Tangy Tropical Pineapple Cucumber Salad Recipe

When summer heat waves roll in, a refreshing pineapple cucumber salad becomes the ultimate cool-down companion.

Crisp cucumbers and sweet tropical pineapple create a vibrant dance of flavors in this simple dish.

The bright ingredients complement each other with zesty, fresh notes that awaken every taste bud.

Chunks of juicy pineapple mingle with thinly sliced cucumber, creating a light and invigorating salad.

A hint of mint or a sprinkle of chili flakes can take this recipe from good to extraordinary.

This salad offers a perfect balance of sweetness and coolness that feels like an instant tropical escape.

Dive into this refreshing creation and let your palate enjoy a burst of summer sunshine.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 50 kcal

Servings: 5

Pineapple Cucumber Salad Ingredient Guide

• Pineapple: Brings sweet tropical brightness and juicy texture to the salad, selecting ripe fruits with golden color and slight give when pressed.
• Cucumber: Adds crisp, cool crunch and refreshing element, choosing firm and bright green cucumbers without soft spots.
• Cilantro: Provides vibrant herbal notes and aromatic freshness, picking bright green leaves with no wilting or discoloration.

• Lime: Delivers zesty citrus punch and helps balance sweetness, using fresh limes with smooth, glossy skin for maximum juice extraction.
• Salt: Highlights and intensifies overall flavor profile, using fine sea salt for smooth distribution.
• Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and mild spiciness, freshly ground black pepper offers most robust taste.

• No additional ingredients needed, focusing on simple, clean presentation of fresh ingredients.

Kitchen Essentials for Pineapple Cucumber Salad

• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for chopping pineapple, cucumber, and cilantro.
• Sharp knife: Essential for precise and clean cuts of fresh ingredients.
• Large mixing bowl: Spacious container to combine and toss salad ingredients.
• Citrus zester or grater: Perfect for extracting lime zest without bitter white pith.
• Measuring spoons: Helps season the salad with precise salt and pepper amounts.
• Juicer or reamer: Useful for extracting fresh lime juice quickly and efficiently.
• Serving spoon: Helps mix ingredients and transfer salad to serving dish.

Instructions for Pineapple Cucumber Salad

• Tropical Fruit Prep

Chop fresh pineapple and crisp cucumber into bite-sized pieces, creating a vibrant base for this refreshing salad.

• Zesty Citrus Boost

Sprinkle bright lime zest over the fruit mixture and squeeze fresh lime juice, letting the tangy flavors dance through the ingredients.

• Herbal Accent

Gently fold in roughly torn cilantro leaves, adding a burst of green and aromatic freshness to the salad.

• Final Touches

Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors, creating a light and invigorating dish.

• Serving

Enjoy immediately for maximum crispness or let the salad chill in the refrigerator to let the flavors mingle and intensify.

Pineapple Cucumber Salad: Flavor Tips

• Replace cilantro with fresh mint or basil for a different flavor profile that complements the tropical fruit and crisp cucumber perfectly.
• Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese or add grilled shrimp to transform this light salad into a more substantial meal with extra nutrition.
• Introduce a hint of heat by adding finely diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the salad a zesty kick that balances the sweet pineapple.
• Prepare the ingredients separately and combine just before serving to maintain the crispness of cucumber and prevent soggy texture, keeping the salad fresh and vibrant.
• Experiment with different citrus zests like orange or grapefruit, or drizzle with a light honey-lime vinaigrette to enhance the salad's bright and refreshing character.

Serving Pineapple Cucumber Salad

• Tropical Brunch Companion: Pair this refreshing salad alongside coconut pancakes or French toast for a bright morning meal that wakes up your taste buds.
• Protein Power Boost: Top the salad with grilled shrimp, diced chicken, or crumbled feta cheese to transform it into a light and satisfying main course for lunch or dinner.
• Summer Party Appetizer: Serve in small cocktail glasses or on mini spoons as a zesty, colorful starter that will impress guests at poolside gatherings or outdoor barbecues with its vibrant presentation and cool flavor profile.
• Garnish Glamour: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes, chopped macadamia nuts, or a light drizzle of honey to add extra texture and subtle sweetness that complements the salad's tangy lime and fresh herb notes.

Best Storage Practices for Pineapple Cucumber Salad

• Fridge-Ready Freshness: Store this vibrant salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days, keeping the crisp textures and bright flavors intact.
• Quick Chill Technique: Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving to enhance the lime's tangy notes and allow ingredients to mingle deliciously.
• Ingredient Separation Strategy: If preparing in advance, keep cilantro and lime juice separate until just before serving to maintain maximum crunchiness and prevent wilting.
• Smart Serving Suggestion: Enjoy this zesty salad within 24 hours for optimal taste and texture, as cucumber and pineapple tend to release water over time.

Tropical Pineapple Cucumber Salad

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Cool summer salad featuring succulent pineapple cucumber salad with crisp, refreshing notes. Mexican-inspired flavors blend sweet and tangy ingredients for a delightful tropical experience you can enjoy chilled.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pineapple, chopped
• 1 English cucumber, chopped
• 79 milliliters (⅓ cup) cilantro, roughly chopped
• 2 limes, zested and juiced
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Dice pineapple and cucumber into uniform, bite-sized cubes, creating a vibrant, crisp base for the salad.
2. Mixing: Gently combine fruit cubes in a large bowl, ensuring delicate pieces remain intact while distributing ingredients evenly.
3. Seasoning: Infuse the mixture with fresh lime zest and juice, then sprinkle roughly torn cilantro leaves throughout the salad, introducing bright, aromatic undertones.
4. Finishing: Enhance the natural flavors with a subtle sprinkle of sea salt and cracked black pepper, then chill for 15-20 minutes to allow ingredients to marry and cool.
5. Serving: Present the salad immediately as a refreshing side dish, optionally garnishing with additional cilantro leaves for visual appeal and extra herbaceous notes.

Notes

• Maximize Freshness: Use ripe, crisp pineapple and cucumber at peak season for the most vibrant and juicy flavor profile.
• Perfect Cutting Technique: Dice ingredients uniformly to ensure balanced texture and even distribution of ingredients in every bite.
• Flavor Infusion Time: Chilling the salad for 15-20 minutes allows lime and cilantro to penetrate the fruits, creating a more harmonious taste experience.
• Serving Suggestion: Enjoy immediately after chilling for the ultimate crispness and most refreshing taste, preventing potential sogginess.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 50
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg