Refresh with this Pineapple Cucumber Salad—sweet, crisp, and easy to make. Perfect for summer, healthy meals, and family lunches.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 small chili, finely chopped (for a spicy kick)
Instructions:
- Prepare ingredients: First, dice the pineapple and slice the cucumber and red onion. Meanwhile, chop the fresh mint leaves.
- Mix dressing: Next, whisk together lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. If you like a little heat, add finely chopped chili.
- Combine salad: Then, in a large bowl, combine pineapple, cucumber, red onion, and mint. Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Toss & chill: Afterwards, gently toss all ingredients until well coated. For best flavor, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Finally, serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light snack.
Tips for the Perfect Salad:
- Additionally, use ripe pineapple for natural sweetness.
- Moreover, thinly slice cucumber to ensure a crisp texture.
- Also, add a handful of toasted nuts like cashews or almonds for crunch.
- Finally, prepare the salad shortly before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
Variations:
- Tropical Twist: Add diced mango or papaya for extra tropical flavor.
- Herb Variation: Use basil instead of mint for a different aromatic profile.
- Spicy Version: Increase chili or add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Protein Boost: Add cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or feta cubes for a light protein addition.
Benefits:
- Since pineapple is rich in vitamin C, it boosts immunity.
- Additionally, cucumber is hydrating and supports skin health.
- Moreover, mint aids digestion and adds a refreshing flavor.
- Therefore, this salad is low in calories but high in vitamins and antioxidants.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, Per Serving):
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Protein: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Dietary Fiber: 3 g
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
Kid-Friendly Version:
- For kids, omit chili to keep it mild.
- Additionally, cut pineapple into small, bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
- Moreover, add a few blueberries or strawberries to make it colorful and fun.
- Serve chilled with a side of yogurt for a complete snack.
