Description
This Light and Zesty Pineapple Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and nutritious snack or side dish perfect for warm weather. Featuring a vibrant mix of fresh pineapple, crisp cucumber, and a tangy lime-based dressing with optional hints of spice and feta cheese, this salad combines sweet, tart, and savory flavors in every bite. Quick to prepare and ideal for immediate serving or chilling to meld flavors, it offers a light yet satisfying option for healthy eating.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 medium Fresh Pineapple (Diced into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 large English Cucumber (Sliced into half-moons or small cubes)
- 1/2 medium Red Onion (Thinly sliced)
- 1 small Jalapeño (Optional, sliced thinly)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro (Chopped)
- 1/4 cup Feta Cheese (Optional, crumbled)
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons Lime Juice (Freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon Honey or Maple Syrup (For sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (High quality)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (To taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Optional, for additional heat)
Instructions
- Preparation: Gather all ingredients for the salad and dressing, ensuring the pineapple is fresh and ripe for the best flavor.
- Chop Ingredients: Dice the fresh pineapple into bite-sized pieces. Slice the English cucumber into half-moons or small cubes. Thinly slice the red onion and jalapeño (if using). Chop the fresh cilantro and crumble the feta cheese if adding.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lime juice, honey or maple syrup, olive oil, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Mix until well combined.
- Combine Salad and Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, add the pineapple, cucumber, red onion, chopped cilantro, and jalapeño slices. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. If you desire, fold in the crumbled feta cheese.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for a crisp, fresh flavor or refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the ingredients to meld and intensify in taste. Garnish optionally with extra cilantro leaves or a lime wedge before serving.
Notes
- For less heat, omit the jalapeño and red pepper flakes.
- Maple syrup can be used as a vegan-friendly alternative to honey.
- Serve chilled for a more refreshing taste, especially on warm days.
- Can be enjoyed as a standalone snack or as a side salad with grilled meats or seafood.
- Feta cheese adds a creamy, salty touch but can be left out for a dairy-free version.
