Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pineapple Cucumber Salad is a refreshing dish that delivers vibrant flavor with minimal effort. It is light, hydrating, and perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, making it ideal for warm days, quick lunches, or as a bright side dish for grilled meals. What makes this salad special is its simplicity. Crisp cucumbers pair beautifully with juicy pineapple, creating a contrast in texture that feels clean and invigorating. I first prepared this salad as a last-minute addition to a summer meal, and it quickly became a regular favorite. The natural sweetness of the pineapple removes the need for heavy dressings, while a touch of acidity keeps everything fresh and lively. This salad is also incredibly versatile and can be adjusted to suit different cuisines and spice levels. Whether served on its own or alongside a main dish, it offers a refreshing break from heavier foods and leaves you feeling satisfied rather than weighed down.
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Pineapple Cucumber Salad – A Fresh, Juicy & Refreshing Delight
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing Pineapple Cucumber Salad that combines sweet, juicy pineapple with crisp cucumber and a light tangy dressing, perfect as a summer side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the diced pineapple, sliced cucumber, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Add chopped cilantro and chili flakes if using, then toss again lightly.
- Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm pineapple for the best texture.
- For extra crunch, add toasted peanuts or cashews.
- This salad is best served fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Fresh pineapple
Fresh pineapple provides natural sweetness and juiciness that defines this salad. Its bright flavor brings balance and a tropical note.
Cucumber
Cucumber adds crispness and a cooling effect. English or Persian cucumbers work especially well due to their thin skins and minimal seeds.
Red onion
Red onion introduces a mild sharpness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the fruit.
Fresh mint
Mint adds freshness and a subtle herbal aroma that enhances the overall lightness of the salad.
Lime juice
Lime juice provides acidity and brightness, tying all the ingredients together without overpowering them.
Olive oil
Olive oil adds smoothness and helps carry the flavors evenly throughout the salad.
Salt
Salt enhances both the sweet and savory components, bringing balance to the dish.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds gentle warmth and depth without distracting from the fresh flavors.
Directions
Begin by preparing the pineapple. Remove the skin and core, then cut the flesh into bite-sized chunks. Place the pineapple in a large mixing bowl. Next, slice the cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on preference, and add them to the bowl.
Thinly slice the red onion and scatter it over the fruit mixture. Finely chop the fresh mint and sprinkle it evenly across the salad. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For best results, allow the salad to rest for 10 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld. Serve chilled for maximum freshness.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes.
No cooking time is required.
Total time needed is about 15 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not require reheating. Stir gently before serving again.
Variations and Customizations
This Pineapple Cucumber Salad is highly adaptable and easy to personalize. For a spicy twist, add thinly sliced chili or a pinch of red pepper flakes. I tested it once with a small amount of finely chopped jalapeño, and it added a pleasant kick without overpowering the freshness.
You can also introduce additional fruits such as mango or watermelon for extra sweetness and color. For a savory variation, crumble a small amount of feta cheese over the top just before serving. Lime juice can be replaced with lemon juice for a slightly softer acidity.
Herbs can be adjusted as well. Basil or cilantro offer different aromatic profiles that pair well with pineapple. If you prefer a slightly richer dressing, add a drizzle of honey or a splash of rice vinegar. These small changes allow the salad to complement a wide variety of meals while maintaining its refreshing character.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Protein (g) | 1 |
| Carbs (g) | 18 |
| Fat (g) | 3 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 0.4 |
| Fiber (g) | 2 |
| Sugar (g) | 14 |
| Sodium (mg) | 120 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use ripe pineapple
Ripe pineapple ensures natural sweetness and juiciness.
Slice cucumber evenly
Uniform slices improve texture and presentation.
Chill before serving
Serving cold enhances the refreshing qualities.
Add herbs last
Fresh herbs retain better flavor when added just before serving.
Balance flavors
Taste and adjust salt and citrus to suit preference.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored chilled.
Is canned pineapple suitable?
Fresh pineapple is recommended, but canned can be used if well drained.
Can I omit the onion?
Yes, the salad still works well without onion.
What cucumber works best?
English or Persian cucumbers are ideal.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes, add chili flakes or fresh chili.
Is this salad vegan?
Yes, it is completely plant-based.
Can I add protein?
Grilled shrimp or chicken pairs well if needed.
How do I prevent excess liquid?
Serve shortly after mixing and drain excess juice if necessary.
Can I use lemon instead of lime?
Yes, lemon juice works well as a substitute.
Is this suitable for meal prep?
It is best enjoyed fresh but can last up to two days refrigerated.
Conclusion
Pineapple Cucumber Salad is a simple yet vibrant recipe that delivers freshness in every bite. Its balance of sweetness, acidity, and crunch makes it a versatile addition to many meals. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it is a reliable choice whenever you need something light, refreshing, and full of flavor.
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