Zesty Pineapple Cucumber Salad

Pineapple and cucumber come together for this ultra-fresh, crisp salad. You get sweet juicy bites, cool crunch, bright lime, and a punch of cilantro. Perfect when it’s blazing outside or whenever you want something light. This one’s speedy to make and super addictive.

One sticky Saturday after walking forever, I whipped this up. My family instantly became fans. That whole summer, it was our go-to for every cookout.

Vibrant Ingredients

• English cucumber: gives a cool, crunchy texture. Look for shiny, solid cucumbers for the crispiest results.
• Salt and pepper (totally optional): but they’ll boost all those bright flavors. Flaky sea salt is great if you have it for an extra salty crunch.
• Fresh cilantro: adds grassy, fresh vibes. Wash it well and use both the leaves and the thin top stems for a burst of green.
• Fresh pineapple: brings loads of sweetness and tropical punch. Search for mostly golden pineapples that smell good and fruity.
• Fresh limes: gives the salad a zingy tart edge. Roll limes on the countertop first so you squeeze out every drop when juicing and zesting.

Simple How-To Steps

Chop Cilantro:

Take a bunch of cilantro, rinse well, then chop up the leafy parts and some soft stems for max flavor.

Prep and Cube Pineapple:

Slice off both ends so your pineapple sits flat. Trim away all those prickly outer bits. Cut out the tough middle core and chop what’s left into small cubes, about half an inch each.

Cut the Cucumber:

Give the cucumber a rinse. Slice it longways in half, then cut those into half moons about a quarter inch thick. Leave the peel; it gives a nice crunch.

Zest and Squeeze Limes:

Zest the limes right over your salad bowl so all those oils fall in. Halve and juice the limes, removing any stray seeds along the way.

Mix Everything Together:

Toss pineapple, cucumber, all the lime bits, and chopped cilantro in a roomy bowl. Sprinkle in salt and pepper if you want. Give it a gentle mix, taste, and tweak the seasoning if you need to.

Chill or Enjoy Now:

Dig in right away for the crunchiest texture. Or chill it covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before eating to perk up the flavors.

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Fresh pineapple in this dish just takes me back. I remember my grandma peeling them from her garden while we ran around outside. We’d always cool off after playing by sharing a big bowl of this. Still my favorite way to cool down on hot days.

Storing It Right

Tuck leftovers in a closed container in your fridge for up to three days. If the fruit gets too juicy, pour a little out before serving. The flavors just get cozier together, but cucumber might soften by day two or three.

Swap Suggestions

If you’re out of cilantro, grab some fresh mint for a burst of flavor. English cucumbers can be replaced by regular or Persian ones—just remove the seeds if they’re too soggy. No limes? Lemons can work instead, but things will taste a bit different.

Fun Ways to Eat

Pile this up next to tacos, spicy grilled chicken, fried fish, or any rice dish. Spoon it over cottage cheese or Greek yogurt for a cooling snack or lunch. I’ve even dumped some over nachos—sounds weird, but trust me, it’s a tangy game-changer.

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Culture Snapshot

This kind of salad is inspired by Latin American fruit salads—think of those spunky, chunky bowls from street vendors in Mexico or Central America. Lime and salt turn your average fruit into something special. Want to take it up a notch? Dust on some chili powder for a spicy kick.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Sure thing! Make it a couple of hours before serving and stash it in the fridge with a cover. Just give it a gentle mix before you dig in to keep everything crisp.

→ What type of cucumber works best?

Go for English cucumbers if you can. They're thin-skinned with barely any seeds and give you a nice mellow crunch.

→ Do I need to remove the pineapple core?

Yeah, chop out the core. It's tough and not very tasty. Just cut around it and use the soft parts.

→ How can I add extra flavor?

Shake in some chili flakes for a kick, sprinkle in a little sugar for extra sweetness, or tear up some fresh mint if you’re in the mood for more greens.

→ How long does the salad stay fresh?

Keep it in the fridge and eat it within three days. The texture softens a bit but the flavors stick around.

→ Can I use bottled lime juice?

Fresh lime is best for bold flavor, but bottled works fine if that's what you've got on hand.