Pineapple Salsa

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Introducing our refreshing Pineapple Salsa, perfect for adding a tropical twist to your summer dishes. This delicious salsa combines juicy pineapple, crunchy red bell pepper, fragrant cilantro, spicy jalapeño, zesty red onion, tangy lime juice, and a hint of cumin. This vibrant and flavorful recipe pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, tacos, or even as a snack with tortilla chips.

Overhead image of the pineapple salsa

The Perfect Summer Recipe!

As summer days approach and the sun shines brighter, I begin craving something refreshing and light. Enter this vibrant and flavorful Pineapple Salsa! This simple yet delicious recipe is just what you need to add a burst of tropical flavor to your summer table. Made with fresh pineapple, zesty jalapeños, sweet red bell peppers, tangy lime juice, and aromatic cilantro, this salsa is sure to be a crowd pleaser at any gathering.

Not only is this Pineapple Salsa a perfect accompaniment for grilled meats and seafood, but it also works as a delightful topping for tacos, a zesty addition to salads, or a tasty snack with some crunchy tortilla chips. The possibilities are practically endless!

Ingredient shot-- image of all the ingredients used in this recipe

What Is Pineapple Salsa Made Of?

  1. Pineapple: As you might guess, fresh, ripe pineapple is the star ingredient in Pineapple Salsa, providing sweetness and a tropical flavor. See the “quick tip” box below.
  2. Red bell pepper: Bell pepper brings a crunchy texture and a subtle sweetness to the salsa.
  3. Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a fragrant and herbaceous note to the salsa, balancing the sweetness and acidity of the other ingredients.
  4. Jalapeño: Jalapeño provides a spicy kick to the salsa. If you aren’t a huge fan of heat, you can adjust the level to your preference.
  5. Red onion: Onion brings a mild, sweet flavor and crunchy texture to the salsa.
  6. Lime juice: The acidity of lime juice helps to balance the sweetness of the pineapple and other ingredients while providing a tangy flavor.
  7. Ground cumin: Cumin contributes a warm, earthy flavor to the salsa, complementing the sweetness of the pineapple.
  8. Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and helps to bring out their natural sweetness and tanginess.

QUICK TIP

What Goes Well With Fresh Pineapple?

If you have leftover pineapple, fresh pineapple pairs well with a variety of flavors, including coconut, lime, ginger, cilantro, and cinnamon. It pairs nicely with grilled meats and cheeses. More ideas here.

 

VARIATIONS

Customize your salsa: Feel free to add other ingredients like mango, avocado, or black beans to give your pineapple salsa a unique flavor twist.

Process shots of Pineapple Salsa-- images of all the ingredients being combined and mixed together

How To Make Pineapple Salsa (Tips)

  1. Choose a ripe pineapple: A ripe pineapple is key to a delicious salsa. Look for a pineapple with a sweet aroma, slightly golden color, and one that yields slightly to gentle pressure.
  2. Dice ingredients uniformly: For visually appealing and evenly distributed salsa, aim to dice all the ingredients into similar-sized pieces. The smaller, the better! Tiny pieces fit onto chips and crackers better.
  3. Adjust heat levels: You can control the spiciness of the salsa by removing the seeds and veins of the jalapeño, or by adding more or less jalapeño according to your taste preference. Love heat? Add in some red pepper flakes!
  4. Let it rest: Let the salsa sit for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and creates a more cohesive taste.
  5. Drain excess liquid: Pineapple and other ingredients can release juice over time. To avoid a watery salsa, drain any excess liquid before serving.
  6. Serve at room temperature: While it’s important to let the flavors meld in the refrigerator, serve the salsa at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Overhead image of a bowl Pineapple Salsa

How To Use Pineapple Salsa

Pineapple Salsa can be used in a variety of ways to enhance your meals and snacks. Here are some ideas:

