Name: Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced (bite-sized pieces); 1 large cucumber, diced (peeled if preferred, seeds removed if very watery); 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced (use a sharp knife or mandoline for even slices); 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or mint, chopped (rough chop); 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (seeds removed (optional for heat)); 1 lime juice (about 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed); 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (room temperature); 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)

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Creamy meets crisp and sweet meets tangy in this Pineapple Cucumber Salad — a refreshing, juicy side that brightens any meal. Imagine cool cucumber crunch paired with sunlit pineapple, zesty lime, a hint of honey, and a whisper of jalapeño for those who like a little kick. Fun fact: fruit-and-vegetable salads like this were once improvised by beachside vendors in tropical markets to make warm days more palatable — and they caught on fast.

This recipe is special because it’s incredibly simple, can be prepped in under 15 minutes, and appeals to the whole family. If you enjoy light, vibrant dishes, you might also like other takes on this theme; for more ideas and tweaks check out our take on pineapple cucumber salad variations for inspiration. Whether you want a picnic companion, a quick weeknight side, or a healthy snack, this salad delivers. Ready to toss together something delightful? Let’s get chopping!

What is Pineapple Cucumber Salad?

What gives the Pineapple Cucumber Salad its charming name? It’s exactly what it sounds like — a simple mash-up of fresh pineapple and cucumber, dressed up with bright lime and herbs. Who named it? Maybe a traveler, maybe a chef on a patio, maybe someone trying to convince their picky eater to take a bite. Why such a straightforward title? Because the ingredients do the talking, and when they sing together, you don’t need a complicated name.

Is it a fruit salad or a vegetable one? Both! Funny how food blurs lines — and as the old saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Try this on friends, family, or surprise someone special; you might be known as the person who brings sunshine in a bowl. Give it a go and see how quickly it disappears.

Why You’ll Love This:

Bright, balanced flavor: The main highlight is the contrast between juicy pineapple and crisp cucumber, brightened by lime and rounded with a touch of honey. Each bite is refreshing and lively on the tongue.
Budget-friendly and homemade: Making this at home saves money over store-bought fancy salads and allows you to choose ripe fruit and fresh herbs. A small amount of ingredients goes a long way, making it an economical crowd-pleaser.
Customizable toppings and textures: Fresh cilantro or mint, optional jalapeño for heat, and a little red onion for bite — these toppings turn a simple salad into something you’ll crave. If you like Asian-inspired flavors, try checking out our Asian cucumber salad for a different but equally refreshing profile.

This salad appeals to all ages: kids love the sweetness, adults appreciate the brightness, and anyone watching their budget will love how far these ingredients stretch. Now go on — make it and taste the sunshine.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This Pineapple Cucumber Salad is easy, bright, and satisfying. Preparation is minimal: chop, whisk, toss, and let the flavors meld. The texture contrast — juicy pineapple, crisp cucumber, and crunchy onion — keeps every bite interesting. It takes about 10–15 minutes of hands-on time and 10–15 minutes to rest for best flavor melding.

Ingredients

2 cups fresh pineapple, diced (bite-sized pieces)
1 large cucumber, diced (peeled if preferred, seeds removed if very watery)
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced (use a sharp knife or mandoline for even slices)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro or mint, chopped (rough chop)
1 small jalapeño, finely diced, seeds removed (optional for heat)
Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed)
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (room temperature)
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)

Directions

Dice the fresh pineapple and cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion and chop the cilantro or mint. If using jalapeño, remove the seeds and finely dice it.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and black pepper until the honey is fully dissolved.
In a large mixing bowl, combine pineapple, cucumber, red onion, cilantro (or mint), and jalapeño. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Pineapple Cucumber Salad

What to Serve With:

Grilled fish or shrimp — the bright salad pairs beautifully with smoky seafood.
Rotisserie chicken or roasted pork — use the salad to cut through richness and refresh the palate.
Warm grain bowls — serve over quinoa or brown rice for a light lunch.
Tortilla chips or pita — scoop the salad like a salsa for a fun appetizer.
Drinks: iced tea with mint, a crisp white wine, or a lime agua fresca complements the citrus notes.

Mix and match depending on occasion: picnic, weeknight dinner, or potluck this salad slides into many menus.

Top Tips for Perfecting:

Choose ripe pineapple: Look for fragrance at the stem and slightly soft gives for the sweetest flavor.
Avoid watery cucumbers: English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers tend to be less seedy. If using standard cucumbers, scoop seeds out for better texture.
Balance sweetness and acidity: Taste the dressing before pouring. Add a bit more honey if pineapple is tart or another squeeze of lime if you prefer more tang.
Herb choice matters: Cilantro brings bright, citrusy notes; mint gives a cool finish. Try each to see which you prefer.
Make ahead with limits: You can prep the ingredients ahead, but toss dressing on right before serving to keep the cucumber crisp.
Avoid over-salted dressings: Salt softens cucumbers over time; season lightly and adjust right before serving.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Refrigeration: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. The flavors will continue to meld; texture will soften slightly.
Freezing: Not recommended — pineapple and cucumber lose their crisp texture after freezing and thawing.
Shelf life: Best eaten within 48 hours for optimal texture. After that, cucumbers can become soggy and pineapple can lose its brightness.
Serving leftovers: If the salad has released extra liquid, drain briefly, then toss with a splash of fresh lime before serving to revive the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh pineapple has the best texture and sweetness. If using canned, drain well and pat dry to avoid excess liquid diluting the dressing.

Is this salad spicy?
Not unless you add jalapeño. The jalapeño is optional and can be left out or reduced for a kid-friendly version.

Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely — use maple syrup instead of honey and keep all other ingredients plant-based.

How long should I let it sit before serving?
Let it sit at least 10–15 minutes so the lime and honey meld with the fruit and herbs, but don’t leave it too long to keep cucumber crisp.

Can I add other fruits or vegetables?
Yes — mango, avocado, or cherry tomatoes make great additions. Add avocado last to prevent browning.

Is this suitable for meal prep?
You can prep the ingredients in advance and store separately, then combine and dress just before serving for best texture.

Conclusion

This Pineapple Cucumber Salad is a fast, flavorful side that brightens any table and proves how simple ingredients can make a memorable dish. It’s easy enough for a weekday dinner and pretty enough for guests — a reliable recipe to keep in your rotation. If you want to explore another trusted version, check out this classic Pineapple Cucumber Salad – Mom On Timeout for additional tips and variations. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and enjoy the fresh, sunny flavors.