Ingredients:

1 medium ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and diced

1 large cucumber, peeled and diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional for heat)

Juice of 2 limes

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the Ingredients

Before we dive into the preparation, let’s get everything ready. This step is crucial for a smooth cooking experience. Here’s how I like to do it:

Pineapple: Start by peeling the pineapple. I find it easiest to cut off the top and bottom first, then stand it upright and slice down the sides to remove the skin. Once peeled, cut the pineapple into quarters, remove the core, and then dice it into bite-sized pieces.

Cucumber: Grab your cucumber and peel it. I usually prefer to leave some skin on for color and texture, but it’s totally up to you! After peeling, slice it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Then, chop it into small cubes.

Red Bell Pepper: Take your red bell pepper, cut it in half, and remove the seeds and white membranes. Dice it into small pieces, similar in size to the pineapple and cucumber.

Red Onion: For the red onion, I like to finely chop it to ensure it blends well with the other ingredients. If you find raw onion too strong, you can soak the chopped onion in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow the flavor.

Cilantro: Rinse the cilantro under cold water to remove any dirt. Shake off the excess water and chop it coarsely. The fresh cilantro adds a wonderful flavor to the salad.

Jalapeño (optional): If you like a bit of heat, take your jalapeño, slice it in half, and remove the seeds. Mince it finely. Remember to wash your hands after handling jalapeños to avoid any irritation!

Mixing the Salad

Now that we have all our ingredients prepped, it’s time to mix everything together. This is where the magic happens!

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced pineapple, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño (if using). I like to use a big bowl so I have plenty of room to toss everything without making a mess.

Add the chopped cilantro to the bowl. The fresh herbs really brighten up the salad and add a burst of flavor.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, and honey (if using). This dressing is simple but incredibly flavorful. The lime juice adds acidity, while the olive oil gives it a nice richness. If you prefer a sweeter salad, the honey will balance the tartness of the lime.

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. I usually start with half of the dressing and then add more to taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Gently toss the salad with a spatula or large spoon until everything is well coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the ingredients; we want to keep that lovely texture.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. I like to start with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper, then adjust as needed.

Chilling the Salad

For the best flavor, I recommend letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. This will help keep it fresh and prevent any odors from the fridge from affecting the salad.

While the salad is chilling, you can prepare

Conclusion:

In summary, this Pineapple Cucumber Salad is a must-try for anyone looking to add a refreshing and vibrant dish to their meal repertoire. The combination of sweet, juicy pineapple and crisp cucumber creates a delightful contrast that is not only pleasing to the palate but also visually stunning. This salad is perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a light side dish to accompany grilled meats or seafood. For a twist, consider adding some diced avocado for creaminess, or a sprinkle of feta cheese for a salty kick. You could also experiment with different herbs, such as mint or cilantro, to elevate the flavor profile even further. I encourage you to give this Pineapple Cucumber Salad a try and make it your own! Once you’ve whipped it up, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation. Let’s celebrate the joy of cooking together! Print