Spicy Pineapple Cucumber Salad (Easy & Refreshing!)

Get ready for an explosion of flavors with this incredibly easy and refreshing Pineapple Cucumber Jalapeño Salad! This vibrant salad combines the tropical sweetness of diced pineapple with cool, crisp cucumber, a kick of spicy jalapeño, sharp red onion, and fresh cilantro, all tossed in a simple, zesty lime dressing. I absolutely adore making this Pineapple Cucumber Salad when the weather starts warming up - like right now in beautiful late April! It requires absolutely no cooking, comes together in minutes, and is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, tangy, and refreshing. It's fantastic for potlucks, light dinners, or as a side dish for summer BBQs!  

Why You'll Love This Spicy Pineapple Cucumber Salad

• Sweet & Spicy Flavor: A delicious combination of sweet pineapple, cool cucumber, and spicy jalapeño.  
• Incredibly Refreshing: Packed with juicy pineapple and hydrating cucumber, perfect for warm weather.
• Super Easy & Quick: Just chop and toss! Ready in about 10 minutes.
• Healthy & Vibrant: A colorful salad loaded with fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
• Versatile Side Dish: Pairs wonderfully with grilled foods, tacos, or serves as a light lunch.

Ingredients for Pineapple Cucumber Jalapeño Salad

Here's what you'll need to make this vibrant and easy salad. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Salad Base

• Diced pineapple (fresh or canned) (Fruit)  
• Diced cucumber (Vegetable)
• Jalapeño, seeded and minced (Vegetable)  
• Diced red onion (Vegetable)  
• Chopped fresh cilantro leaves (Herb)  

Dressing & Seasoning

• Lime, juiced (Acid)
• Salt (to taste) (Seasoning)
• Fresh cracked black pepper (to taste) (Spice)

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Variations

I love the bright kick of this Pineapple Cucumber Salad, but feel free to customize it:

• Add Avocado: Gently fold in some diced avocado just before serving for creaminess.
• Include Bell Pepper: Add finely diced red or orange bell pepper for extra color and crunch.
• Different Herbs: Use fresh mint instead of or in addition to cilantro.
• Make it Milder: Use less jalapeño or omit it entirely if you're sensitive to spice. Remember to remove seeds and membranes for less heat!
• Add Corn: Stir in some fresh or frozen (thawed) corn kernels.
• Sweet Onion: Use sweet Vidalia onion or shallots instead of red onion for a milder flavor.

How to Make Pineapple Cucumber Jalapeño Salad

Making this refreshing Pineapple Cucumber Salad is unbelievably easy:

Combine and Serve/Chill

1. In a large serving bowl, I combine all the prepared ingredients: the diced pineapple, diced cucumber, minced jalapeño (seeded for less heat!), diced red onion, and chopped fresh cilantro leaves.  
2. I squeeze the fresh lime juice directly over the ingredients in the bowl.
3. I season generously with salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste.
4. Using a large spoon, I gently toss everything together until well combined and the ingredients are lightly coated with the lime juice.
5. I taste the Pineapple Cucumber Jalapeño Salad and adjust the seasoning if desired (more salt, pepper, or lime juice).
6. I can serve the salad immediately, or I can cover it and keep it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes (or longer) to let the flavors meld and chill further. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Pineapple Salad

Here are my secrets for making this Pineapple Cucumber Salad truly exceptional:

• Use Fresh Pineapple (If Possible): Fresh, ripe pineapple provides the best flavor and texture. Canned pineapple chunks (drained well) can work in a pinch.
• Finely Mince Jalapeño & Onion: Dice these ingredients finely so their flavors distribute evenly without overwhelming individual bites.
• Seed the Jalapeño: For controlled heat, remove the seeds and white membranes from the jalapeño before mincing. Add more seeds back if you like it extra spicy!
• Fresh Lime Juice & Cilantro: Essential for the bright, fresh, zesty flavor profile.
• Chill Time (Optional but Recommended): Letting the salad sit for 15-30 minutes allows the flavors to marry beautifully.

How to Serve

This Pineapple Cucumber Jalapeño Salad is fantastic served chilled or at room temperature! Enjoy it as:

• A Side Dish: Perfect alongside grilled chicken, pork, fish, shrimp skewers, or tacos (especially fish or pork tacos!). A must-have for BBQs!
• A Topping: Spoon it over grilled fish or chicken breasts.
• A Light Lunch: Enjoy a larger portion on its own, perhaps with some added black beans or grilled shrimp.
• With Chips: Serve as a fresh, chunky salsa with tortilla chips.

Make Ahead and Storage

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but components can be prepped ahead:

• Prep Ahead: Chop the pineapple, cucumber, onion, and jalapeño up to a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Chop cilantro just before assembling.
• Assembly: Combine all ingredients and dress within a few hours of serving for the best texture (cucumber and pineapple release water over time).
• Storage: Store leftover Pineapple Cucumber Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It may become more watery as it sits, but the flavors will still be good. Drain off excess liquid before serving leftovers if desired.

FAQs about Pineapple Cucumber Jalapeño Salad

• Can I use canned pineapple?
  • Yes, use pineapple chunks or tidbits packed in juice (not heavy syrup) and drain them very well before dicing and adding to the salad. Fresh pineapple has a superior texture and flavor.
• Is this salad very spicy?
  • The heat level depends entirely on the jalapeño and how much of its seeds and membranes you include. Remove all seeds/membranes for mild heat. Add more or use a spicier pepper like serrano for more kick.
• What kind of cucumber is best?
  • English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers work well as they have thin skin and fewer seeds. If using a regular slicing cucumber, you might want to peel it and scoop out the seeds first.

Enjoy this incredibly refreshing, sweet, spicy, and Easy Pineapple Cucumber Jalapeño Salad! It's a perfect burst of flavor for warmer days.

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