Easy Pineapple Cucumber Salad – Fresh, Healthy Tropical Side Dish

Pineapple Cucumber Salad is the ultimate bright and refreshing salad for warm days, quick lunches, and effortless entertaining. This easy Pineapple Cucumber Salad combines juicy fresh pineapple, crisp English cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh cilantro, all tossed in a zesty lime dressing with honey and olive oil. With optional jalapeño for heat and crumbled feta for salty contrast, this healthy tropical salad delivers sweet, tangy, crunchy, and slightly spicy flavors in every bite. Whether you’re searching for a quick no-cook summer salad, a vegetarian side dish for barbecues, or a light and fresh fruit and vegetable salad for meal prep, Pineapple Cucumber Salad comes together in just 10 minutes and tastes like sunshine in a bowl.

Introduction

There are some recipes that instantly transport you somewhere warm and breezy. Pineapple Cucumber Salad is one of them.

It’s vibrant. It’s colorful. It’s packed with texture. And it comes together faster than you can set the table.

This salad balances sweet and savory in the most refreshing way. The pineapple brings juicy tropical sweetness. The cucumber adds cooling crunch. Red onion provides a sharp bite, while cilantro adds herbal freshness. A simple lime dressing ties everything together with brightness and just a hint of sweetness. If you choose to add jalapeño, you get a subtle kick. If you finish it with feta, you introduce a creamy, salty contrast that makes each bite more complex.

It’s perfect for summer cookouts, picnics, light lunches, taco nights, or anytime you want something crisp and refreshing without turning on the stove. And because it’s a no-cook recipe, it’s ideal for busy days when you still want something homemade and vibrant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in 10 minutes – Minimal prep and no cooking required.
• Bright tropical flavor – Sweet pineapple meets zesty lime and fresh herbs.
• Perfect texture contrast – Juicy, crunchy, creamy, and crisp in every bite.
• Naturally vegetarian – Fresh ingredients with optional feta for added richness.
• Great for meal prep – Can be prepped ahead with simple timing adjustments.
• Customizable heat level – Add or skip jalapeño and red pepper flakes.

Ingredients Breakdown

Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

For the Salad

• 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
  Brings natural sweetness and tropical juiciness. Dice into bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
• 1 large English cucumber, diced (or 2 Persian cucumbers)
  Adds refreshing crunch and mild flavor that balances the pineapple.
• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
  Provides sharpness and contrast.
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  Adds brightness and herbal depth.
• 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for spice)
  Introduces gentle heat if desired.
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for a salty contrast)
  Adds creamy saltiness that complements the sweet pineapple.

For the Dressing

• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  Delivers fresh acidity and brightness.
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  Balances the lime with a touch of sweetness.
• 1 tbsp olive oil
  Adds smoothness and helps coat the salad evenly.
• ½ tsp salt
  Enhances flavor and draws out natural juices.
• ¼ tsp black pepper
  Adds mild warmth.
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  Boosts spice level if desired.

All quantities remain exactly as listed for optimal flavor balance.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small mixing bowl
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Serving spoon

Optional:

• Citrus juicer for fresh lime juice
• Mandoline for ultra-thin onion slices

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Dice 2 cups fresh pineapple into bite-sized pieces.

Slice 1 large English cucumber into half-moons or small cubes.

Thinly slice ¼ small red onion and 1 small jalapeño if using.

Chop ¼ cup fresh cilantro.

Crumble ¼ cup feta cheese if using.

Keep ingredients separate until assembly.

2. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• 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 (if using)

Whisk until fully combined and slightly emulsified.

3. Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine:

• Diced pineapple
• Diced cucumber
• Sliced red onion
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapeño (if using)

Drizzle the lime dressing over the top.

Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Sprinkle with ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese, if using.

4. Serve & Enjoy

Serve immediately for maximum crunch.

Or refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

Garnish with extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime before serving if desired.

Tips & Variations

Vegetarian

This recipe is naturally vegetarian. Use maple syrup instead of honey to make it vegan.

Gluten-Free

This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Dairy-Free

Simply omit the feta cheese.

