Pineapple Cucumber Salad

Content… The Secret Is the Dressing Recipe Ingredients How to Make It Flavor Additions What to Serve More Refreshing Summer Salad Recipes Watch How to Make It

The Secret Is the Dressing

If your salad is boring, ramp it up with a well-balanced dressing. Simple ingredients combine for an intense flavor that will make the salad your lunch showpiece! The secret to a great dressing is the perfect balance of acidity, sweetness, and fat (because fat is what carries flavor).

This humble dressing is chock full of flavor with lime juice and vinegar (acidity), olive oil (fat), and honey (sweetness). Then make it your own with spices like red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. A dash of ground cumin and coriander would add to the tropical taste.

Cucumber Pineapple Salad Ingredients

These easily accessible ingredients mean you don’t need a special occasion to whip this up. Just 10-15 minutes, and you’ll have a refreshing salad in no time!

1. Pineapple chunks are the star of this show. Natural sweetness and acidity deliver a refreshing salad experience.
2. Cucumbers – Hydrating and refreshing, this veggie (technically a fruit) adds a delicious crunch.
3. Veggie Additions – Red onions add a gorgeous vibrance and aromatic flavor.
4. Salad Dressing – Lime juice, olive oil, honey, red pepper flakes, white vinegar, salt, and pepper create the perfect balance of sweet, sour, oil, and spice.

How to Make Pineapple Cucumber Salad

• Dressing – Mix the lime juice, olive oil, honey, red pepper flakes, white vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Vigorously whisk until blended.
• Salad – In a large mixing bowl, add pineapple chunks, cucumber slices, red onion slices, diced jalapeno, diced avocado, diced bell pepper, and chopped cilantro. 
• Assemble – Pour the vinaigrette dressing over the salad and toss until it coats every inch of the salad blend.
• Serve – Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour or until ready to serve.

What Else Can You Add?

Depending on your preference, you can always customize and add other fruits or fresh vegetables to your pineapple salad.

1. Add some green leafy lettuce, such as romaine, arugula, and dandelion greens
2. Other tropical fruits like mangos, passionfruit, and pomegranates are tasty additions
3. Dried fruit like cranberries, apples, and raisins give your salad a delightful taste 
4. Make it a healthy, one-dish salad by topping it with some air fryer coconut shrimp
5. Toss in some grated parmesan or mild cheddar cheese for a heartier side dish

What to Serve With Pineapple Cucumber Salad

This refreshing, mouthwatering pineapple salad is perfect for summer getaways or backyard barbecue parties! Be ready to impress your family and guests by serving it with baby back ribs, shrimp kabobs, or grilled chicken wings. Garlic bread is the perfect side, and feel free to top it with homemade croutons.

More Refreshing Summer Salad Recipes

Looking for more healthy and delicious salads? Check these recipes out.

1. Salmon Salad
2. Watermelon Salad
3. Chef Salad
4. Cucumber Tomato Salad

Watch How to Make It

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This blog post was originally published in July 2020 and has been updated with additional tips, new photos, and a video