Pineapple Cucumber Lime Salad

A refreshing, juicy, and vibrant fruit-herb salad perfect for summer snacking or a light side dish.

🥗 Servings: 4
⏱ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 0 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 15 minutes
🌿 Dietary Info: Vegan | Gluten-Free | Paleo | Whole30 | Low-Carb

🛒 Ingredients Checklist
Fresh pineapple (cubed)

English cucumber (sliced)

Fresh limes (zest + juice)

Fresh cilantro (chopped)

Salt and black pepper (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions
Prep the Pineapple
Slice off the top and bottom. Stand the pineapple upright and trim off the skin. Cut around the tough core and dice the fruit into ½-inch chunks.

Slice the Cucumber
Rinse the cucumber thoroughly. Slice in half lengthwise and then into thin half-moon shapes (¼-inch thick). No need to peel!

Add the Lime
Zest both limes first, then juice them. Add zest and juice directly to your mixing bowl for a burst of citrus that brightens and preserves.

Mix in Cilantro
Roughly chop the cilantro leaves (include tender stems if you like). Fold into the salad.

Season and Serve
Season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance flavor. Chill for 10 minutes or serve immediately.

✨ Quick Intro
This Pineapple Cucumber Lime Salad is summer in a bowl—sweet, tart, herbaceous, and crisp. It’s a celebration of fresh produce, needing no cooking and minimal effort. The lime not only brightens the flavor but keeps everything looking vibrant. Perfect for BBQs, light lunches, or taco night sides.

Pro Tip: This salad gets even better after 15–20 minutes in the fridge.

🍽️ Ingredient Tips & Substitutions
Ingredient Highlights:
Pineapple: Fresh is key. Canned versions lack the punch and texture.

English Cucumber: Less watery and no seedy center. Great crunch.

Lime: Adds flavor and preserves the fruit. Zest adds floral notes.

Cilantro: Essential for that zesty, herbaceous lift.

Substitutions:
No cilantro? Use mint or Thai basil for a different twist.

Add a pinch of chili powder or Tajín for a Mexican-inspired variation.

Swap lime for lemon in a pinch (though lime is preferred).

🥄 Serving & Pairing Suggestions
As a side: Pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or tacos.

As a snack: Serve chilled with a spoon or scoop it with tortilla chips.

For brunch: Spoon over Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a savory-sweet combo.

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Make Ahead: Best when assembled fresh, but can be made 2–3 hours in advance.

Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Lime juice helps keep it from browning, but it’s best fresh.

Avoid Freezing: This salad is not freezer-friendly due to its high water content.

❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use canned pineapple?
A: You can, but fresh pineapple offers superior flavor and texture. Drain canned pineapple thoroughly if using.

Q: How long will it stay fresh?
A: Up to 2 days in the fridge, though it’s most vibrant within the first 6–12 hours.

Q: What’s the best cucumber for this?
A: English cucumbers are ideal—less seedy, mild, and crisp. Persian cucumbers also work well.

📝 Final Notes
This salad is the definition of simplicity and freshness. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, potluck, or just need a break from heavier dishes, this combo of pineapple, cucumber, and lime hits the spot every time.

📌 Tags
pineapple salad, cucumber salad, lime salad, summer recipes, vegan salad, gluten-free side dish, BBQ side, fruit salad with herbs, fresh pineapple recipe, tropical salad, healthy potluck recipe, Whole30 salad, raw food