This Pineapple Cucumber Salad is more than just a dish; it’s a vibrant explosion of sweet, tangy, and cool flavors that screams summer refreshment. This recipe is incredibly useful for anyone looking to add a light, healthy, and incredibly delicious side dish to their summer gatherings, picnics, or even just a weeknight meal.
Key Ingredients for Pineapple Cucumber Salad
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into ½-inch cubes
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and cut into ½-inch cubes
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped fresh mint
- For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
How to Make Pineapple Cucumber Salad
This Pineapple Cucumber Salad is your answer to a quick, refreshing, and utterly delicious side that requires no cooking. Its delightful simplicity, combined with a bright and zesty dressing, makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch will leave you feeling invigorated. Preparation time is a mere 15 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pineapple and Cucumbers: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed pineapple and cubed cucumbers. Ensure both are cut into roughly the same size for an even distribution of flavors.
- Add Aromatics and Herbs: Gently add the finely chopped red onion, chopped fresh cilantro, and chopped fresh mint to the bowl with the pineapple and cucumbers. The red onion adds a subtle bite, while the cilantro and mint provide an invigorating freshness.
- Whisk Together the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), and Dijon mustard. This creates a tangy, slightly sweet, and emulsified dressing that perfectly complements the fruits and vegetables.
- Season the Dressing: Add salt and black pepper to the dressing, tasting and adjusting as needed. You’re looking for a balanced flavor profile that enhances, rather than overpowers, the natural sweetness of the pineapple and the coolness of the cucumber.
- Combine and Toss: Pour the prepared dressing over the pineapple, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, and mint mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish.
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Cucumber Salad
You’ll absolutely adore this Pineapple Cucumber Salad for its incredibly bright and refreshing star, the perfect marriage of juicy pineapple and crisp cucumber. It’s a budget-friendly marvel, saving you money compared to pre-made salads, while offering superior freshness and flavor that you can customize to your liking. The subtle zing from the lime and onion, coupled with the aromatic burst of cilantro and mint, transforms it into something truly special, a delightful alternative to heavier potato or pasta salads.
This salad is your ultimate summer companion, offering a light yet satisfying experience that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to give this delightful Pineapple Cucumber Salad a try; you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create such vibrant flavors right in your own kitchen!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Pineapple Cucumber Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. The cucumbers may release some water over time, making the salad a bit softer, but the flavors will still be quite enjoyable. Avoid freezing this salad as the texture of the cucumber and pineapple can become mushy upon thawing.
If you find the salad has become a little watery after storage, you can gently drain off any excess liquid before serving. No reheating is necessary as this salad is meant to be served chilled.
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Cucumber Salad is a simple yet incredibly rewarding recipe that brings a burst of sunshine to your plate. Encourage everyone to whip up this delightful dish at home for a refreshing and healthy addition to any meal. Enjoy the simple pleasure of fresh ingredients coming together!
Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed pineapple and cubed cucumbers. Ensure both are cut into roughly the same size for an even distribution of flavors.1 ripe pineapple, 2 large cucumbers
- Gently add the finely chopped red onion, chopped fresh cilantro, and chopped fresh mint to the bowl with the pineapple and cucumbers. The red onion adds a subtle bite, while the cilantro and mint provide an invigorating freshness.½ cup red onion, ¼ cup fresh cilantro, ¼ cup fresh mint
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), and Dijon mustard. This creates a tangy, slightly sweet, and emulsified dressing that perfectly complements the fruits and vegetables.3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Add salt and black pepper to the dressing, tasting and adjusting as needed. You’re looking for a balanced flavor profile that enhances, rather than overpowers, the natural sweetness of the pineapple and the coolness of the cucumber.½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pour the prepared dressing over the pineapple, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, and mint mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish.