Description

This Pineapple Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, vibrant dish that combines sweet pineapple, crisp cucumber, and tangy red onion with a zesty honey-lime dressing. Perfect as a light side or a palate cleanser, the salad features a hint of chili oil for subtle heat and fresh cilantro for brightness, making it an ideal summertime treat or accompaniment to grilled dishes.

Ingredients

Scale

Dressing

2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
1/4 teaspoon chili oil
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

Salad

1 & 1/2 cups diced fresh pineapple
1 small Persian cucumber, diced
1/3 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the honey, rice vinegar, fresh lime juice, chili oil, and coarse salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Prepare the produce: Dice the fresh pineapple, Persian cucumber, and red onion into small, even pieces. Chop the fresh cilantro finely.
Combine salad ingredients: Add the diced pineapple, cucumber, red onion, and chopped cilantro to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together gently to coat the fruit and vegetables evenly with the dressing.
Chill and meld flavors: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste.
Serve and adjust seasoning: Before serving, give the salad a good stir. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt or lime juice if desired. Enjoy this cool, refreshing salad immediately.

Notes

For extra crunch, consider adding toasted pepitas or chopped nuts.
Adjust the chili oil quantity depending on desired spice level.
This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Substitute red onion with green onions for a milder flavor.
Use Persian or English cucumbers for the best texture and taste.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Fusion

Keywords: pineapple cucumber salad, honey lime dressing, fresh cilantro, spicy salad, healthy side dish, gluten free salad