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This Pineapple Cucumber Salad is a vibrant combination of sweet, juicy pineapple, crisp cucumber, and tangy red onion, all tossed in a zesty sesame oil and lime dressing. Ready in just five minutes, it’s the perfect healthy side dish for BBQs, family dinners, or light lunches. Whether it’s a warm summer day or a chilly winter evening, this refreshing salad will add a burst of flavor and freshness to your table.

Pineapple and cucumber are refreshing flavors independently, but put them together in this delicious Pineapple Cucumber Salad and it is truly fireworks! Healthy, delicious, and flavorful, this salad combines a variety of flavors to make a perfect salad.

Why You’ll Love Pineapple Cucumber Salad

Bursting with Flavor: The sweetness of pineapple, the crunch of cucumber, and the zest of red onion combine beautifully with the tangy dressing to create an explosion of taste.
Quick and Easy: With only five ingredients and two simple steps, this salad comes together in just five minutes—perfect for busy days.
Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, this salad is as nourishing as it is delicious.
Versatile Side Dish: Whether served at a summer BBQ, a family gathering, or as a light lunch, this salad fits every occasion.
Year-Round Favorite: With ingredients readily available all year, you can enjoy this refreshing dish any season.

Juicy pineapple, crunchy cucumber, and zesty onion flavors are a perfect combination in this mouthwatering salad. With just five ingredients and two simple steps, this homemade salad tastes like something straight out of a five-star kitchen. Taking only five minutes to make, this Pineapple Cucumber Salad recipe is quick and easy, while still being totally delicious. Five-star taste in five minutes, this recipe is not one to be missed!

Ingredients for Pineapple Cucumber Salad

Fresh Pineapple – Sweet and juicy, it adds natural sweetness to the salad.
English Cucumber – Crisp and refreshing, it brings a cool crunch to every bite.
Red Onion – Finely chopped for a zesty kick that balances the sweetness of the pineapple.
Sesame Oil – Provides a nutty, aromatic flavor that ties the ingredients together.
Fresh Lime Juice – Adds brightness and tang, enhancing the overall flavor of the salad.

For the exact measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

High in Vitamin C and antioxidants, pineapple is a refreshing fruit option. Combined with the cool crunch of fiber-rich English cucumber and zingy chopped onion, it makes for a delicious and healthy salad. With all the flavors in this Pineapple Cucumber Salad recipe, your taste-buds will be smiling. This recipe is proof that healthy, clean meal preparation doesn’t have to mean flavorless and bland meals.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Pineapple Cucumber Salad

Cutting Board – For chopping the pineapple, cucumber, and onion.
Sharp Knife – Essential for precise cuts and ease when slicing the ingredients.
Large Mixing Bowl – To combine all the salad ingredients with the dressing.
Small Bowl – Perfect for whisking together the sesame oil and lime juice dressing.
Whisk or Fork – To blend the dressing ingredients into a smooth mixture.

How To Make Pineapple Cucumber Salad

Start by preparing the dressing. In a small bowl, combine sesame oil and freshly squeezed lime juice, whisking until smooth.
Chop the pineapple into bite-sized chunks and slice the cucumber into small pieces. Finely chop the red onion for a burst of tangy flavor.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pineapple, cucumber, and onion.
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients, and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for a few minutes before serving to enjoy a cool, refreshing salad.

Despite taking only five minutes to make, this recipe also includes a homemade dressing. No store-bought bottles in sight! To make this salad, you’ll start by combining sesame oil and lime juice in a cup. Whisk the ingredients together and you’re already halfway there. Once you have made your dressing, put the pineapple chunks, cucumber, and onion into a large bowl. Add in your dressing and toss until all your ingredients are combined. That’s it! You now have a healthy and flavorful salad that packs a flavor punch.

Don’t know how to cut a fresh pineapple? It’s very easy when you follow my guide how to cut a pineapple with step-by-step pictures!

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a refreshing side dish alongside Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Honey Lemon Glaze, Oven-Baked Crispy Breaded Fish, or Juicy Boneless Chuck Steak in the Air Fryer for a balanced summer meal.
Pair it with Baked Ground Beef Tacos or Taco Burrito Rice Bowls with Mexican Flavors to add a fresh, sweet element to your Mexican-inspired spread.
Spoon it over a bed of Fresh Lettuce Salad with Avocado and Tomatoes for a light and vibrant salad bowl.
Use it as a topping for poke bowls or alongside Trader Joe’s Korean-Style Frozen Kimbap Sushi Rolls for an extra burst of flavor.
Enjoy it on its own as a healthy snack or light lunch option.

