Description
This Light and Zesty Pineapple Cucumber Salad is the perfect refreshing snack or side dish, combining the sweetness of ripe pineapple with the crispness of cucumber and a tangy lime dressing. Enhanced by the subtle heat of jalapeño and the creamy touch of feta cheese, this easy-to-make salad is ideal for warm days and quick gatherings.
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 Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Lime Juice (Freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon Honey or Maple Syrup (For sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (High quality)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (To taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Optional, for additional heat)
Instructions
- Preparation: Gather and prepare all ingredients by washing and drying the produce thoroughly to ensure freshness.
- Chop and Slice: 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 you opt to include it.
- 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 and emulsified.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the pineapple, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to evenly coat everything.
- Add Feta and Serve: If using, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top and give the salad a light toss once more. Serve immediately for maximum freshness, or refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with additional cilantro or a lime wedge if desired.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative.
- The jalapeño is optional; omit it if you prefer a milder salad or adjust quantity to taste.
- This salad is best consumed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Add toasted nuts like cashews or almonds for extra crunch if desired.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more honey or maple syrup according to your preference.
