Cucumber and Pineapple Salad

There’s just something about a cold, crisp salad on a hot day, and this Cucumber and Pineapple Salad has been on repeat at my house lately. It’s sweet, tangy, refreshing, and takes just a few minutes to throw together. I love serving this alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or even tacos when I need an easy side dish that still feels fresh and colorful.

A white bowl filled with a salad of sliced cucumbers, pineapple chunks, red onion, cilantro, and lime wedges, with a spoon and fresh ingredients nearby.

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I started making this salad during busy summer evenings when I didn’t want to turn on the oven. The juicy pineapple and crunchy cucumber together are such a good combo, and that little drizzle of honey lime dressing ties everything together perfectly. It’s one of those simple recipes that always disappears fast at cookouts and family dinners.

If you love easy fresh salads like this one, you may also enjoy Kale Broccoli Salad, Strawberry Punch, or Apple Salsa for another quick and refreshing side dish.

A bowl of cucumber, pineapple, and red onion salad garnished with cilantro and lime wedges, with a spoon resting in the bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in about 10 minutes with minimal prep work.
  • Fresh and Refreshing: The cucumber and pineapple make this salad light, juicy, and perfect for warm weather.
  • Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients that are easy to find and affordable.
  • Perfect for Cookouts: Great for potlucks, BBQs, taco nights, or light lunches.

Ingredients

Ingredients for a salad arranged on a white surface: sliced cucumber, olive oil, pineapple chunks, chopped cilantro, honey, red onion, salt, pepper, and whole limes.
A square white bowl filled with a salad of sliced cucumbers, pineapple, red onion, and chopped herbs, garnished with lime wedges.

Cucumber and Pineapple Salad

This Pineapple Cucumber Salad is a light and refreshing side dish made with juicy pineapple, crisp cucumbers, red onion, and a sweet honey lime dressing. Perfect for summer cookouts, taco nights, or an easy healthy side dish.
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Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 97kcal
Author: Wendy

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • small mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • cutting board
  • Sharp Knife
  • Measuring spoons

Ingredients

  • 1 large cucumber thinly sliced
  • 2 cups fresh pineapple cut into bite-size chunks
  • ÂĽ small red onion thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ÂĽ teaspoon salt
  • â…› teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro optional

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, pineapple chunks, and red onion.
    A glass bowl with sliced cucumbers, pineapple, and red onion, surrounded by a bottle of oil, limes, chopped herbs, salt, pepper, and a small bowl of honey.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
    A glass bowl with sliced cucumber, pineapple, and red onion, a small bowl of chopped herbs, and a bowl of vinaigrette with a fork on a white surface.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
  • Add the chopped cilantro if using and toss once more before serving.
    A glass bowl containing a salad made of sliced cucumbers, red onions, potatoes, and herbs on a white background.

Notes

  • Chill the salad before serving for the freshest flavor.
  • Cut ingredients into similar-sized pieces for easy eating.
  • Toss gently so the pineapple stays intact.
  • Serve the same day for the crispiest cucumbers.

Storage:

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so no reheating is needed.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended because the cucumbers will become watery after thawing.

Disclaimer:

Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 97kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 0.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 148mg | Potassium: 159mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 90IU | Vitamin C: 43mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Wendy’s Tips

  • Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor and texture. Canned pineapple can be softer and extra sweet.
  • Slice the cucumbers thinly so they soak up more of the dressing.
  • Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving so the flavors can blend together.
  • If red onion feels too strong, soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes before adding them to the salad.
  • Add diced avocado for extra creaminess.
  • Sprinkle in a little TajĂ­n or chili powder for a sweet and spicy twist.
A square white bowl filled with a salad of cucumber, pineapple, red onion, and cilantro, garnished with lime wedges. A spoon, cilantro, and fresh produce surround the bowl.

FAQ

Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it a few hours ahead and keep it chilled in the refrigerator until serving.

What type of cucumber works best?

English cucumbers or mini cucumbers work great because they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin.

How do I know when the pineapple is ripe?

A ripe pineapple should smell sweet at the bottom and have a little give when pressed gently.

Can I use bottled lime juice?

Fresh lime juice is best for flavor, but bottled lime juice can work in a pinch.

Is cilantro necessary?

Nope! The cilantro adds freshness, but you can leave it out if your family doesn’t love cilantro.

A bowl of cucumber and pineapple salad with red onion slices, lime wedges, and herbs, shown with a serving spoon and website branding.

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