not need honey. Taste and adjust as needed.
What herbs work best in this salad?
Cilantro and mint are great choices, but you can also try basil for a different flavor profile.
Can I use lemon juice instead of lime?
Yes, lemon juice will work, but lime gives a more tropical and zesty flavor.
Is this salad keto-friendly?
Without the honey, this salad can be keto-friendly, depending on your carb intake.
Conclusion
This Pineapple Cucumber Salad is a must-try for anyone who loves fresh, vibrant flavors. It’s quick to make, incredibly refreshing, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a light side dish, a healthy snack, or a complement to grilled meats, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy its tropical goodness today!
Pineapple Cucumber Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Tropical, Healthy
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pineapple Cucumber Salad is a light and refreshing dish featuring juicy pineapple, crisp cucumber, and a zesty lime dressing. Perfect for summer, barbecues, or a quick healthy snack, this tropical salad is naturally hydrating, packed with vitamins, and incredibly easy to make. Whether served as a side dish, topping, or on its own, it’s a must-try for fresh, vibrant flavors!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks (peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 large cucumber, diced (peel if desired)
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or mint
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1–2 tbsp honey (optional, adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine pineapple chunks, diced cucumber, red bell pepper (if using), and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or mint.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled and enjoy this vibrant, refreshing salad!
Notes
- For a spicy twist, add finely chopped jalapeño or a dash of chili flakes.
- To enhance sweetness, mix in mango or papaya.
- For a creamy version, add diced avocado or Greek yogurt.
- To add crunch, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or nuts.
- For a savory contrast, crumble feta cheese on top
