Sweet & Tropical Pineapple Cucumber Salad 🥭🥒🍍
1. Introduction
Looking for a 10-minute summer side dish that is both refreshing and bursting with tropical flavors? This pineapple cucumber salad is the perfect sweet and tangy salad to elevate any meal or serve at your next backyard barbecue. Combining juicy pineapple chunks with crisp cucumbers, this salad is not only quick to make but also a healthy and vibrant addition to your menu.
2. Ingredients for Pineapple Cucumber Salad
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced or chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red chili flakes for a spicy kick
3. How to Make a Refreshing Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Prepare the ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Peel and dice the pineapple, thinly slice the cucumber, and prepare the red onion and cilantro. Keeping everything ready makes the assembly faster and easier.
Mix the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. For an extra flavor boost, add a pinch of red chili flakes if you enjoy some heat.
Combine everything
In a large mixing bowl, add pineapple chunks, cucumber slices, red onion, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately or chill for up to 30 minutes for a more intense flavor.
4. Storage Tips for Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the pineapple may release some juice, so it’s best to consume the salad fresh for optimal texture and flavor. For longer storage, consider adding the dressing just before serving to prevent sogginess.
5. Serving Suggestions for Your Tropical Salad
This sweet and tangy salad pairs beautifully with grilled proteins like juicy chicken or crispy fried chicken. It also works wonderfully as a light side dish alongside pasta or rice bowls. For a complete meal, add some toasted nuts or crumbled feta cheese on top for extra texture and flavor.
6. FAQs about Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, canned pineapple works well if you drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture. Fresh pineapple offers a brighter flavor, but canned is a great quick option.
What are some healthy substitutions for honey?
You can replace honey with agave syrup, maple syrup, or a dash of coconut sugar to suit your dietary needs or preferences.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, making it an ideal summer side dish for quick meal prep.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the fruit and cucumbers fresh and crisp.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Make slicing and chopping cucumbers quick and easy, enhancing your prep time and ensuring uniform pieces.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker – Perfect for chilling drinks to serve alongside your salad, elevating your summer gatherings.
- KitchenAid Classic Iconic Stand Mixer – Useful for mixing dressings or preparing larger quantities for a summer party.
8. Related Recipes for Further Inspiration
If you love this pineapple cucumber salad, be sure to check out other refreshing summer recipes like Zesty Citrus Shrimp Salad or Peaches and Cream Fluff Salad for more delicious ideas.
9. Conclusion
This sweet and tangy salad is the ultimate 10-minute summer side dish that combines vibrant flavors with health benefits. Its simplicity makes it perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekend gatherings. Enjoy the tropical freshness and make this pineapple cucumber salad your go-to refreshing side dish all season long!
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Sweet & Tropical Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Enjoy the vibrant and refreshing taste of the Sweet & Tropical Pineapple Cucumber Salad, a perfect 10-minute summer side dish bursting with tropical flavors. Made with juicy pineapple chunks, crisp cucumbers, red onion, and fresh cilantro, this salad is ideal for outdoor barbecues, picnics, or quick weeknight dinners. Its sweet and tangy profile, complemented by a zesty lime-honey dressing, makes it a healthy and colorful addition to any meal.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced or chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red chili flakes for a spicy kick
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by peeling and dicing the pineapple, slicing the cucumber, and chopping the red onion and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Add red chili flakes if desired for extra spice.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pineapple chunks, cucumber slices, red onion, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes for more intense flavors. Enjoy as a fresh side dish or light snack.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, add the dressing just before serving to prevent sogginess.
- If using canned pineapple, drain thoroughly to prevent excess moisture. Fresh pineapple enhances flavor but canned is a quick alternative.
- You can substitute honey with agave syrup, maple syrup, or coconut sugar based on dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: Tropical
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 80 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg