Get ready for your new favorite dip and topping! This Grilled Pineapple Jalapeño Avocado Salsa is an absolute explosion of fresh, vibrant flavors – sweet, smoky, spicy, tangy, and creamy all at once. It features caramelized grilled pineapple mixed with crisp red onion, spicy jalapeño, fresh cilantro, zesty lime juice, and creamy avocado. I am obsessed with this Grilled Pineapple Salsa because grilling the pineapple takes the flavor to another level! It’s incredibly simple with just 6 main ingredients, comes together in minutes after grilling, and is the perfect accompaniment to chips or grilled meats. It’s truly ideal for summer parties, BBQs, or enjoying the beautiful spring weather right now!
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Pineapple Salsa
- Amazing Flavor Profile: Sweet and smoky grilled pineapple, spicy jalapeño, tangy lime, creamy avocado – it hits all the notes!
- Grilling Adds Depth: Grilling the pineapple caramelizes its sugars and adds a wonderful smoky dimension.
- Super Easy & Quick: Minimal ingredients and simple chopping/mixing after a quick grill.
- Fresh & Healthy: Packed with fresh fruit, vegetables, and healthy fats from avocado.
- Versatile: Perfect as a dip with chips or an incredible topping for tacos, fish, chicken, or pork.
Ingredients for Grilled Pineapple Jalapeño Avocado Salsa
Here’s what you’ll need to make this vibrant and flavorful salsa. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Main Ingredients
- Pineapple, cored and sliced (spears or rings) (Fruit)
- Diced red onion (Vegetable)
- Jalapeño, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped (Vegetable)
- Chopped cilantro (Herb)
- Juice of limes (Acid)
- Avocado, pitted and diced (Fruit)
Seasoning
- Salt (to taste) (Seasoning)
For Serving
- Your favorite chips
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Variations
I adore the balance of flavors in this Grilled Pineapple Salsa, but feel free to customize:
- Add Corn or Black Beans: Mix in some grilled corn kernels or rinsed black beans for extra texture and substance.
- Different Peppers: Use serrano pepper for more heat, or diced red bell pepper for sweetness instead of jalapeño.
- Add Mango: Combine grilled pineapple with diced fresh mango for an extra tropical twist.
- Include Garlic: Add one finely minced garlic clove for extra savory depth.
- Different Herbs: Substitute or add fresh mint along with the cilantro.
- Make it Creamy: While avocado adds creaminess, you could stir in a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt (though less traditional for salsa).
How to Make Grilled Pineapple Jalapeño Avocado Salsa
Making this delicious Grilled Pineapple Salsa is easy and quick after grilling the fruit:
Grill the Pineapple
- First, I heat my outdoor grill or a stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat.
- I place the pineapple slices or spears directly onto the hot grill grates.
- I grill for about 2 minutes per side, or just until nice grill marks appear and the pineapple starts to caramelize slightly. I’m not trying to cook it through completely, just get those lovely marks and smoky flavor.
- I remove the grilled pineapple from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes until it’s comfortable to handle.
- Once cool enough, I dice the grilled pineapple into small, bite-sized pieces.
Combine the Salsa
- In a medium bowl, I combine the diced grilled pineapple, the finely diced red onion, the finely chopped jalapeño (remember to remove seeds/ribs for less heat!), and the chopped fresh cilantro.
- I squeeze the fresh lime juice over the mixture (starting with the juice of 1 lime, adding more from the other half if needed).
- I sprinkle with salt (starting with ¼ teaspoon and adding more to taste later).
- I stir everything together gently to combine.
Add Avocado and Serve
- Just before serving, I gently fold in the diced avocado. Adding the avocado last helps prevent it from getting too mashed.
- I taste the Grilled Pineapple Salsa and season with additional salt if desired.
- Serve immediately!
Tips and Tricks for the BEST Pineapple Salsa
Here are my secrets for making this Grilled Pineapple Salsa truly exceptional:
- Use Fresh Pineapple: Fresh pineapple provides the best flavor and texture for grilling compared to canned. Choose one that smells sweet at the base.
- Get Good Grill Marks: Don’t move the pineapple too much while grilling to allow those nice char marks to develop. Medium-high heat is key.
