Easy Pineapple Salsa Recipe - Savory Nothings (2024)

20 minutes mins

| 12 Comments |

5 from 15 votes

Jump to Recipe | Updated: | by Nora

This easy Pineapple Salsa is the perfect healthy dip for chips, or serve it as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.

Easy Pineapple Salsa Recipe - Savory Nothings (1)

We love nothing more than making a meal out of chips and dip during the hot summer months. But since that’s kind of… not the healthiest, I like to at least make sure one of our dips is filled with fruit and veggies.

This pineapple salsa is an absolute favorite – and so easy to make, it is an absolute staple for us during hot days!

Jump to:
  • Ingredients you’ll need
  • How to make Pineapple Salsa
  • Recipe tips
  • Serving ideas
  • Printable recipe
  • More easy dips and salsas
  • Comments

Ingredients you’ll need

Here is a visual overview of the ingredients in the recipe. Scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities!

Easy Pineapple Salsa Recipe - Savory Nothings (2)

Ingredient notes

  • Pineapple: I love using fresh, but canned pineapple in juice works very well, too.
  • Sweet peppers: If you don’t like green pepper, feel free to use two red instead. I would recommend adding a chopped green onion as well if you’re skipping the green pepper, just to get some of that sharper taste in there. Otherwise, I find the salsa a little too sweet.
  • Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, feel free to use chopped parsley instead.
  • Lime juice: I use fresh lime juice because it helps keep the pineapple from browning better than bottled. Feel free to use bottled, but I would recommend you eat the salsa right away.
  • Honey: I prefer using a mild, runny honey for this recipe. It mixes better into the dressing and doesn’t overwhelm the flavor of the other ingredients.
  • Add heat: Feel free to add some de-seeded, chopped Jalapeño or chilies to the salsa for heat.

How to make Pineapple Salsa

Once you have all of your ingredients prepped, add them to a bowl.

(I have instructions for how to cut a pineapple and how to cut a bell pepper in those separate posts, if you’re new to cooking.)

Then, whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or measuring jug.

  • Easy Pineapple Salsa Recipe - Savory Nothings (3)
  • Easy Pineapple Salsa Recipe - Savory Nothings (4)

Then pour over the dressing and immediately toss to evenly coat all of the ingredients and mix everything well.

  • Easy Pineapple Salsa Recipe - Savory Nothings (5)
  • Easy Pineapple Salsa Recipe - Savory Nothings (6)

If you want to present this in a pretty way to serve for a party or special event, I recommend hollowing out half of a pineapple and spooning the salsa inside to serve!

I usually use a new pineapple and carefully hollow it out with a sharp paring knife, then chop and freeze it for smoothies. That way I don’t need to worry about being overly careful with getting the pineapple out intact enough to dice for the salsa, and can just focus on keeping my pineapple boat looking great.

Easy Pineapple Salsa Recipe - Savory Nothings (7)

Recipe tips

  • You can dice your ingredients as chunky or as small as you like. I generally keep it chunky-style if I want to serve it as more of a side salad, and dice it finely if I want to serve it with chips as a dip. I took the photos for this salsa on two different days, the salsa in the pineapple is diced smaller and the salsa in the ingredient and step-by-step photos is cut chunkier.
  • Pineapple browns over time after it’s cut, so please do not skip the lime juice in the recipe. It helps to keep the pineapple looking fresh.
  • If you have picky eaters who will find a piece of onion the size of a breadcrumb, just serve chopped red onion on the side. Ask me how I know ?
  • You can make the salsa up to 24 hours ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge. Keep in mind, it’s quite flavorful and your fridge will probably gather some smells while the salsa is in there.
Easy Pineapple Salsa Recipe - Savory Nothings (8)

Serving ideas

We love this as an appetizer or snack with chips. But it’s also a great topping for baked or grilled chicken or fish. We love it over Lemon Grilled Chicken, or Lemon Garlic Baked Cod!

And it’s also the perfect healthy side for my Coconut Oven Fried Chicken, or for Crispy Oven Fried Fish.

PSIf you try this recipe, please leavea review in the comment section and add a star rating in the recipe card – I appreciate your feedback! Follow along onPinterest,FacebookorInstagram.

Printable recipe

Printable Recipe Card

Easy Pineapple Salsa Recipe - Savory Nothings (9)

Save Recipe

Easy Pineapple Salsa

This easy Pineapple Salsa is the perfect heathy dip for chips, or serve it as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.

Recipe by Nora from Savory Nothings

made it? tap the stars to add your rating!

Print Add Review

Recipe details

Prep 20 minutes mins

Total 20 minutes mins

Servings 6 servings

Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

  • 1 small pineapple chopped (about 3 cups)
  • 1 small red pepper diced
  • 1 small green pepper diced
  • ½ red onion chopped
  • ¼ cup cilantro chopped
  • ¼ cup lime juice from about 1-2 medium-large limes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Add pineapple, both peppers, red onio and cilantro to a medium bowl.

  • Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, ground cumin and salt.

  • Pour dressing over salsa ingredients in bowl and toss well. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24h before serving.

Want to save this recipe?Create an account for free to start your personal recipe box. Save any recipe by tapping the heart in the bottom right corner.

Join Now

Notes

Ingredient notes

  • Pineapple: I love using fresh, but canned pineapple in juice works very well, too.
  • Sweet peppers: If you don’t like green pepper, feel free to use two red instead. I would recommend adding a chopped green onion as well if you’re skipping the green pepper, just to get some of that sharper taste in there. Otherwise, I find the salsa a little too sweet.
  • Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, feel free to use chopped parsley instead.
  • Lime juice: I use fresh lime juice because it helps keep the pineapple from browning better than bottled. Feel free to use bottled, but I would recommend you eat the salsa right away.
  • Honey: I prefer using a mild, runny honey for this recipe. It mixes better into the dressing and doesn’t overwhelm the flavor of the other ingredients.
  • Add heat: Feel free to add some de-seeded, chopped Jalapeño or chilies to the salsa for heat.

Recipe tips

  • You can dice your ingredients as chunky or as small as you like. I generally keep it chunky-style if I want to serve it as more of a side salad, and dice it finely if I want to serve it with chips as a dip. I took the photos for this salsa on two different days, the salsa in the pineapple is diced smaller and the salsa in the ingredient and step-by-step photos is cut chunkier.
  • Pineapple browns over time after it’s cut, so please do not skip the lime juice in the recipe. It helps to keep the pineapple looking fresh.
  • If you have picky eaters who will find a piece of onion the size of a breadcrumb, just serve chopped red onion on the side. Ask me how I know ?
  • You can make the salsa up to 24 hours ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge. Keep in mind, it’s quite flavorful and your fridge will probably gather some smells while the salsa is in there.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 117kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 198mgPotassium: 266mgFiber: 3gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 825IUVitamin C: 117.5mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 0.8mg

Nutrition is an estimate.

More recipe information

Suitable for: Gluten Free

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: Mexican

Recipe first published on 06/20/2019. Updated with better text, step by step photos and better recipe directions on 04/10/2021.

More easy dips and salsas

  • Chunky Avocado Salsa
  • Avocado, Mango and Black Bean Salsa
  • 5 Minute Homemade Fresh Salsa
  • Easy Homemade Guacamole
  • Homemade Chipotle Mayo
  • Copycat Chick-Fil-A Sauce

Easy Pineapple Salsa Recipe - Savory Nothings (16)
About Nora
When I got married to my professional chef husband, I realized I had to step up my game in the kitchen. Now I share my favorite foolproof family recipes here on Savory Nothings: Chef-approved, kid-vetted and easy enough for everyday home cooks like you and me! Learn more.

Reader Interactions

< Previous Post Next Post >

Add a Review or Ask a Question

Comments

  1. Deborah says

    I am not a big fan of limes. (l know that may be strange!)
    So, could you sub lemon, orange, or even grapefruit for the lime in this Pineapple
    Salsa recipe?

    Reply

    • Nora says

      Yes Deborah, of course! I think orange in particular would be quite lovely in this recipe.

      Reply

  2. Mary says

    Easy Pineapple Salsa Recipe - Savory Nothings (19)
    This recipe is money! Served over shrimp and coconut rice, leftovers over salmon patties and with tortilla chips. Restaurant quality!

    Reply

    • Nora says

      I’m so glad, Mary!

      Reply

      • L says

        Easy Pineapple Salsa Recipe - Savory Nothings (20)
        So delicious! Will make it again and again!

        Reply

  3. Mary says

    This recipe is money. Perfect with shrimp, served leftover salsa with tortilla chips and over salmon patties.

    Reply

    • Nora says

      I’m so glad, Mary!

      Reply

  4. Docmike says

    Just like a restaurant would serve. Thank you.

    Reply

    • Nora says

      I’m so glad!

      Reply

  5. Stacey Sickinger says

    Easy Pineapple Salsa Recipe - Savory Nothings (21)
    Great over almond crusted halibut

    Reply

  6. Kathy Colwell says

    Ate this on Mexican food night with chips as an appetizer and then ate it over fresh grilled redfish in the half shell the next night. It was so easy and so very tasty. I added a little bit of chopped spicy peppers (Tabasco peppers from our garden) for a little kick.

    Reply

    • Nora Rusev says

      Your serving suggestions sound delicious, Kathy. Thanks for the inspiration!

