Looking for a fresh, quick, and healthy side dish? This 4-ingredient Pineapple Cucumber Salad is your new go-to! Light, juicy, and zesty with a tropical twist, this Pineapple Cucumber combo is ready in under 10 minutes—perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. It’s Whole30-approved, gluten-free, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a fan of refreshing salads or love a good pineapple salad, this dish is easy, vibrant, and totally satisfying!
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Cucumber Salad
After a long, rainy season, nothing feels better than a bite of something fresh and colorful. This Pineapple Cucumber Salad is a true celebration of summer flavors — crisp cucumbers, juicy pineapple, a splash of lime, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Whether you’re prepping for a backyard BBQ or need a quick side for grilled chicken, this recipe brings the perfect balance of sweet and zesty.
This simple side dish recipe not only looks gorgeous but also brings a surprising depth of flavor with minimal effort. And if you’re a pineapple lover, be sure to check out our Grilled Pineapple Meatballs too — they’re a hit with the whole family!
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make Pineapple Cucumber Salad
All you need are four fresh ingredients and about 10 minutes to pull this salad together:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 large English cucumber, diced (or 2 Persian cucumbers)
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for spice)
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for a salty contrast)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
How to Make Pineapple Cucumber Salad
1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Dice the pineapple into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice the cucumber into half-moons or small cubes.
- Thinly slice the red onion and jalapeño (if using).
- Chop the cilantro and crumble the feta cheese (if using).
2: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the pineapple, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.
- Drizzle with the lime dressing and toss gently to coat.
- Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese, if using.
4: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve immediately or let it chill in the fridge for 15–30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Garnish with extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime before serving.
Customizations & Variations
- No Cilantro? No problem! Try swapping it out with fresh mint or basil. They both bring a unique herbal note that complements the pineapple perfectly.
- Make It Spicy: Turn it into a pineapple cucumber salsa by adding finely diced jalapeños and red onion. Serve with tortilla chips!
- Low Sugar Tip: Want to lower the natural sugar content? Use more cucumber than pineapple to keep things balanced.
What to Serve With Pineapple Cucumber Salad
This side dish recipe is super versatile! Serve it alongside:
- Grilled fish or fish tacos
- BBQ pulled pork
- Herbed grilled chicken
- Vegan tofu skewers
- Fresh tacos or burrito bowls
It adds a refreshing, tropical touch to any main course and works beautifully as a light starter for summer gatherings.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Flavor
- Use Fresh Pineapple: While canned pineapple can work in a pinch, nothing beats the flavor of freshly chopped pineapple.
- Let It Chill: Letting the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes gives the flavors time to marry — highly recommended!
- Fresh Lime Is Key: Freshly squeezed lime juice and zest take this salad from good to unforgettable.
Kitchen Tools That Make It Easy
- Microplane Zester: Perfect for finely grating lime zest.
- Citrus Squeezer: Helps you get every drop of juice without the mess.
Storage & Meal Prep
You can prep this Pineapple Cucumber Salad ahead of time — just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours to keep the cucumbers crisp and the herbs fresh.
More Delicious Fresh Cucumber Salad Recipes You Should Try
Conclusion
Whether you’re planning a summer picnic, hosting a dinner party, or just looking for something fresh and fast, this Pineapple Cucumber Salad is your go-to side dish recipe. It’s colorful, healthy, and so easy to make — exactly the kind of recipe every home cook needs in their rotation.
Ready to taste summer in every bite?
Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups fresh pineapple diced
- 1 large English cucumber diced (or 2 Persian cucumbers)
- ¼ small red onion thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 small jalapeño thinly sliced (optional, for spice)
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese optional, for a salty contrast
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Dice the pineapple into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice the cucumber into half-moons or small cubes.
- Thinly slice the red onion and jalapeño (if using).
- Chop the cilantro and crumble the feta cheese (if using).
Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the pineapple, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.
- Drizzle with the lime dressing and toss gently to coat.
- Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese, if using.
Serve & Enjoy
- Serve immediately or let it chill in the fridge for 15–30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Garnish with extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime before serving.
Notes
- Use Fresh Pineapple: While canned pineapple can work in a pinch, nothing beats the flavor of freshly chopped pineapple.
- Let It Chill: Letting the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes gives the flavors time to marry — highly recommended!
- Fresh Lime Is Key: Freshly squeezed lime juice and zest take this salad from good to unforgettable.
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