There’s just something about a salad that screams summer, isn’t there? And when you want something *really* refreshing, like, take you away to a tropical island refreshing, you absolutely HAVE to make this Pineapple Cucumber Salad. I remember first whipping this up on a ridiculously hot day a few years back, just trying to use up some pineapple and cucumbers I had hanging around. What I ended up with was pure magic this amazing mix of sweet, tangy, and just plain *cool*. Trust me, it’s become my go to whenever I need a bright, light dish that’s also incredibly simple to throw together!
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Seriously, what’s not to adore about this salad? It’s a total winner for so many reasons:
- Super Easy to Make: You basically just chop everything and toss it together. No cooking required, which is a lifesaver on hot days!
- Incredibly Refreshing: The combo of juicy pineapple and crisp cucumber is just *chef’s kiss* for beating the heat.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: It’s got that amazing sweet-tart thing going on with a hint of onion and fresh herbs. So yummy!
- So Versatile: This salad is happy as a side dish, a light lunch, or even a vibrant addition to a potluck spread.
- Bright and Colorful: Look at it! Those pops of yellow and green just make everything feel happier and healthier.
- Quick Prep Time: You can have this salad ready to chill in about 15 minutes. Perfect for those times you need something fast.
Ingredients for Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Alright, let’s get down to what you’ll need for this delightful Pineapple Cucumber Salad. It’s super straightforward, and uses pretty common things you might already have! Just grab these bits and bobs:
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained: Don’t drain it! That juice is pure gold and helps make our dressing.
- 2 cups chopped fresh pineapple: This is where the real pineapple flavor shines through. Make sure it’s chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- 2 cups chopped cucumber: I usually use English cucumbers because they’re less seedy, but whatever you have works! Make sure they’re chopped nicely.
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion: This adds just a little zing. If you’re not a huge onion fan, you can use less or soak it in cold water for a few minutes to mellow it out.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Now, I know some people are cilantro-skeptics. If that’s you, don’t worry, you can totally swap it for parsley or even skip it! But if you love it, it adds a fantastic fresh flavor.
- 2 tablespoons lime juice: Freshly squeezed is always best here, it makes a huge difference! Think of it as waking everything up.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Just a little bit to round out the dressing and make it nice and smooth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing all those flavors together.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A little crack of fresh black pepper really hits the spot.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Okay, so you’ve got your ingredients ready, but sometimes life throws you a curveball, right? Or maybe you just want to play around a little! For the crushed pineapple, I really prefer the canned stuff because it has that awesome juice that becomes part of our dressing. But if you happen to have fresh pineapple already, you can totally whiz some of it in a blender or food processor until it’s pretty mushy – just make sure you catch all that juice! And about the cilantro? It’s totally fine if it’s not your jam. Fresh parsley works beautifully as a substitute, or even a little bit of mint if you’re feeling adventurous. If you’re looking for other fun salad ideas, check out this mango cucumber salad or this amazing street corn cucumber salad. Don’t be afraid to make this Pineapple Cucumber Salad your own!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Making this Pineapple Cucumber Salad is so ridiculously easy, it’s almost embarrassing! You’ll be done in a flash, and the hardest part is just waiting for it to chill. Grab your biggest bowl and let’s get this party started!
Combining the Salad Ingredients
First things first, grab a nice, big bowl – you know, the one that can hold everything without making a huge mess. Into that bowl, toss your undrained crushed pineapple, those lovely chopped chunks of fresh pineapple, the crisp chopped cucumber, the red onion, and all that fresh cilantro. Just get it all in there; we’ll mix things up in a sec!
Preparing the Dressing
Now, for the zippy dressing! In a separate, smaller bowl – a little one works perfectly here – whisk together the fresh lime juice, that splash of olive oil, the salt, and a good grind of black pepper. Give it a good whisk until it’s all combined and looks like a lovely, light vinaigrette.
Tossing and Chilling the Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Okay, time to bring it all together! Pour that bright dressing you just made right over all the wonderful stuff in the big bowl. Now, gently toss everything together, making sure every single piece gets coated in that delicious dressing. Once it’s all mixed up, cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for at least 15 minutes. Trust me, this chilling time makes all the flavors meld together beautifully and makes the salad taste SO much better!
Tips for the Perfect Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but let me tell you, a few little tricks can really make this Pineapple Cucumber Salad sing even louder! First off, use the freshest ingredients you can find, especially the cucumber and cilantro. It makes a world of difference! And don’t skip that chilling time – seriously, it turns a good salad into a *great* one because all those yummy flavors get to hang out and get to know each other. If you want to get *really* fancy, try adding a little sprinkle of chili flakes for a tiny kick, or maybe some finely diced jalapeno if you’re feeling brave! For more cool ideas, you could check out this roll cucumber salad. It’s all about making it your own!
Serving Suggestions for Your Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Honestly, this Pineapple Cucumber Salad is so good, it’s almost a meal on its own! But it also plays *really* well with others. It’s absolutely amazing alongside some grilled pork chops, especially if they’re like these Hawaiian grilled pork chops. It’s also a fantastic counterpoint to something a bit richer, like a teriyaki chicken bowl. Think picnics, BBQs, or just a light Tuesday night dinner – it just brightens everything up!
Got questions about this super refreshing Pineapple Cucumber Salad? I’ve got you covered! Here are a few things folks sometimes wonder about.
Can I make this Pineapple Cucumber Salad ahead of time?
You totally can! It’s actually better if you let it chill for a bit. Just mix everything up, give it a good stir, and pop it in the fridge. The flavors get even more amazing the longer it hangs out!
What other fruits or vegetables can I add to this salad?
Oh, get creative! Bell peppers – red or yellow – add a lovely crunch and color. A little bit of diced avocado is amazing and creamy. You could even throw in some jicama for extra crunch, or a few jalapeño slices if you like a little heat. It’s a pretty forgiving salad!
How long does this salad last in the refrigerator?
This salad is best enjoyed within about 2-3 days. After that, the cucumber can start to get a little soft. Just keep it covered in an airtight container in the fridge, and give it a stir before serving again.
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a little heads-up: the nutritional info for this Pineapple Cucumber Salad is an estimate, you know? It can totally change depending on the specific brands you use, how big you chop your veggies, or if you decide to add anything extra. So, take it as a general guide rather than a hard-and-fast rule!
Share Your Pineapple Cucumber Salad Creations!
I just LOVE hearing from you all! If you whip up this Pineapple Cucumber Salad, please, PLEASE leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out. Did you try any fun substitutions? Did your family love it? And if you snap a pic, tag me on social media – I absolutely live for seeing your kitchen creations!
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine crushed pineapple, chopped pineapple, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
- Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving.