You know those days when you just need something *light* and *bright*? Like, the kind of food that just screams summer and makes you feel instantly refreshed? That’s exactly why I adore this Pineapple Cucumber Salad. Seriously, it’s become my go-to when I want a burst of flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. I remember first throwing this together after a super hot day at the farmer’s market last year, and it was an instant hit. It’s just so vibrant and incredibly easy – pure sunshine in a bowl!
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Oh, you are going to adore this salad! Here’s why it’s a total winner:
- It’s ridiculously refreshing – perfect for a hot day!
- So, so easy to throw together in minutes.
- Packed with fresh, healthy ingredients that just make you feel good.
- It’s super versatile – great for picnics, BBQs, or just a light lunch.
- The combination of sweet pineapple and crisp cucumber is just divine.
- Plus, that little zing from the lime and onion? Chef’s kiss!
Ingredients for Your Refreshing Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Okay, so gathering your goodies for this salad is super simple. You really just need a few fresh things to make it sing! Here’s what I always grab:
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and then diced into bite-sized chunks. Make sure it’s nice and sweet!
- 2 medium cucumbers, washed really well and also diced. I usually leave the skin on for extra color and crunch, but you can peel them if you prefer.
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced. This adds just a little pop of flavor and color without overpowering everything.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped. I love that fresh, herby flavor it brings!
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice. This is non-negotiable, trust me! It really brightens everything up.
- 1 tablespoon good quality olive oil. Just a little drizzle for richness.
- And of course, salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
How to Prepare This Easy Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Honestly, this salad is so simple, you’ll have it ready in a flash. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen wizard without any of the stress! Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a beautiful, refreshing salad ready to go. And remember, that little bit of chilling time at the end makes all the difference, trust me!
Combining the Salad Ingredients
First things first, grab a pretty decent-sized bowl. Gently toss your diced pineapple, cucumbers, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro all together. You want everything to mingle nicely but try not to mash those lovely pineapple chunks!
Preparing the Simple Dressing
Grab a smaller bowl or even a little measuring cup. Whisk together that fresh lime juice and your olive oil until they’re nicely combined. It’s so basic, but wow, does it work wonders!
Dressing and Seasoning Your Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Now, just pour that zesty dressing right over your salad ingredients. Give it another gentle toss so everything is coated. The very last step is to season it up with a pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper. Give it a little taste – sometimes it needs a tiny bit more lime or salt, you know? For more on how I whip up this simple yet delightful salad, check out my Pineapple Cucumber Salad guide!
Tips for the Best Pineapple Cucumber Salad
You know, a few little tricks can really take this simple salad from good to absolutely amazing! It’s all about those little details. First off, picking the perfect pineapple is key. Look for one that’s golden yellow and smells super sweet at the base – that signals it’s nice and ripe, which means more natural sweetness and less stringiness. Also, try to dice your pineapple and cucumbers to a similar size. It just makes the salad easier to eat, and honestly, it looks a whole lot prettier too!
If you’re planning a picnic or just want to get a head start, this salad is fantastic made a bit ahead of time. I usually chop everything up and mix the dressing separately. Then, about 30 minutes to an hour before I want to serve it, I toss it all together and pop it in the fridge. It gives all those lovely flavors a chance to really meld together beautifully. For even more refreshing ideas, you might like my Cucumber Caprese Salad or this summery Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Let’s chat ingredients for a sec! The star here is really the pineapple. I always go for fresh, ripe pineapple because that natural sweetness and juicy texture just can’t be beaten. You know, the kind that’s mostly yellow and smells so sweet at the bottom? Utter perfection. If you’re in a pinch, you *can* use canned pineapple chunks packed in juice (not syrup!), just make sure to drain them really well. For the cucumbers, any kind will work, but English cucumbers are nice because their skin is so thin and they’re usually seedless, which means less prep for you!
As for the red onion, if you find raw onion a bit too sharp for your liking, don’t sweat it! You can soak the sliced red onion in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow out its bite. Or, you could totally swap it for some thinly sliced green onions (scallions) for a milder oniony hint. And if cilantro isn’t your jam, fresh mint is an absolutely divine substitute – it adds this wonderfully cool, refreshing flavor that pairs beautifully with the pineapple and cucumber. For more ways to play with fruit in salads, you should totally check out my Chickpea Peach Salad!
Serving Suggestions for This Refreshing Salad
This gorgeous Pineapple Cucumber Salad is so versatile, it practically goes with *everything*! I adore it as a light and vibrant side dish for grilled chicken or fish, especially when we’re having a backyard BBQ. The sweetness of the pineapple and the coolness of the cucumber totally cut through the richness of grilled meats. It’s also just perfect next to some smoky Hot Honey Salmon or my go-to BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato. Seriously, it adds that pop of color and freshness that just makes the whole meal feel lighter and brighter.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You totally can! I like to prep all the components (dice the fruit and veggies, mix the dressing) and keep them separate in the fridge. Then, just toss everything together about 30 minutes to an hour before you want to serve it. It lets those flavors get to know each other really well!
What other fruits can I add to this salad?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Mango is absolutely fabulous in here, giving it a tropical vibe. Strawberries or even some blueberries would add a lovely color and different kind of sweetness. Sometimes I even toss in some bell peppers – red or yellow ones are so pretty!
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes, it’s a great option for meal prep if you prep the components separately as I mentioned. Storing the dressing apart helps keep the cucumbers and pineapple from getting too soggy too quickly. It’s a perfect light lunch over a few days!
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Sure can! If you’re in a pinch, canned pineapple chunks packed in juice (not syrup!) work just fine. Just make sure to drain it really, really well so your salad doesn’t get too watery. Fresh is always my top pick for that juicy crunch, though!
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Just so you know, the nutrition info below is an estimate, and it can change a little depending on exactly what you use. I usually figure about 1 cup per serving. It’s pretty light and fresh, packed with good stuff!
Share Your Pineapple Cucumber Salad Creations!
I absolutely love hearing from you all! If you make this Pineapple Cucumber Salad, please let me know what you think in the comments below. Did you add anything special? How did it go? I’d be thrilled if you shared your colorful creations on social media too! You can read more about my kitchen adventures over on my About Me page or get in touch through the Contact Us page!
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Pineapple Cucumber Salad
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing salad with pineapple and cucumber.
Ingredients
- 1 pineapple, diced
- 2 cucumbers, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine pineapple, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro in a bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and olive oil.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Notes
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
- Add mint for extra freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pineapple cucumber salad, fruit salad, refreshing salad, summer salad, healthy salad