REFRESHING PINEAPPLE CUCUMBER SALAD

LEEZA JOHAN

Prep time: 15 minutes Servings: 4

This simple, vibrant salad combines juicy, tropical pineapple with crisp, cool cucumber for a refreshing side dish perfect for warm days and light meals. The sweet, savory, and spicy flavor profile is versatile enough to pair with grilled fish, chicken, or tacos, or to enjoy on its own.

REFRESHING PINEAPPLE CUCUMBER SALAD

Ingredients

For the Salad:

  • 2 cups fresh pineapple, cut into ½-inch chunks (about 1 small pineapple)

  • 2 cups English cucumber, diced into ½-inch chunks (about 1 large cucumber, unpeeled)

  • ½ cup red onion, thinly diced

  • ½ cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

  • (Optional) 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely minced (for heat)

For the Dressing:

  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1–2 juicy limes)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, but adds smoothness)

  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for more heat)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fruit and Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced pineapple chunks, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro. If you prefer a spicier salad, add the minced jalapeño.

  2. Make the Dressing: In a small, separate bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.

  3. Combine and Toss: Pour the dressing over the pineapple and cucumber mixture. Gently toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated in the dressing.

  4. Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to marinate in the dressing, making it even more flavorful.

Tips for a Perfect Salad

  • Use Fresh Pineapple: For the sweetest, juiciest flavor, skip canned pineapple and choose a fresh one that is ripe and fragrant.

  • Choose English Cucumbers: These are ideal because they have smaller, thinner seeds and a sweeter skin, so there’s no need to peel them, adding more color and texture.

  • Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to increase the lime juice for more zest or the red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

For more recipes like this, visit fitnessrecipesz.com.

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