Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating something special. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a bit of heat)
If you can’t find fresh pineapple, canned will do in a pinch, but I recommend fresh for the best flavor. You can substitute parsley for cilantro if you’re not a fan, and if red onion is too strong for your taste, green onions are a gentler alternative.
Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to bring this refreshing salad to life:
- Start by preparing your ingredients. Chop the pineapple into bite-sized pieces and slice the cucumber thinly. I find using a mandoline slicer gives consistent cucumber slices.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pineapple, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro. Mix them gently with a wooden spoon, just like my abuela would when she handled her precious fresh ingredients.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and chili powder if you’re feeling adventurous. This dressing is simple yet vibrant, much like the dishes I grew up with.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss everything together until well coated. Take a moment to savor the aroma — it should remind you of a fresh market stall on a sunny day.
- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This is a great time to set the table or pour yourself a refreshing drink.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International