Refreshing Pineapple Cucumber Salad (Print Version)
Fresh pineapple meets cool cucumber in a crisp lime dressing for the ultimate summer side dish.
# What You Need:
→ Produce
01 - 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
02 - 1 large cucumber, diced
03 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
04 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
→ Dressing
05 - 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
07 - 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup (optional, omit for vegan)
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Garnish (optional)
10 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
11 - 1 small fresh red chili, thinly sliced (optional, for heat)
# Directions:
01 - Place the diced pineapple, cucumber, sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro in a large salad bowl.
02 - Whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, honey or agave syrup (if using), salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until fully emulsified.
03 - Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
04 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and fresh chili slices if desired.
05 - Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or refrigerate for up to 1 hour to enhance flavor integration.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The contrast between juicy pineapple and cool cucumber hits differently on hot days when nothing else sounds good
- It comes together in literally fifteen minutes but looks like something from a restaurant
02 -
- This salad starts crying into itself after about an hour so the texture gets a bit sad if you try to meal prep it for days
- The chili heat builds over time so start with less than you think you need
03 -
- Cut everything the same size so you get all flavors in every single bite
- Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for about two minutes until fragrant