Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pineapple Salsa is a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The pineapple provides natural sweetness, while the red onion, cilantro, and lime juice give it a zesty kick. The best part? It’s super versatile! You can use it as a dip, a topping for grilled chicken or fish, or even as a vibrant addition to tacos or salads. It’s light, refreshing, and the perfect way to brighten up any meal.
Ingredients
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2 cups fresh pineapple, finely diced
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1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
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1 small jalapeño, deseeded and finely diced (optional, for heat)
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1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
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1 tablespoon lime juice (about 1 lime)
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
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Dice the fresh pineapple into small, bite-sized pieces. For best results, use a ripe pineapple, as it will be sweeter and juicier.
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Finely dice the red onion and jalapeño. If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeño before chopping.
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Chop the fresh cilantro and set aside.
2. Make the Salsa:
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In a medium bowl, combine the diced pineapple, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro.
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Squeeze in the fresh lime juice and season with salt and pepper. If you like your salsa a little sweeter, drizzle in some honey or agave syrup and mix well.
3. Serve:
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Stir everything together and let the salsa sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also refrigerate it for an hour or two for even more flavor.
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Serve your Pineapple Salsa with tortilla chips, grilled chicken, fish, tacos, or as a topping for salads.
4. Optional Garnish:
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Garnish with additional cilantro or a few extra lime wedges before serving for added freshness and visual appeal.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4-6 servings
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Total time: 10-15 minutes (plus optional chilling time)
Variations
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Add More Heat: For a spicier kick, add more jalapeño, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped habanero.
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Add Cucumber: For extra crunch, add diced cucumber to the salsa. It pairs well with the pineapple and adds a refreshing texture.
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Use Mango: If you’re a fan of mango, swap half of the pineapple for mango for a different tropical twist.
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Add Red Bell Pepper: Dice a red bell pepper and add it to the salsa for more color and sweetness.
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Make It Sweet & Sour: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar for a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the pineapple.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Pineapple Salsa is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The salsa may release some juice as it sits, so give it a stir before serving.
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Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the pineapple will change when thawed.
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Reheating: Pineapple Salsa is served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Fresh pineapple works best for this salsa, as it has a better texture and flavor. If using canned pineapple, make sure to drain it well and chop it into small pieces to avoid excess liquid.
Can I make this salsa ahead of time?
Yes, Pineapple Salsa can be made ahead of time. It actually gets better after sitting for a little while as the flavors meld together. You can make it a few hours before serving and refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it.
Can I make this salsa without cilantro?
If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can leave it out and substitute it with fresh parsley or mint for a different flavor profile.
How do I adjust the sweetness?
If you prefer a sweeter salsa, add more honey or agave syrup to taste. Conversely, if you want it less sweet, omit the sweetener entirely or reduce the amount.
What can I serve Pineapple Salsa with?
Pineapple Salsa pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, especially chicken, fish, or shrimp. It’s also great as a dip for tortilla chips, or served over tacos, salads, or rice bowls for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Pineapple Salsa is a fresh, vibrant, and easy-to-make dish that brings a tropical flair to any meal. With its perfect balance of sweet pineapple, zesty lime, and fresh herbs, it’s a versatile salsa that can be served in a variety of ways. Whether you’re using it as a topping for grilled meats, a dip for chips, or a refreshing addition to your tacos, this salsa is sure to brighten up your meals and leave everyone wanting more!
Pineapple Salsa
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10-15 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Chopping
- Cuisine: Tropical
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Pineapple Salsa is a vibrant, refreshing dish combining sweet pineapple with savory cilantro, lime, and red onion. Perfect as a dip, topping for grilled meats or fish, or a salsa for tacos, this easy-to-make salsa adds a tropical twist to any meal!
Ingredients
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2 cups fresh pineapple, finely diced
-
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
-
1 small jalapeño, deseeded and finely diced (optional, for heat)
-
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
-
1 tablespoon lime juice (about 1 lime)
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1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
-
Dice the fresh pineapple into small, bite-sized pieces. For best results, use a ripe pineapple as it will be sweeter and juicier.
-
Finely dice the red onion and jalapeño. If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeño before chopping.
-
Chop the fresh cilantro and set aside.
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Make the Salsa:
-
In a medium bowl, combine the diced pineapple, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro.
-
Squeeze in the fresh lime juice and season with salt and pepper. If you like your salsa a little sweeter, drizzle in some honey or agave syrup and mix well.
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Serve:
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Stir everything together and let the salsa sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also refrigerate it for an hour or two for even more flavor.
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Serve your Pineapple Salsa with tortilla chips, grilled chicken, fish, tacos, or as a topping for salads.
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Optional Garnish:
-
Garnish with additional cilantro or a few extra lime wedges before serving for added freshness and visual appeal.
-
Notes
Add More Heat: For a spicier kick, add more jalapeño, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped habanero.Add Cucumber: For extra crunch, add diced cucumber to the salsa. It pairs well with the pineapple and adds a refreshing texture.Use Mango: If you’re a fan of mango, swap half of the pineapple for mango for a different tropical twist.Add Red Bell Pepper: Dice a red bell pepper and add it to the salsa for more color and sweetness.Make It Sweet & Sour: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar for a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the pineapple.
