Easy Pineapple Cucumber Salad

Alright, let’s talk about salads. Not the sad, wilted kind you force yourself to eat because you feel guilty about last night’s pizza. No, we’re talking about a salad that actually makes you *happy*. This Easy Pineapple Cucumber Salad is bright, it’s zesty, it’s got that perfect sweet-savory thing going on, and honestly, it’s probably easier to make than deciding what to watch on Netflix. It’s summer in a bowl, a tropical vacation for your taste buds, and proof that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring. Trust me, you need this in your life, especially if your current life involves a lot of questioning what day it is.

My kitchen is usually a chaotic wonderland of flour explosions and questionable sticky spots, so recipes need to be pretty resilient to survive. One time, my youngest, who has an uncanny ability to find the most expensive ingredient and try to make it disappear, managed to “taste test” about half of the pineapple before it even made it into the bowl. My husband, ever the helpful one, suggested we just call it “rustic” and serve it as a smaller portion. I told him if he wanted a smaller portion, he could just eat less. The struggle is real, folks. We still had enough, thankfully, but now all pineapples are under lock and key until salad assembly begins.

Time-Saving Hacks

– Buy pre-cut pineapple if you’re truly over it. Yes, it costs more, but your sanity is priceless.
– Don’t bother with a cutting board for the cucumbers. Chop them directly into the bowl with kitchen shears. Fewer dishes, more power.
– Use a microplane for the ginger and garlic if you’re feeling fancy lazy. No peeling required, just grate through the skin. Don’t tell anyone.
– Mix the dressing right in the serving bowl before adding the other ingredients. One less bowl to wash? Hallelujah.

Serving Ideas

– Pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or even a veggie burger for a light, summery meal. Because even healthy food deserves a friend.
– Serve it as a side dish at your next BBQ, and watch everyone pretend they’re on a tropical island instead of your backyard.
– It’s surprisingly good as a light lunch on its own, especially when you’re hiding from your kids in the pantry.
– Or, just eat it straight from the bowl with a big spoon. No plates, no judgment. We’ve all been there. Serve with wine if the kids drove you nuts.

What to Serve It With

Honestly, this salad is so versatile, it practically begs to be paired with everything. Grilled chicken skewers, pan-seared salmon, a hearty pulled pork sandwich (don’t knock it ’til you try it!), or even just a simple bowl of rice. For a truly low-effort meal, just grab a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Done and done.

✔Tips & Mistakes

Don’t be afraid to taste the dressing as you go – my “perfect” might be your “meh.” Adjust the sugar, vinegar, or chili flakes to your heart’s content.
Make sure your cucumber is super crisp! No one wants a soggy salad. Pat it dry if it seems watery.
Yes, I once forgot the sesame oil. The salad was fine, but it was missing that je ne sais quoi. Don’t be like me. Add the sesame oil. It’s crucial for that nutty depth.
Don’t drown it in dressing. Start with half, toss, then add more if needed. You can always add, but you can’t take away (unless you have a tiny strainer, which, weird flex).

✔Storage Tips

Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh.

✔Variations and Substitutions

Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Easy Pineapple Cucumber Salad

A refreshing salad that combines sweet pineapple with crunchy cucumbers for a tropical twist.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 3 cups fresh pineapple, diced
• ▢ 2 cups cucumber, peeled and chopped
• ▢ 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
• ▢ 1 cup red onion, finely chopped
• ▢ 1 tbsp lime juice
• ▢ 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped optional

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• In a large bowl, combine diced pineapple and cucumber.
• Add the diced bell pepper and chopped red onion to the bowl.
• Drizzle lime juice over the mixture and toss gently to combine.
• Sprinkle with cilantro if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

This salad makes a great side dish for barbecues or a light lunch. Add some sliced avocado for creaminess!