Adjusting Spice

• Omit jalapeño and red pepper flakes for a mild version.
• Include both for a noticeable kick.

Extra Crunch

Add chopped peanuts or cashews as noted.

Milder Onion Flavor

Soak sliced red onion in cold water for 5 minutes before adding to reduce sharpness.

Flavor Profile

Pineapple Cucumber Salad delivers a layered flavor experience.

The pineapple is juicy and sweet, offering tropical brightness. The cucumber is cool and crisp, creating refreshing contrast. Lime juice brings sharp acidity that lifts every ingredient. Honey smooths the tartness. Olive oil adds subtle richness.

Red onion introduces bite, cilantro adds green freshness, and jalapeño contributes gentle heat. Feta cheese, if used, brings creamy saltiness that enhances both sweet and savory elements.

The texture combination—crunchy cucumber, tender pineapple, silky dressing, and optional creamy feta—makes each forkful dynamic and satisfying.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

Based on 4 servings:

• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 5mg (if using feta)

Dietary Notes:

• Vegetarian
• Gluten-free
• Can be dairy-free
• Can be vegan (use maple syrup and omit feta)

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

Prep in Advance

Chop pineapple, cucumber, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro up to 6 hours in advance.

Store Separately

For best texture, keep dressing separate until just before serving.

Refrigeration

Store assembled salad in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Texture is best within the first day.

Best Practice

Add feta just before serving to maintain freshness.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple?

Fresh pineapple is recommended for best texture and flavor.

Can I make this ahead for a party?

Yes. Prep ingredients up to 6 hours ahead, add dressing right before serving.

How spicy is it?

With both jalapeño and red pepper flakes, it has moderate heat. Omit either for less spice.

Can I skip cilantro?

Yes, though it contributes fresh herbal notes.

What cucumber works best?

English cucumber or Persian cucumbers are ideal due to thin skins and fewer seeds.

Cooking Timeline

Task	Time
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	0 minutes
Total Time	10 minutes
Servings	4

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in a wide shallow bowl to showcase vibrant colors.
• Garnish with additional cilantro leaves.
• Add a final squeeze of fresh lime just before serving.
• Spoon into lettuce cups for an elegant presentation.
• Serve chilled for maximum refreshment.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Tropical Version – Use both jalapeño and red pepper flakes generously.
2. Sweet & Savory Contrast – Include feta for added creaminess.
3. Extra Herbal Boost – Increase cilantro slightly for more green freshness.
4. Nutty Crunch Remix – Add chopped peanuts or cashews for texture.

Ingredient Spotlight

Fresh Pineapple

Choose a pineapple that smells fragrant at the base and feels heavy for its size. The flesh should be bright yellow and juicy. Store whole at room temperature for short periods or refrigerate once cut. Fresh pineapple provides natural enzymes and vibrant sweetness that define this salad.

English Cucumber

Look for firm cucumbers with smooth, unwrinkled skin. English cucumbers have fewer seeds and thinner skin, making them ideal for raw salads. Store in the refrigerator and use within several days for best crunch.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Cut ingredients into uniform pieces for balanced bites.
• Toss gently to avoid breaking the pineapple.
• Chill briefly to allow flavors to meld without softening texture.
• Taste and adjust salt before serving, especially if adding feta.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Refrigerator

Store in airtight container up to 24 hours for best quality.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended due to high water content.

Reheating

Not applicable. This salad is served cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	120
Protein	2g
Carbs	16g
Fat	5g
Fiber	2g

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian, gluten-free, optional dairy, can be vegan.

Expanded Conclusion

Pineapple Cucumber Salad proves that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. In just 10 minutes, you can prepare a colorful, refreshing, flavor-packed dish that feels both light and satisfying.

It’s bright enough for summer gatherings, quick enough for weeknights, and versatile enough to fit countless occasions. Whether you enjoy it as a side dish, a light lunch, or part of a festive spread, this salad brings freshness to the table every single time.

Save this recipe for your next warm-weather meal, share it with friends, and keep it in your rotation whenever you need something crisp, tropical, and effortlessly delicious.

Print