This Pineapple Cucumber Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines the sweetness of fresh pineapple with the cool crispness of cucumber. Tossed with a tangy lime dressing and fresh herbs, this salad is light, hydrating, and bursting with flavor. Perfect as a side dish for summer barbecues, a healthy snack, or even a palate-cleansing addition to heavy meals, it’s a simple yet impressive recipe that’s ready in minutes. Let’s whip up this tropical-meets-refreshing salad and enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light & Hydrating: Packed with water-rich ingredients like cucumber and pineapple—perfect for hot days.
- Sweet & Tangy: The perfect balance of sweetness from pineapple and acidity from lime juice.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes with minimal prep.
- Versatile: Great as a side dish, appetizer, or even a salsa for grilled proteins.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad:
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks (about 1 small pineapple, or use pre-cut for convenience)
- 2 medium cucumbers, diced (peeled if desired)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint or cilantro leaves, chopped (optional, but adds brightness)
- Optional: 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (for a hint of heat)
For the Dressing:
- Juice of 2 limes (about 3–4 tbsp)
- 1 tbsp honey or agave syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (optional, for richness)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Ingredients
- Cut the pineapple into bite-sized chunks and dice the cucumbers into uniform pieces for even texture.
- Thinly slice the red onion and chop the fresh mint or cilantro. If using jalapeño, seed and finely chop it to control the heat level.
2. Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey (if using), and olive oil (if using).
- Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust sweetness or acidity based on your preference.
3. Assemble the Salad