  • Topping for grilled meats: Use Pineapple Salsa as a topping for grilled chicken, pork, or fish, adding a burst of tropical flavor and freshness to your dish.
  • Taco topping: Spoon this salsa over your favorite tacos, like fish, shrimp, or chicken tacos, for an added layer of flavor and texture.
  • Salad enhancement: Mix some into your favorite greens or grain salads for a tangy twist and extra crunch.
  • Appetizer or dip: Serve Pineapple Salsa with tortilla chips, pita chips, or crackers as an appetizer or snack at parties and gatherings.
  • Sandwich spread: Spread a layer of salsa on your sandwich, wrap, or burger for a sweet and tangy kick.
  • Rice or quinoa bowl topping: Add a scoop or two to rice, quinoa, or grain bowls for a refreshing and zesty flavor boost.
  • Breakfast accompaniment: Serve alongside breakfast dishes like huevos rancheros or chilaquiles for a tropical flair.

More Delicious Summer Recipes:

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Pineapple Salsa

5 from 1 vote
Introducing our refreshing Pineapple Salsa, perfect for adding a tropical twist to your summer dishes. This delicious salsa combines juicy pineapple, crunchy red bell pepper, fragrant cilantro, spicy jalapeño, zesty red onion, tangy lime juice, and a hint of cumin. This vibrant and flavorful recipe pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, tacos, or even as a snack with tortilla chips.
Print Recipe

Pineapple Salsa

5 from 1 vote
Introducing our refreshing Pineapple Salsa, perfect for adding a tropical twist to your summer dishes. This delicious salsa combines juicy pineapple, crunchy red bell pepper, fragrant cilantro, spicy jalapeño, zesty red onion, tangy lime juice, and a hint of cumin. This vibrant and flavorful recipe pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, tacos, or even as a snack with tortilla chips.
Course Appetizer, condiment, Snack
Cuisine American, Healthy, Vegetarian
Keyword Pineapple Salsa
Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 10 servings (as an appetizer)
Chelsea Lords
Calories 34kcal
Cost $8.90

Ingredients

  • 3 cups ripe pineapple diced (most of 1 large pineapple--Note 1)
  • ¼ cup cilantro (finely diced Note 2)
  • 2 tablespoons jalapeño finely diced (Note 3)
  • 1 large red pepper, finely diced
  • cup red onion diced
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed, plus 1/4 tsp lime zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon each: ground cumin and fine sea salt
  • Optional, for serving: tortilla chips

Instructions

  • PREP: Prepare the pineapple by dicing it into small pieces. You'll need 3 cups for this recipe. Finely dice the red bell pepper, jalapeño, and red onion. For an evenly distributed salsa, aim to dice all the ingredients into similar-sized pieces. The smaller, the better!
  • CILANTRO: Measure out 1 cup of loosely packed cilantro and then finely dice it.
  • COMBINE: In a large bowl, combine all of the prepared ingredients.
  • ENJOY: Mix gently until combined. Taste and adjust flavors to personal preference adding more lime juice for extra tang or a pinch of extra salt for more flavor. Allow the salsa to rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Toss before serving and, if desired, enjoy with chips!
  • STORAGE: While best served fresh, this salsa can be kept chilled for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Toss before enjoying.

Video

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Fresh pineapple: A ripe pineapple is key to delicious salsa. Look for a pineapple with a sweet aroma, slightly golden color, and one that yields slightly to gentle pressure.
Note 2: Cilantro: For this recipe, you'll need most or all of one bunch of cilantro, depending on the size. To get 1/4 cup of finely chopped cilantro, measure about 1 cup of loosely packed cilantro before it's finely diced. To prepare the cilantro, grab the bunch and twist it to rip off the leaves and stems. You can use all the leaves and stems for this recipe.
Note 3: Jalapeño: You can adjust the spiciness of the salsa by removing the seeds and ribs for a milder flavor, or leaving them in for a spicier kick. When handling jalapeños, wear gloves to avoid getting their natural oils on your skin, which can cause a burning sensation.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 34kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 113mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 605IU | Vitamin C: 50mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.3mg

We do our best to provide accurate nutritional analysis for our recipes. Our nutritional data is calculated using a third-party algorithm and may vary, based on individual cooking styles, measurements, and ingredient sizes. Please use this information for comparison purposes and consult a health professional for nutrition guidance as needed.

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