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Delicious and refreshing Pineapple Cucumber Salad served in a bowl

Pineapple Cucumber Salad

A refreshing, crunchy mix of sweet pineapple, cool cucumber, and zesty lime dressing, perfect for summer gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Fresh, Fusion
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Fruits and Vegetables
  • 1 Pineapple, ripe, diced Choose a sweet, fragrant pineapple; substitute canned pineapple chunks for convenience, drain well.
  • 1 large Cucumber, diced English or Persian cucumbers work well; seed and peel if waxed or seedy.
  • 1 Red bell pepper, diced Sweet red pepper adds color; use orange or yellow for milder sweetness.
  • 1/4 Red onion, thinly sliced Use shallot for a milder bite; soak in cold water for 5 minutes to reduce sharpness.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped Parsley is a good substitute if cilantro is disliked; mint offers a brighter aromatic alternative.
Dressing and Seasoning
  • 2 Fresh lime juice, juice of 2 limes Use fresh limes only; bottled lime juice lacks the fresh acidity and aroma.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Sea salt or kosher salt recommended; fine adjustments improve balance.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Dice the pineapple into uniform pieces for even bites and presentation.
  2. Dice the cucumber to match pineapple size for balanced texture in each forkful.
  3. Dice the red bell pepper so colors and sweetness distribute evenly throughout the salad.
  4. Thinly slice the red onion to a delicate thickness to avoid overpowering the salad.
  5. Chop the cilantro finely to release aromatics without creating large herb clumps.
Assemble Salad
  1. Combine the diced pineapple, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro in a large bowl.
  2. Squeeze the lime juice over the salad to coat all pieces with bright acidity.
  3. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting in small increments to avoid over-salting.
  4. Toss gently to mix all ingredients well, using tongs or a large spoon to prevent bruising.
Finish and Serve
  1. Serve immediately to preserve maximum crunch and fresh aroma, especially on warm days.
  2. Chill for 30 minutes before serving for a melded flavor and cooler serving temperature.

Notes

Use ripe pineapple for natural sweetness and minimal added sugar, enhancing the salad’s balance. Cut ingredients uniformly to ensure consistent bites and a pleasing mouthfeel.