      Reply

Easy Pineapple Salsa Recipe - Savory Nothings (2024)

FAQs

What is pineapple salsa made of? ›

In a medium bowl, combine pineapple, red pepper, cilantro, red onion, jalapeño, garlic, and lime juice. Stir until well combined. Season with salt, to taste. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

What gives salsa more flavor? ›

Cook the salsa, and you'll trade bright, fresh flavors for something deeper, sweeter. Roasting the tomatoes, garlic and/or chiles creates rich, smoky flavors. 3. Layer in flavor, color, and texture with bell peppers, jicama, radishes, fresh corn kernels, avocado, or black beans.

What goes best with pineapple? ›

It's delicious on its own—and extra-delicious roasted, sautéed, or grilled, slicked with rum or topped with ice cream. (Or piled on French toast.) But pineapple can shine in savory dishes too: It's great with seafood, pork, chicken, or pretty much any protein that needs a touch of tangy sweetness.

What are the ingredients in Trader Joe's pineapple salsa? ›

INGREDIENTS: rushed pineapple, tomato puree, diced green chiles, tomatoes, pineapple juice, fresh onions, water, brown sugar, cider vinegar, jalapenos, fresh garlic, sea salt, cumin, cilantro. equipment shared with eggs tree nuts & soy. facility processes milk, peanuts & shellfish.

Why does Mexican restaurant salsa taste so good? ›

A unique blend of fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice contributes to the vibrant, lively taste of restaurant-style salsa.

How do you make homemade salsa taste better? ›

All great salsa need a hit of acidity to lighten and brighten their flavors. Perry and Damuck like lime juice (skip the zest; it's too perfume-y), plain white vinegar, or red wine vinegar, which is a nice match for the tomatoes. Avoid vinegars with overly bossy or clashing flavors, like balsamic and apple cider.

Why is my salsa so bland? ›

Blandness usually comes from lack of seasoning. When you prepare a dish like spaghetti sauce you want to season as you go, not just at the end. Salt enhances the flavor of foods as well as performs some important functions during cooking, like drawing moisture out of ingredients and intensifying their flavor.

Why do you put lemon juice in salsa? ›

Acidic Ingredients

The acid ingredients in salsa help preserve it. You must add acid to canned salsa because the natural acidity may not be high enough. Commonly used acids are vinegar and bottled lemon juice. Lemon juice is more acidic than vinegar and has less effect on flavor.

What not to mix with pineapple? ›

07/8Pineapple and milk

A compound bromelain in pineapple when mixed with milk causes a series of problems to your body such as stomach gas, nausea, infections, headache, and stomach pain.

What flavor enhances pineapple? ›

Pineapple: Pairs well with other tropical fruits, banana, basil, caramel, chile pepper, cilantro, cinnamon, coconut, ginger, lime, macadamia, mango, orange, pepper, raspberry, rosemary, strawberry, and tamarind.

What not to take with pineapple? ›

Bromelain can also interact with some medications. Those taking antibiotics, anticoagulants, blood thinners, anticonvulsants, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, insomnia drugs and tricyclic antidepressants should be careful not to eat too much pineapple.

What do people sprinkle on pineapple? ›

Li Hing Powder - we love it, Hawai'i people can't get enough of it. It's a classic Hawaiian style seasoning commonly used on fresh fruit (pineapple, apple, watermelon, mangoes...) We've even seen someone use it in their fried chicken recipe!

What is the name of the drink with pineapple? ›

Piña Colada

This balanced version combines light rum, cream of coconut, and pineapple and lime juices, shaken and strained over pebble ice.

What does pineapple on the table mean? ›

The Pineapple as a Symbol for Hospitality in the South

While the pineapple became readily available across the United States, it also found its way to becoming a symbol of hospitality and firmly planted itself in the homes and traditions of Southerners.

What is salsa usually made of? ›

Salsa roja or “red salsa” usually includes cooked red tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers. Pico de gallo is a popular form of uncooked salsa made from lime juice and coarsely chopped raw ingredients including tomatoes, onions, and cilantro leaves.

What is authentic Mexican salsa made of? ›

Take the stems off the peppers and throw away the stems. Place the peppers and seeds in the bender. Blend well. Next toss in the stewed tomatoes with juice, 1 jalepeno (sliced), 1/2 yellow onion (quarterd), 1 garlic clove, handful of cilantro, lemon juice, salt and pepper and blend til you have the consistancy desired.

What compound gives pineapple its flavor? ›

It has been reported that esters were the most abundant pineapple volatiles, in particular, ethyl hexanoate and methyl hexanoate which have the highest contribution to the pineapple aroma [21].

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Terence Hammes MD

Last Updated:

Views: 6067

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Terence Hammes MD

Birthday: 1992-04-11

Address: Suite 408 9446 Mercy Mews, West Roxie, CT 04904

Phone: +50312511349175

Job: Product Consulting Liaison

Hobby: Jogging, Motor sports, Nordic skating, Jigsaw puzzles, Bird watching, Nordic skating, Sculpting

Introduction: My name is Terence Hammes MD, I am a inexpensive, energetic, jolly, faithful, cheerful, proud, rich person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.