Description
A refreshing and vibrant Pineapple Cucumber Salad combining juicy pineapple, crisp cucumber, and tangy lime dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or healthy snack, with fresh herbs and optional honey and chili flakes to enhance the flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or mint leaves, chopped
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the diced pineapple, peeled and sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. These fresh ingredients create the crisp base of the salad.
- Add fresh herbs and toss: Sprinkle the chopped cilantro or mint leaves over the pineapple and cucumber. Toss gently to evenly mix all the fresh components together without bruising the herbs.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
- Dress the salad: Pour the lime and olive oil dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly with the flavorful dressing.
- Add optional spice: If you like a little heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the salad and toss lightly to distribute the spice.
- Chill and serve: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste or refrigerate it for up to 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill. This salad is best enjoyed cold.
- Enjoy: Serve as a refreshing side dish or a healthy snack that is perfect for warm weather and light eating occasions.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe pineapple for the best sweetness and flavor.
- Peeling the cucumber helps avoid bitterness from the skin, but you may leave the skin on if preferred for extra texture and fiber.
- For a vegan version, omit honey or substitute with agave syrup or maple syrup.
- This salad is best served the same day but can be refrigerated for up to one day without losing texture.
- Adjust salt and lime juice according to taste preference for the perfect balance of tang and seasoning.
- Add avocado or toasted nuts for extra creaminess and crunch, if desired.
