Vibrant Pineapple Cucumber Salad with Zesty Lime Kick Recipe

Introduction

This vibrant pineapple cucumber salad is a refreshing blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. With a zesty lime dressing and optional feta for a salty contrast, it’s perfect for a light snack or a side dish on warm days.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
• 1 large English cucumber, diced (or 2 Persian cucumbers)
• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for spice)
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for a salty contrast)
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Dice the pineapple into bite-sized cubes, about ½-inch pieces. Let excess juice drain for a minute before adding to the bowl for the freshest flavor.
2. Step 2: Dice the cucumber into similarly sized pieces as the pineapple. If using regular cucumbers instead of English, peel and remove seeds first.
3. Step 3: Thinly slice the red onion and place it in a small bowl of ice water for 5 minutes to mellow the sharp flavor. Drain thoroughly.
4. Step 4: Combine the pineapple, cucumber, drained red onion, and chopped cilantro in a large mixing bowl. Add the jalapeño slices if using.
5. Step 5: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until well emulsified.
6. Step 6: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. The lime dressing should lightly glaze each piece without pooling.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top if using, adding a creamy, salty contrast to the sweet and tangy flavors.
8. Step 8: Serve immediately for best texture and flavor, or chill for up to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

• To reduce heat, remove the jalapeño seeds before slicing.
• Swap honey for agave syrup to keep the salad vegan.
• Try adding diced avocado for a creamy twist.
• Use Persian cucumbers for a milder cucumber flavor and less seedy texture.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, avoid storing with the feta cheese on top; add it just before serving. Gently toss before serving again. Reheating is not recommended as the fresh ingredients are best enjoyed chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad and dressing separately and combine just before serving. This helps keep the cucumber crisp. The salad tastes best within 24 hours.

What can I use instead of feta cheese?

If you prefer a dairy-free option, try using crumbled tofu or omit the cheese altogether. Toasted nuts like almonds or cashews can also add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.

Vibrant Pineapple Cucumber Salad with Zesty Lime Kick Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 132 reviews

A refreshing and vibrant pineapple cucumber salad featuring diced fresh pineapple, crisp cucumbers, and a zesty lime dressing with a hint of honey and spice. This salad combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with optional feta cheese and jalapeño for a delightful kick, perfect as a light side dish or snack.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
• 1 large English cucumber, diced (or 2 Persian cucumbers)
• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Dressing Ingredients

• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare Pineapple: Dice the pineapple into bite-sized cubes about ½-inch pieces. Allow excess juice to drain for a minute before adding to the salad bowl to prevent sogginess.
2. Prepare Cucumber: Dice the cucumber into similar-sized pieces as the pineapple. For regular cucumbers, peel and remove the seeds first for best texture and flavor.
3. Mellow Onion: Thinly slice the red onion and place in a small bowl of ice water for 5 minutes. This step mellows out the sharpness of the onion. Drain thoroughly afterward.
4. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine pineapple, cucumber, drained red onion, and chopped cilantro. Add jalapeño slices if you want a spicy kick.
5. Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, honey or maple syrup, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well emulsified.
6. Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly. The dressing should lightly glaze each piece without pooling at the bottom of the bowl.
7. Add Feta Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top if using. This adds a creamy, salty contrast to the sweet and tangy flavors.
8. Serve or Chill: Serve immediately for the freshest texture and flavor or chill the salad for up to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Notes

• Use ripe but firm pineapple for the best texture in the salad.
• English cucumbers are preferred for their thin skin and fewer seeds, but Persian cucumbers are a good substitute.
• Adjust the amount of jalapeño and red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
• For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
• The salad is best served fresh but can be chilled for up to 30 minutes before serving.

Keywords: pineapple cucumber salad, lime dressing, fresh salad, summer salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, refreshing side dish