- Dice Uniformly: Cut the pineapple, onion, and avocado into similar small dice for a balanced bite.
- Finely Chop Jalapeño: Mince the jalapeño very finely to distribute the heat evenly. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
- Add Avocado Last: Fold in the delicate avocado gently right before serving to keep its shape and prevent browning too early.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Essential for that bright, tangy kick that balances the sweet pineapple.
How to Serve
This Grilled Pineapple Jalapeño Avocado Salsa is fantastic served as:
- A Dip: The perfect sweet, savory, and spicy dip for tortilla chips at parties or BBQs.
- A Topping for Grilled Meats/Fish: Incredible spooned over grilled chicken breast, pork chops, salmon, or shrimp tacos.
- A Side Dish: A refreshing side salad for summer meals.
- On Tacos: A vibrant topping for fish tacos, carnitas, or al pastor tacos.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Make Ahead and Storage
This salsa is best enjoyed fresh, especially after the avocado is added.
- Make Ahead: You can grill the pineapple and chop the onion, jalapeño, and cilantro up to a day ahead. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Combine these ingredients and add the lime juice and salt up to a few hours before serving.
- Adding Avocado: Add the diced avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
- Storage: Store leftover Grilled Pineapple Salsa (if it contains avocado) in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface for up to 1 day in the refrigerator. The avocado may still brown slightly. Salsa without avocado will last 2-3 days.
FAQs about Grilled Pineapple Salsa
- Can I make this without grilling the pineapple?
- Yes, you can use fresh, diced pineapple without grilling. You’ll miss the smoky, caramelized flavor, but it will still be a delicious fresh pineapple salsa.
- Is this salsa very spicy?
- The heat comes primarily from the jalapeño. Remove all seeds and membranes for a milder salsa, or use less jalapeño. You can also substitute with a milder pepper like Anaheim or omit it altogether.
- What if my pineapple isn’t very sweet?
- Grilling helps concentrate the sugars. If it still needs a touch more sweetness after mixing, you could stir in a teaspoon of honey or agave nectar, but typically ripe pineapple is sweet enough.
Enjoy this incredibly fresh, flavorful, and easy Grilled Pineapple Jalapeño Avocado Salsa! It’s a perfect taste of summer grilling.
Print
Grilled Pineapple Jalapeño Avocado Salsa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Dip, Snack, Salsa, Topping
- Cuisine: Mexican, American, Fusion
Description
This Grilled Pineapple Jalapeño Avocado Salsa is a simple, super flavorful dip for chips or a topping for grilled meats and seafood! The caramelized, grilled pineapple adds incredible depth. It uses only 6 main ingredients and comes together quickly. Perfect for summer parties and grilling!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into spears or rings
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 jalapeño, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 1/2 limes (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 ripe avocado, pitted and diced
- Your favorite tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- Grill Pineapple: Preheat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the pineapple spears or rings directly on the hot grill grates. Grill for about 2 minutes per side, or until distinct grill marks appear and the pineapple is slightly softened and caramelized.
- Cool and Dice Pineapple: Remove the grilled pineapple from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes until safe to handle. Once cool enough, dice the grilled pineapple into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Salsa Base: In a medium bowl, combine the diced grilled pineapple, diced red onion, finely chopped jalapeño, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt (start with 1/4 teaspoon). Stir gently to combine.
- Add Avocado: Add the diced avocado to the bowl. Stir very gently once more to combine, being careful not to mash the avocado too much.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the salsa and season with additional salt if desired. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or as a topping.
Notes
- Pineapple: Use a fresh, ripe pineapple. Grilling brings out its sweetness and adds a smoky char. You can substitute pan-searing in a hot skillet if you don’t have a grill.
- Jalapeño: Adjust the amount of jalapeño and whether you keep any seeds based on your desired heat level. Wear gloves when handling if sensitive.
- Avocado: Use a ripe but firm avocado. Add it last and stir gently to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Serving Suggestions: Delicious as a dip with tortilla chips, or as a topping for grilled chicken, fish tacos, pork chops, or burgers.
- Storage: This salsa is best enjoyed fresh, especially after adding the avocado. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 day (the avocado may brown slightly).