Pineapple Cucumber Salad

Bright pineapple and crisp cucumber come together for a sweet and snappy bite that’s perfect for sunny days, quick lunches, or breezy outdoor meals. Each spoonful brings a punch of fresh lime and tons of fragrant cilantro. It’s the kind of thing you just throw together fast, then crave all year long.

I threw this together on a sweaty Sunday after taking a long walk. My crew couldn’t get enough. That summer it ended up at every BBQ we hit.

Vibrant Ingredients

• Salt and pepper (totally optional): boost every other ingredient’s taste. Try using flaky sea salt for a fun crunch if you can.
• Fresh cilantro: brings a rush of fresh, green flavor. Grab the leaves and those soft stems for the best taste, and make sure they’re washed well.
• Fresh limes: add a zippy, citrusy kick. Give them a good roll on the counter before cutting to get all the juice and zest out.
• English cucumber: packs nice crunch and coolness. Look for really firm ones with shiny green skin.
• Fresh pineapple: delivers natural sugar and a pop of tropical vibes. Pick one that’s gold with a sweet scent for the best results.

Simple How-To Guide

Serve or Chill for Later:

Eat right away for the most snap. Or stick leftovers in the fridge covered. Stir it up again later to wake up the taste—keeps up to three days.

Mix and Season:

Dump pineapple, cucumber, all that lime juice and zest, plus a bundle of cilantro into one big bowl. Lightly toss it and scatter on some salt and pepper if you want. Try it—add more seasoning if needed.

Chop Cilantro:

Grab a bunch of fresh cilantro, chop up both the leaves and upper stems to pack in lots of aroma.

Zest and Juice Limes:

Zest both limes right over your salad so the oils don’t get lost. Slice them and squeeze all their juice in, catching seeds along the way.

Slice Cucumber:

Rinse off the cucumber. Cut down the middle lengthwise, then make thin half-moons with the skin on for crunch and nutrients.

Prep Pineapple:

Cut the ends off so it stands up. Slice off the tough outside, making sure to cut deep enough to ditch those brown spots. Take off the flesh in big chunks around the middle core, then dice into cubes about half an inch thick.

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The pineapple in this is what makes it special to me. My grandma used to chop up ripe pineapples from her backyard while we’d run wild outside. On hot afternoons, we’d all cool down with her giant bowl of this sweet, juicy mix.

How to Store

Keep any leftovers sealed up in the fridge and they’re good for three days. If you notice a lot of juice at the bottom, just pour some out before digging in again. The flavors get more intense as it sits, but the cucumber can get softer after about two days.

Swaps and Alternatives

No cilantro? Use mint for a fresh twist. If you can’t find English cucumber, Persian or regular cucumbers work—just scoop out the seeds if they’re watery. Out of limes? Lemon will do, but it’ll taste a bit different.

Ways to Enjoy

This salad’s a hit with spicy grilled chicken, tacos, crispy fish, or a bed of rice. It’s also a tasty snack or a light meal when you toss some cottage cheese or Greek yogurt on the side. I’ve piled it onto nachos for an extra punch of sweet and tangy.

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A Bit of Background

Inspired by the bold fruit salads common in Latin America—think those bright mixes you’d spot at outdoor carts through Mexico or Central America. The classic mix of lime, salt, and fruit flips simple ingredients into something intriguing. Shake on some chili powder if you like a little heat that’s true to the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely. Make it a couple of hours early if you want. Pop it in the fridge with a cover and just give it a gentle stir before you’re ready to eat so it stays fresh.

→ What type of cucumber works best?

English cucumbers are a great pick since the skin is thin and seeds are small, so the salad stays crisp and mild.

→ Do I need to remove the pineapple core?

You’ll want to leave the core out because it’s pretty tough. Use only the softer pineapple around it so it’s easier to chew.

→ How can I add extra flavor?

Chili flakes will heat things up or toss in a little sugar for extra pop. If you’ve got fresh mint, try adding some for a cool twist.

→ How long does the salad stay fresh?

Just keep it cold and enjoy it over three days. It’ll get softer but still taste great.

→ Can I use bottled lime juice?

Go for fresh lime juice if you can because the taste really shines, but if you’re short on limes, bottled will still work out fine.