Description
This Pineapple Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish combining juicy pineapple, crisp cucumber, and zesty herbs with a tangy lime dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or summertime appetizer, it balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors with optional feta cheese for a salty contrast.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 large English cucumber, diced (or 2 Persian cucumbers)
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for spice)
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for a salty contrast)
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the fresh pineapple into bite-sized pieces, slice the cucumber into half-moons or small cubes, thinly slice the red onion and jalapeño if using, chop the fresh cilantro, and crumble the feta cheese if desired.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, honey or maple syrup, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to create a tangy and lightly sweet dressing.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced pineapple, cucumber, sliced red onion, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeño. Drizzle the dressing over the mixture and toss gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top if using.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh crunch or chill it in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Garnish with extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime before serving for an extra burst of freshness.
Notes
- The jalapeño adds heat but can be omitted or reduced for a milder salad.
- Feta cheese is optional and adds a salty contrast; omit for a vegan option.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
- Use honey for non-vegan or maple syrup as a vegan sweetener alternative.
- Adjust lime juice and seasoning to taste before serving.
