Pineapple is a big hit with me and with spring coming to full bloom it just seems like a good idea to add it to anything and everything. It's so fresh and sweet and goes with almost anything (yup, even pizza!)
I'll have pineapple on my pizza, in my salad, in my drink (pina colada anyone?) and yes, also in my salsa!
In this post I'll share with you, my tasty fresh and super easy pineapple salsa recipe! It's sweet and spicy although you can dial the spice up and down to your liking.
Isn't salsa awesome?!
All my life I've enjoyed the usual plain old (and also delicious) tomato based salsa when having Mexican food or tortilla chips. In the past couple of years, I've tried out different combinations and love to experiment with flavors!
My most favorite salsa is a combination of pineapple, red peppers, green onion, cilantro and fresh lime juice with a little kick from jalapeño pepper!
If you've never tried pineapple salsa before – please do it!! You're seriously missing out! It tastes great with the usual tortilla chips but I would highly recommend trying it as a side dish with dinner.
I find that sweet pineapple salsa is amazing on top of pan seared chicken breast or fish but you can also serve it as a salad. Please check out my post on how to serve this with chicken! 🙂
This stuff is so easy to make – chop everything up, combine the ingredients and drizzle some lime. That's it!
My son Donnie, LOVES pineapple salsa! I mean, what kid wouldn't like something sweet like this? Since he's only 2 years old, I make sure to give him a portion without any jalapeno pieces. When he's finished with his salsa, he always asks for more.
I think it's a great way to get some fruits and veggies into a kid who's sometimes picky! 🙂
psssst… while you're here… If you're looking for more delicious salsa recipes, be sure to check out this awesome salsa recipe round up!
What Ingredients are used to make pineapple salsa?
I make pineapple salsa using pickled jalapenos that have been chopped into small pieces (fresh jalapenos are okay to use as well, just make sure to take the seeds out before chopping), diced pineapple chopped fresh (you can also use canned pineapple chunks if you want), a chopped red pepper, chopped green onions, chopped fresh cilantro, 2 minced cloves of garlic, lime juice and salt.
Ways to use pineapple salsa
/ What to serve with pineapple salsa
Pineapple salsa is a delicious and versatile topping that can be used in so many ways. From fish dishes, to rice to grilled meats, this sweet and tangy condiment will add a splash of flavor to any meal.
Tacos: Toss your taco filling (fish tacos, chicken, or beef) with fresh pineapple salsa for a flavorful taco filling. Serve on warmed corn tortillas with shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, and diced tomatoes. If you'd like an extra kick of heat, top off the tacos with jalapenos or hot sauce.
Quesadillas: Spread pineapple salsa over the inside of warm quesadilla shells before adding cheese and other toppings of your choice. This is an easy way to give your quesadillas a bright tropical taste.
Nachos: transform ordinary nachos into something inspired by adding layers of pineapple salsa between the chips and your traditional toppings like cheese and jalapenos! The sweetness from the pineapple complements the spicy ingredients for a perfect balance of flavors.
Grilled Fish: Grilling fish such as salmon, tilapia or mahi-mahi and drizzling them with the fruity flavors of pineapple salsa is a quick way to make a genuinely gourmet meal.
Tostadas: Top crunchy fried tostadas with refried beans and pineapple salsa for a Mexican-inspired appetizer or light lunch. For added crunch, sprinkle crumbled bacon bits over the top as well.
Fruits & Veggies: Pineapple salsa works especially well when served alongside raw fruits and vegetables as part of an appetizer platter. The sweetness of the fruit helps cut through harder vegetables like carrots, celery sticks, red bell pepper, and cucumbers as well as softer ones such as strawberries or grapes.
Pineapple salsa recipe variations
Mango Salsa: The first variation is to add mangoes instead of just pineapple to your fruit salsa. This creates a unique flavor combination and provides extra sweetness. You'll need one ripe mango, diced into small pieces like the pineapple. Then continue with the remaining ingredients as normal.
Alternate ways of getting some more sweetness into your pineapple salsa can include adding some fresh peaches or nectarines.
Incorporating Bell peppers will give some additional sweetness and crunch to your pineapple salsa.
Some regular or roma tomatoes can be added to your pineapple salsa recipe. Start by removing the seeds from the tomatoes before dicing them
Hot habanero peppers can be added for extra heat and splice, just remember to wear gloves when cutting them! Start by removing the seeds and membranes before adding them in.
Red onion can be used instead of green onion.
Can I make pineapple salsa ahead of time?
Hands down the best way to make pineapple salsa is to prepare it the day before you intend to serve it. This allows all of the flavors to mingle together while they sit in the fridge overnight. Just be sure to keep your pineapple salsa covered and refrigerated until ready to use.
How to Store pineapple salsa
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Choose a container with a tight-fitting lid to help prevent air from getting in, which will cause the pineapple salsa to spoil more quickly.
How long is leftover pineapple salsa good for?
When stored in an airtight container and kept refrigerated, pineapple salsa will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze pineapple salsa?
I would not recommend freezing pineapple salsa since the texture and consistency of the pineapple will likely not be very appetizing after thawing.
Pineapple Salsa Recipe
- Yield: about 4 cups 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp jalapeno, chopped in small pieces – I used pickled jalapenos but you could also use fresh – if you do, seed the pepper before chopping
- 3 cups, chopped fresh pineapple – I like a mix of small and medium sized pieces but nothing over 1/2″ diameter
- 1 medium red pepper, chopped in small pieces about the same size as the pineapple pieces
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- juice of 1/2 a lime
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and drizzle with lime.
- Serve with tortilla chips or on top of chicken or fish. You can also have this as a small salad.
- That's it!
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