Delicious and refreshing, this salad would make a great side when grilling. It would be a surprising dish sure to please at a family gathering, barbeque, or picnic. You’re sure to love the combination of flavors and textures this Pineapple Cucumber Salad brings. Enjoy it in the summer months as a refreshing option, or let it brighten up a dreary wintery day. It is perfect year-round with these easy-to-find ingredients.

Whether you are in search of a recipe that is healthy, unique, or just easy, this Pineapple Cucumber Salad recipe checks every box. It is a great way to add some much-needed nutrients to your day without sacrificing time or flavor. Bringing together favorite flavors in an unexpected way, this recipe is as unique as it is delicious. You’ll come back to it again and again through all the seasons.

Tips For Success

Choose the Best Pineapple: For the sweetest flavor, pick a pineapple that is golden in color, slightly soft to the touch, and has a fragrant aroma. Avoid pineapples that are green or have a sour smell.
Use an English Cucumber: English cucumbers have a thinner skin and fewer seeds than regular cucumbers, making them perfect for salads. If you’re using a regular cucumber, consider peeling it and scooping out the seeds for the best texture.
Finely Chop the Onion: Red onion can have a strong flavor, so chop it finely to distribute its taste evenly throughout the salad without overpowering the other ingredients.
Balance the Dressing: Adjust the lime juice and sesame oil to taste. If you like more tang, add extra lime juice; if you prefer a nuttier flavor, increase the sesame oil slightly.
Serve Fresh: While this salad can be stored for a day or two, it’s best enjoyed fresh to preserve the crisp texture of the cucumber and the juiciness of the pineapple.

Variations and Substitutions

Add Herbs: Toss in some fresh mint, cilantro, or basil to add a fragrant, herbal twist to the salad.
Spicy Kick: For a little heat, include thinly sliced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of sriracha.
Fruity Twist: Swap out half the pineapple for another tropical fruit like mango, papaya, or watermelon for a mix of flavors.
Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of toasted nuts or seeds, such as cashews, peanuts, or sunflower seeds, for extra texture.
Low-Sodium Option: If you want to add soy sauce for an umami flavor, choose a low-sodium variety to keep it light and fresh.
Cucumber Alternatives: Try zucchini or thinly sliced celery if you don’t have cucumber on hand.
Dressing Variations: Experiment with a splash of honey for sweetness or a teaspoon of rice vinegar for extra tang in the dressing.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumber may release some water over time, so drain any excess liquid before serving again.
Freezing: This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the high water content in the pineapple and cucumber, which affects the texture when thawed.
Reheating: This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. For the best flavor and freshness, serve chilled or let it sit out for 5–10 minutes before serving if stored in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned pineapple, but fresh pineapple is recommended for the best texture and flavor. If using canned, make sure to drain it well and choose a variety packed in juice rather than syrup to avoid added sweetness.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the salad up to a day in advance. However, for the freshest texture, add the dressing just before serving to keep the cucumber crisp.

What can I use instead of sesame oil?

If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use olive oil or avocado oil. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly as sesame oil has a distinct nutty taste.

Is this salad suitable for a keto diet?

This salad may not be fully keto-friendly due to the natural sugars in pineapple. To make it more keto-compatible, reduce the pineapple or substitute it with a lower-carb fruit like strawberries.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Absolutely! Grilled shrimp, diced chicken, or tofu would pair well with the flavors in this salad, making it a more filling meal.

How do I keep the cucumber from getting soggy?

If you’re prepping this salad in advance, you can salt the cucumber slices lightly and let them sit for 15–20 minutes before adding them to the salad. This draws out excess water and helps maintain their crunch.

If you liked this pineapple cucumber salad, you will also love these other easy recipes that use fresh pineapple:

Pineapple Salsa In A Pineapple Shell Bowl – talk about presentation! This pineapple bowl is so impressive and is a hit of every party!
Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Bites Appetizer – anything wrapped in bacon disappears immediately from the party tray :)
Homemade Pineapple Jam – if you never tried pineapple jam, you owe it to yourself to give it a try! Super easy to make!
Upside Down Fresh Pineapple Cake – this amazing cake is made with fresh pineapple! Just mix and bake!
Pineapple Pita Pizza – pineapple pizza: yay or nay? I say – definitely yay!

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