Pineapple Cucumber Salad – Sweet, Tangy & Super Refreshing! 🥒🍍🌿
This vibrant, no-sugar-added salad is light, juicy, and packed with tropical flair. Perfect as a summer side dish, BBQ companion, or healthy snack, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in minutes! 😍☀️
Why You’ll Love It
- Sweet & Tangy: Combines juicy pineapple and crisp cucumber for a refreshing bite.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 10 minutes with minimal prep.
- Healthy & Vibrant: Low-calorie, hydrating, and packed with vitamins.
- Versatile: Pairs perfectly with grilled meats, fish, or as a standalone snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh pineapple (diced)
- 1 large cucumber (diced, peeled if preferred)
- ½ small red onion (thinly sliced)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro or mint (chopped)
- 1 small jalapeño (finely diced, optional for a spicy kick)
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Note: Omit honey/maple syrup from the original recipe to keep it no-sugar, relying on pineapple’s natural sweetness.
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine pineapple, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro or mint.
- Add jalapeño for a spicy twist, if desired.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Chill for 15–30 minutes to let flavors meld, or serve immediately for a fresh crunch.
Tips for Success
- Choose Ripe Pineapple: Look for sweet, juicy pineapple to maximize natural sweetness.
- Adjust Heat: Skip or reduce jalapeño for a milder flavor, or add more for extra spice.
- Keep It Crisp: Don’t let the salad sit too long after dressing to maintain cucumber’s crunch.
- Herb Swap: Try basil or parsley if cilantro or mint isn’t your vibe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overdressing: Too much lime juice can make the salad soggy; stick to one lime.
- Cutting Unevenly: Dice pineapple and cucumber into similar sizes for a balanced bite.
- Skipping the Chill: Chilling enhances the flavors, so give it at least 15 minutes if time allows.
Why Everyone Will Love It
This salad balances sweet pineapple, cool cucumber, and zesty lime for a refreshing, no-sugar treat. It’s hydrating, antioxidant-rich, and endlessly customizable—add avocado, tomatoes, or bell peppers for extra flair. Perfect for summer gatherings or a quick, healthy snack!
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Cucumber Salad is proof that simple ingredients can shine with bold flavors. It’s a healthy, refreshing dish that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Toss it together and savor the taste of summer! 🌴
Variation Ideas Using Pineapple and Cucumber
To align with your no-sugar theme (like the Cocoa Apple Treat), here are variations using just pineapple, cucumber, and complementary no-sugar ingredients:
- Pineapple Cucumber Skewers: Thread diced pineapple and cucumber onto skewers. Sprinkle with a pinch of unsweetened cocoa powder (from your previous recipe) and a squeeze of lime for a sweet-tangy-chocolatey appetizer.
- Pineapple Cucumber Smoothie: Blend 1 cup pineapple, ½ cucumber, 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder, and a splash of water or unsweetened coconut milk. Add ice for a chilled, no-sugar drink.
- Pineapple Cucumber Salsa: Finely dice pineapple, cucumber, and a bit of red onion. Toss with lime juice and a pinch of chili powder (instead of jalapeño) for a no-sugar dip. Serve with veggie sticks or grilled chicken.
- Cocoa-Dusted Pineapple Cucumber Bites: Toss diced pineapple and cucumber with ½ tsp unsweetened cocoa powder and a squeeze of lemon. Freeze for 20 minutes for a refreshing, chilled snack.
- Pineapple Cucumber Egg Salad: Combine diced pineapple and cucumber with scrambled eggs (from your previous recipe). Add a pinch of cocoa powder and lime juice for a unique, no-sugar breakfast bowl.
These variations keep the no-sugar promise while blending the tropical freshness of pineapple and cucumber with the cocoa accent from your earlier recipe. Try them out and let us know your favorite in the comments! 🥒🍍✨
