This refreshing Pineapple Cucumber Salad comes together in about 15 minutes and requires no cooking for a quick side dish! Switch up the ingredients based on what you have in the fridge or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers, it’s super flexible! Trust me, this salad is a must-have during those hot summer days, or honestly, any time you want something light and delicious!
Let’s Dive Into the Ingredients
To make this salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 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)
- 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
Now, let’s get you tossing this salad together! It’s super simple, I promise.
- Dice the pineapple into bite-sized pieces. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Slice the cucumber into half-moons or small cubes and add them to the bowl with the pineapple.
- Thinly slice the red onion and jalapeño (if using) and toss them in.
- Chop the cilantro and crumble the feta cheese (if using) over the salad.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until combined.
- Drizzle the lime dressing over the pineapple and cucumber mixture, and toss gently to coat everything in the dressing.
- If you’re using feta, sprinkle it on top now.
- Serve immediately! Or, you can let it chill in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together beautifully. Garnish with extra cilantro or a little squeeze of lime before serving.
And just like that, you’ve got a wonderfully vibrant dish that screams summer but can be enjoyed year-round!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is one of my go-to recipes for summer BBQs or when I want something light to accompany dinner. Seriously, I’m a real sucker for salads that are quick! Plus, this one shines in versatility since you can use whatever you’ve got on hand. Want to add some bell pepper? Go for it! How about some avocado? Yes, please! The best part is you can get creative without any fuss. This is a recipe my family can’t get enough of!
If you loved this Pineapple Cucumber Salad, be sure to check out my Apple Broccoli Salad, my Blueberry Peach Feta Salad, or my Steakhouse Potato Salad!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
You’ve got a dish that comes together in literally under 15 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights, or anytime you don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen.
Customizable
This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to swap out ingredients as needed based on what’s in your fridge or pantry. Want to add in some black beans? Fantastic! You can make it your own with very little effort.
Crowd-Pleaser
Whether you’re serving this at a family dinner or a potluck, it’s safe to say the whole family will love it. The mix of flavors and textures is a guaranteed hit!
Make-Ahead Friendly
You can prepare this salad a few hours in advance, just store it in the fridge! This makes it ideal for meal prep. Just be sure to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve so everything stays crisp.
Budget-Friendly
With simple, everyday ingredients that are easy to find, this salad is also easy on the wallet. You’ll have a beautiful dish without breaking the bank!
Serving Suggestions
This Pineapple Cucumber Salad is fantastic served on its own, but there are a few great ways to enjoy it even more. Pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp for a lovely summer feast, or serve it alongside taco night as a zesty side dish. You can also enjoy it with barbecued ribs, burgers, or even with some fresh crusty bread and hummus.
Storage Tips
This salad will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 days in an airtight container, but I recommend eating it fresh to enjoy the vibrant textures!
Reheating Instructions
This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold, so there’s no reheating involved. Just take it out of the fridge and dig in!
Freezer Friendly
I wouldn’t recommend freezing this salad as the cucumbers and other fresh ingredients lose their delicious crunch and texture once thawed.
And there you have it, the ultimate Pineapple Cucumber Salad recipe to brighten up the table! With incredible flavors, quick prep, and versatile options, you’ll find yourself wanting to whip this up over and over again. Trust me, your family will keep coming back for more!
So remember, whether it’s a busy weeknight meal or a summer gathering, this salad will be your trusty sidekick. Enjoy!
Happy cooking, friends! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration.
Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Dice the pineapple into bite-sized pieces. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Slice the cucumber into half-moons or small cubes and add to the bowl with pineapple.
- Thinly slice the red onion and jalapeño (if using) and toss them in.
- Chop the cilantro and crumble the feta cheese (if using) over the salad.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until combined.
- Drizzle the lime dressing over the pineapple and cucumber mixture, and toss gently to coat everything.
- If using feta, sprinkle it on top now.
- Serve immediately or let it chill in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- Garnish with extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime before serving.