Name: Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Fusion
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 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this Pineapple Cucumber Salad for its fresh, vibrant flavors. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with the crispness of cucumber and the tropical sweetness of pineapple. The zesty lime dressing brings it all together, and the option to add jalapeño or feta cheese gives the salad an exciting kick. It’s quick, healthy, and light, making it an ideal side dish or snack when I want something refreshing.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

directions

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).
In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
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 immediately, or chill in the fridge for 15–30 minutes to let the flavors blend. Garnish with extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes only 10 minutes to prepare.

Variations

I love adding extra crunch to the salad with chopped peanuts or cashews. If I prefer a milder flavor, I soak the red onion in cold water for 5 minutes to reduce its sharpness. For a vegan option, I skip the feta cheese and add avocado for creaminess. Sometimes I swap honey for maple syrup to give the salad a slightly different sweetness.

storage/reheating

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but I can prep it up to 6 hours ahead of time. I always add the dressing just before serving to keep the ingredients crisp. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but the salad tastes best the day it’s made.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, I can prep all the ingredients up to 6 hours in advance. Just be sure to add the dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

Can I substitute the pineapple with another fruit?

Absolutely! I’ve used mango and watermelon in this salad before, and both add a nice tropical sweetness.

Can I make this salad without feta cheese?

Yes, I can easily leave out the feta cheese for a dairy-free option. I sometimes replace it with avocado for a creamy texture.

How can I make the salad less spicy?

If I don’t want much heat, I simply leave out the jalapeño or reduce the amount of red pepper flakes in the dressing.

Can I store the leftover dressing?

Yes, I can store leftover dressing in a sealed container in the fridge for a couple of days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before using it again.

Conclusion

This Pineapple Cucumber Salad is one of my favorite go-to recipes when I’m craving something fresh, light, and full of vibrant flavors. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a summer meal, barbecue, or as a refreshing snack. Whether I’m serving it for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, it never fails to impress!