Description
This Light and Zesty Pineapple Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and healthy snack or side dish perfect for warm days. Featuring juicy fresh pineapple, crisp cucumber, and a tangy lime dressing with a hint of sweetness and spice, this salad combines vibrant flavors and crunchy textures to energize your palate. Optional ingredients like jalapeño add a subtle kick, while crumbled feta cheese lends a creamy contrast. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s an easy, wholesome recipe ideal for summer meals, picnics, or light lunches.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 medium Fresh Pineapple (Diced into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 large English Cucumber (Sliced into half-moons or small cubes)
- 1/2 medium Red Onion (Thinly sliced)
- 1 small Jalapeño (Optional, sliced thinly)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro (Chopped)
- 1/4 cup Feta Cheese (Optional, crumbled)
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Lime Juice (Freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon Honey or Maple Syrup (For sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (High quality)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (To taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Optional, for additional heat)
Instructions
- Preparation: Gather all ingredients including fresh pineapple, cucumber, red onion, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, and feta cheese (if desired).
- Chop the Produce: Dice the fresh pineapple into bite-sized pieces. Slice the English cucumber into half-moons or small cubes. Thinly slice the red onion and jalapeño. Chop the fresh cilantro and crumble the feta cheese.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lime juice, honey or maple syrup, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Combine Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced pineapple, sliced cucumber, red onion, chopped cilantro, and jalapeño. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Add the crumbled feta cheese if using and toss lightly.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for maximum freshness or chill in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with additional cilantro or a lime wedge if desired before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of jalapeño or red pepper flakes.
- If you prefer a vegan option, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup to your taste.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
- Substitute lime juice with lemon juice if lime is not available.
