Name: Easy Pineapple Cucumber Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487093H19M41S
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced (or canned, drained); 1 large cucumber, sliced and quartered; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional); 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (optional, for garnish); 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness); Juice of 1 lime (freshly squeezed); Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Easy Pineapple Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, light, and healthy dish that combines the sweetness of juicy pineapple with the crispness of cucumber. Tossed in a light dressing of lime juice, honey, and a hint of mint, this salad is perfect as a side dish, a light snack, or a refreshing addition to a summer meal. It’s incredibly simple to make, requires no cooking, and is packed with flavor and nutrients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pineapple Cucumber Salad is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with tropical flavors from the pineapple and a refreshing crunch from the cucumber. The light and zesty lime dressing enhances the flavors, while fresh mint adds a fragrant, cooling element. It’s easy to make, incredibly refreshing, and ideal for hot days when you need something light and hydrating. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just looking for a quick snack, this salad is the ultimate go-to.

Easy Pineapple Cucumber Salad Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups fresh pineapple, diced (or canned, drained)
1 large cucumber, sliced and quartered
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (optional, for garnish)
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
Juice of 1 lime (freshly squeezed)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Prepare the ingredients: Start by peeling and dicing the pineapple into bite-sized pieces. Slice the cucumber thinly and cut it into quarters. If using red onion, thinly slice it.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey or maple syrup (if using), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the sweetness and seasoning to your preference.
Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the diced pineapple, cucumber slices, and red onion (if using). Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together gently.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped mint for a fresh, fragrant touch. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

Add avocado: For extra creaminess, dice up an avocado and toss it into the salad. It will complement the pineapple and cucumber perfectly.
Spicy version: Add a pinch of chili powder or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the pineapple.
Add feta or goat cheese: For some added richness and saltiness, crumble a bit of feta or goat cheese on top of the salad.
Tropical twist: Add some diced mango or papaya for even more tropical flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: This salad is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The cucumber may release some water, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Reheating: Since this is a fresh salad, it’s meant to be served cold and doesn’t require reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned pineapple?

Yes, canned pineapple works in a pinch, but make sure it’s drained well to avoid excess liquid in the salad. Fresh pineapple will give you a more vibrant flavor, though.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can make this salad a few hours ahead of time. Just keep it refrigerated and stir it well before serving.

3. Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

Yes, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or a sugar substitute to sweeten the dressing. Adjust the amount to your taste.

4. Can I add other fruits to the salad?

Definitely! This salad is very versatile, and adding other fruits like mango, strawberries, or kiwi would complement the flavors of pineapple and cucumber nicely.

5. Can I make this salad spicy?

Yes! To add some spice, sprinkle a pinch of chili powder or add a chopped jalapeño pepper. The heat from the chili will enhance the sweetness of the pineapple.

6. Can I use lemon instead of lime?

Yes, you can substitute lime with lemon if that’s what you have on hand. Lemon will give a slightly different flavor but will still work well with the other ingredients.

7. How can I make this salad more filling?

For a heartier version, you can add some protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. You could also add quinoa for extra texture and fullness.

8. Can I skip the mint?

If you’re not a fan of mint, you can omit it or substitute it with fresh basil or cilantro for a different flavor profile.

9. How do I prevent the cucumbers from becoming soggy?

If you’re making the salad in advance, you can sprinkle a little salt on the cucumber slices and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture before adding them to the salad. Pat them dry with paper towels before assembling.

10. How can I make this salad vegan?

This recipe is already vegan, as it uses maple syrup or honey for sweetness and doesn’t include any animal products. Just be sure to use maple syrup if you’re looking for a fully plant-based option.

Conclusion

This Easy Pineapple Cucumber Salad is a light, refreshing, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for warm weather or any time you’re craving something fresh. The combination of juicy pineapple, cool cucumber, and a tangy lime dressing makes it the ideal balance of sweet, savory, and refreshing. Whether you enjoy it as a snack, side dish, or light meal, it’s sure to become one of your go-to salads for summer!