Hey busy mom, this Pineapple Cucumber Salad comes together fast and tastes fresh. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and needs no cooking. You get a bright, kid-friendly side that pairs with weeknight proteins or works as a healthy snack.
If you like easy salads that travel well to picnics or potlucks, try this one. It also pairs nicely with a creamy main or another light salad like a chickpea feta avocado salad for an easy build-your-own dinner.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Pineapple Cucumber Salad Recipe
This salad relies on simple, whole ingredients you can find at any grocery store. The pineapple adds sweetness and the cucumber cools things down. Lime juice keeps it bright without overpowering little palates.
Prep stays minimal. No chopping herbs or toasting nuts unless you want to. Kids usually like the sweet fruit and the mild crunch. You can make it ahead and let the flavors settle while you finish dinner.
How to Make Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and diced, 2 cucumbers, peeled and diced, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (optional), Salt and pepper to taste, Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the diced pineapple and cucumbers. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey (if using), salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the fruit and veggies, and gently toss to combine. Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
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Pineapple Cucumber Salad
A refreshing salad with sweet pineapple and crunchy cucumber, perfect for quick meals or snacks.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 cucumbers, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the diced pineapple and cucumbers.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the fruit and veggies, and gently toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For firmer texture, keep dressing separate until serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
How to Serve
Serve this salad alongside grilled chicken or fish for a quick family meal. Scoop it into bowls and let kids add a little extra lime or mint if they like.
Use it as a topping for tacos or grain bowls for a fresh finish. It also makes a light, colorful side for summer BBQs.
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The pineapple releases juice over time, so expect the salad to get slightly wetter.
If you prefer a firmer texture, keep the dressing separate and toss right before serving. Do not freeze this salad. Thawing will make it too soft.
Tips and Variations
- Swap honey for agave to keep it vegan.
- Add a handful of chopped red onion for more bite. Rinse the onion in cold water first to mellow it for kids.
- Sprinkle toasted coconut or chopped macadamia nuts for a tropical twist.
- For a savory version, fold in diced avocado just before serving.
- Want more variety? Try pairing it with a crunchy green like an apple arugula salad with maple pecans for a simple meal spread.
FAQs
Q: Can I use canned pineapple?
A: Fresh tastes best, but drained canned pineapple works in a pinch. Rinse briefly to remove excess syrup.
Q: Will kids eat it if it has lime?
A: Start with a little lime. You can always add more after they taste it.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Make it up to 30 minutes ahead. The flavors improve slightly, but longer storage makes it watery.
Conclusion
This Pineapple Cucumber Salad gives you fresh flavor with almost no fuss. It fits busy weeknights, school lunches, and summer gatherings. Try it tonight, and save this recipe for days when you want something fast, bright, and family-friendly.
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