Pineapple Cucumber Salad: Sweet, Cool & Summer-Ready.
Craving something sweet, tangy, and refreshing? This Pineapple Cucumber Salad is your new go-to summer dish. Juicy pineapple and crisp cucumber make the perfect pair. They’re tossed in a light, zesty dressing that wakes up your taste buds. It’s a simple recipe that delivers big flavor fast. Perfect for warm days when you want something fresh.
Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or picnic, this colorful salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s light, hydrating, and full of tropical flavor. The sweetness of pineapple balances the cool crunch of cucumber. A touch of lime and herbs ties it all together. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and ready in 15 minutes. Serve it chilled for the ultimate summer refreshment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make this salad shine bright. Fresh, vibrant, and ready to go. Nothing fancy, just clean, tropical flavors. Perfect for hot days and cravings. Grab these items from your kitchen. Let’s build something fresh and delicious together.
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled and chopped (fresh is best, but canned works too)
- 1 large cucumber, diced (no need to peel if using English cucumber)
- 1 red or yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- (Optional): a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, or a dash of chili flakes for some kick.
Quick Timing Guide
Prep Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes
Serving
4 people
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Serves 4)
Light, fresh, and full of goodness. This salad fits into healthy goals. Low in calories, big on flavor. Packed with vitamins, fiber, and hydration. Great for snacks, sides, or meals. Here’s the breakdown per single serving.
- Calories: ~100
- Carbs: 21g
- Sugar: 14g (from natural fruit)
- Fiber: 2g
- Fat: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 60mg
Nutrition Info:
This Pineapple Cucumber Salad is naturally low in calories and high in hydration, making it perfect for hot summer days. Each serving is packed with vitamin C from the pineapple, fiber from the veggies, and antioxidants from the fresh herbs. Since it’s made without any heavy dressings or added sugars (unless you choose to add a touch of honey), it’s a light, guilt-free side dish that fits into almost any healthy lifestyle: vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free included.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
This salad comes together in minutes. No cooking needed, just fresh chopping. Simple steps make prep super easy. Great for beginners or busy cooks. Perfect balance of flavor and texture. Follow along and build it fast.
Step 1: Prep the Pineapple
Slice off the skin with a sharp knife. Cut pineapple in half, remove the core. Chop into even, bite-sized chunks. Uniform size makes the salad better. Use fresh or pre-cut pineapple pieces. Place chopped fruit in a large bowl.
Step 2: Dice the Cucumber
Wash and dry the cucumber well. Leave the skin on for extra crunch. Cut lengthwise, then into chunky slices. Match the sizes with the pineapple pieces. English cucumbers work best for texture. Add cucumber to the mixing bowl.
Step 3: Chop the Veggies
Dice bell pepper into small cubes. Thinly slice red onion for flavor. Use red, yellow, or orange peppers. Soak onions if the flavor feels strong. Uniform cuts give the best bites. Toss chopped veggies into the main bowl.
Step 4: Mix It All Up
Grab a spoon and mix gently. Combine pineapple, cucumber, peppers, and onion. Toss just enough to blend well. Keep the chunks whole and pretty. Colors should look bright and balanced. This is your summer salad base.
Step 5: Add the Zing
Sprinkle in fresh, chopped green cilantro. Squeeze lime juice over the entire mixture. Add salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Drizzle honey if the pineapple needs sweetness. Gently toss everything one last time. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Serve Fresh
Serve immediately for crisp, vibrant texture. Or chill thirty minutes before serving. Cold salad helps flavors blend beautifully. Top with herbs or lime wedges. Pairs well with grilled meats or tofu. Enjoy your refreshing tropical salad bowl.
Pro Tips
Want to take this salad further? These simple tricks make everything better. Boost flavor, texture, and presentation easily. Small changes can make a big difference. Perfect results come from tiny, thoughtful tweaks. Try these pro tips for success.
- Use ripe pineapple for the best natural sweetness.
- Chop everything evenly so every bite tastes balanced.
- Add nuts (like chopped cashews or peanuts) for crunch.
- Don’t skip the lime; It makes the flavors pop.
Tasty Variations
Love this salad? Try fun twists. Change it up to suit cravings. Sweet, spicy, or extra crunchy versions work. Use what’s fresh and on hand. Endless combinations keep things exciting always. Here are some tasty variations below.
- Add avocado for creaminess
- Swap cilantro for fresh basil or mint
- Add jalapeño or red chili flakes for a spicy twist
- Mix in quinoa or brown rice to make it a full meal
Serving Suggestions
This salad shines in any setting. Serve it fresh for the best flavor impact. Great with grilled mains or tacos. Works well at picnics or potlucks. Light, colorful, and super crowd-pleasing side. Here’s how to serve it right.
- Serve with grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish
- Use it as a taco topping or inside lettuce wraps
- Spoon over jasmine rice or a grain bowl
- Enjoy it solo as a refreshing snack!
Storage Tips
Keep leftovers fresh with proper storage steps. This salad stores well for short periods. Use an airtight container to lock freshness. Refrigerate promptly after serving to maintain texture. Best eaten within two to three days. Here’s how to store it right.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Avoid freezing, as the high water content makes the texture mushy.
- Want to meal prep? Chop the fruit/veg ahead, but mix with herbs and lime juice just before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Pineapple Cucumber Salad is the ultimate summer refresher. It’s sweet, crunchy, and juicy, basically sunshine in a bowl. With tropical pineapple, crisp cucumber, zesty lime, and a hint of herb from cilantro, every bite is bright and satisfying. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and low in calories, but full of flavor. Plus, it comes together in just 15 minutes, no cooking required.
Conclusion
Bright, refreshing, and bursting with tropical flavor, this Pineapple Cucumber Salad is everything a summer dish should be. It’s light yet satisfying, simple to make, and versatile enough to pair with almost any meal. With its crisp textures, juicy sweetness, and zesty finish, it brings a cool, vibrant touch to your table. Whether you’re entertaining guests, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something fresh, this salad hits the spot every time. It’s proof that a few wholesome ingredients can create something truly unforgettable. Serve it chilled, savor every bite, and let summer shine through your fork.