Description
This Light and Zesty Pineapple Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for snacking or as a side. Combining sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors with crisp cucumbers, juicy pineapple, and a hint of jalapeño, this salad is enhanced with a zesty lime dressing and optional feta cheese for a creamy contrast. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a healthy and flavorful treat ideal for warm days or light meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 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 Ingredients
- 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: Dice the fresh pineapple into bite-sized pieces to highlight its natural sweetness. Slice the English cucumber into half-moons or small cubes for crisp texture. Thinly slice the red onion and, if using, the jalapeño to introduce a mild spice. Chop the fresh cilantro finely and crumble the feta cheese.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lime juice, honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness, high quality olive oil, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you prefer an extra kick. Whisk until well combined and emulsified.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced pineapple, cucumber slices, red onion, chopped cilantro, and jalapeño slices. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly with the flavorful dressing.
- Add Optional Feta: If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad and gently fold it in to add a creamy, salty contrast that complements the sweet and spicy notes.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste or refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Garnish with extra cilantro leaves or a wedge of lime before serving for added color and zing.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño and red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- The salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge covered for up to 24 hours.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor; bottled lime juice can alter the taste.
- This salad can be a perfect side dish to grilled meats or seafood or a standalone healthy snack.
