This Cucumber and Pineapple Salad is made with fresh pineapple, cucumber, lime, cilantro, and red onion. Refreshing and ready in 15 minutes.
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When the weather heats up, I am always looking for side dishes that are light and refreshing. This Pineapple Cucumber Salad checks every box. It is one of those tried and true recipes that is impossible to mess up. The combination of juicy pineapple, crisp cucumber, fresh cilantro, and bright lime creates a salad bursting with summer flavors. My wife literally did a happy dance in the kitchen when she took a bite. She now requests this side dish all summer long.
If you love this fresh summer salad, then try out two of my other favorites, Grilled Watermelon Salad and Summertime Tomato and Cucumber Salad
Reader Review: "This salad is my new favorite. So easy and delcious, really so many amazing flavors." - Grace
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Light and Refreshing - This salad is packed with bright, fresh flavors. Every bite is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and refreshing.
- Quick and Easy: Takes less than 10 minutes to prepare from start to finish. Perfect side dish when you need something delicious quickly.
- A Healthy Side Dish: Made with fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and a simple dressing.
Ingredients
- Cucumber: I used an English cucumber, which has thin skin and stays crisp in the salad.
- Pineapple: Fresh Pineapple is the star of the show.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced to add a slight bite and beautiful color.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, fresh flavor to the salad.
- Limes: You will use both juice and zest for the dressing. Fresh lime adds a vibrant citrus flavor.
- Olive Oil: The oil carries the fresh flavors throughout the salad.
- Red Chili Flakes (Optional): A hint of heat that contrasts perfectly with the sweet pineapple.
- Salt: Just a small pinch to enhance the flavors.
Tim's Tip: Slice the onion paper-thin. Thin slices give you just enough onion flavor without overpowering the sweet pineapple.
How to Make Cucumber and Pineapple Salad
1. Prepare the ingredients: Peel and chop the pineapple into bite-sized pieces. Slice the English cucumber into half-moons, thinly slice the red onion, and roughly chop the cilantro.
2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime zest, fresh lime juice, olive oil, salt, and red chili flakes.
3. Combine: Add the pineapple, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro to a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
4. Serve: Enjoy immediately for the freshest flavor and crunch, or refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to let the flavors meld together before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
- Make it Creamy: Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a creamy salad twist.
- Swap the Herbs: Swap the cilantro for mint or a fresh flavor.
- Don't love pineapple: Replace with watermelon or mango.
- Add some Cheese: Add crumbled feta, mozzarella, or goat cheese.
Expert Tips
- English cucumbers are my choice for this salad. They are crunchy and way less watery than regular ones. No need to peel before dicing.
- Don't skip the zest! The lime zest adds way more flavor than the juice alone.
- A fresh, ripe pineapple is best! The sweeter the better. Look for a pineapple that is a little soft to the touch.
- Cut everything into similar-sized pieces. Keeping things close to the same size ensures every bite has the perfect balance of flavors.
- Taste before serving. Pineapples vary in sweetness, so give the salad a final taste and add an extra squeeze of lime juice or a pinch of salt if needed to balance the flavors.
What to serve with pineapple cucumber salad?
This kind of salad is a perfect dish that is welcome for every occasion.
Storage
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. This salad can lose freshness and get soggy after a couple of days.
FAQs
Yes, you can use canned pineapple in a pinch if that is what you have on hand. Just be sure to drain it well before adding to the salad. That said, fresh is definitely the best choice.
No, English cucumbers are my favorite because they have thin skin and fewer seeds that are perfect for this salad. But regular garden cucumbers work just as well. If using regular cucumbers, scoop out the seeds first to prevent the salad from being too watery.
Yes, you can prepare it up to 4 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. For the freshest flavor, I would add the cilantro just before serving and give it a quick toss.
More Delicious Salads
Made this recipe? Let me know!
Recipe
Cucumber and Pineapple Salad
Ingredients
- 3 cups Pineapple Diced
- 1 Cucumber Diced
- ¼ cup red onion Thin Slices
- 5 tablespoon Fresh Cilantro
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 Limes Zest and Juice
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- pinch Chili Flakes Optional
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Peel and chop the pineapple into bite-sized pieces. Slice the English cucumber into half-moons, thinly slice the red onion, and roughly chop the cilantro. 3 cups Pineapple 1 Cucumber ¼ cup red onion 5 tbsp Fresh Cilantro
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime zest, fresh lime juice, olive oil, salt, and red chili flakes. 1 tbsp Olive Oil 2 Limes ½ tsp Salt pinch Chili Flakes
- Combine: Add the pineapple, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro to a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately for the freshest flavor and crunch, or refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to let the flavors meld together before serving.
Notes
- English cucumbers are my choice for this salad. They are crunchy and way less watery than regular ones. No need to peel before dicing.
- Don't skip the zest! The lime zest adds way more flavor than the juice alone.
- A fresh, ripe pineapple is best! The sweeter the better. Look for a pineapple that is a little soft to the touch.
- Cut everything into similar-sized pieces. Keeping things close to the same size ensures every bite has the perfect balance of flavors.
- Taste before serving. Pineapples vary in sweetness, so give the salad a final taste and add an extra squeeze of lime juice or a pinch of salt if needed to balance the flavors.
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