Description
This Light and Zesty Pineapple Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and healthy snack perfect for warm days or anytime you crave a crisp, tangy, and slightly sweet treat. Combining juicy pineapple, cool cucumber, crunchy red onion, and a bright cilantro-lime dressing, it’s enhanced with optional heat from jalapeño and a touch of salty feta for balanced flavors.
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
- 3 tablespoons Freshly squeezed Lime Juice
- 1 tablespoon Honey or Maple Syrup
- 2 tablespoons High quality Olive Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon Freshly ground Black Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Dice the fresh pineapple into bite-sized pieces. Slice the English cucumber into half-moons or small cubes. Thinly slice the red onion and jalapeño, if using. Chop the fresh cilantro and crumble the feta cheese if desired.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lime juice, honey or maple syrup, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Combine Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the pineapple, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Add Feta: If using, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad and give a light toss to integrate it without breaking the cheese.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for a crisp and fresh taste, or chill in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Garnish with extra cilantro or a lime wedge if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can adjust the spiciness by omitting or adding more jalapeño and red pepper flakes.
- For a vegan option, omit feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese.
- The salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
- Using fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor.
