Island Breeze Pineapple Cucumber Salad with Limemint Dressing
Recipe Introduction: Island Breeze Awaits!
Fancy a bit of sunshine in your life? Ever crave something sweet, savoury, and utterly refreshing? This pineapple and cucumber salad is your answer! It's seriously addictive.
A Taste of the Tropics
This vibrant pineapple and cucumber salad recipe is inspired by the easy breezy flavors of the Caribbean. It's like a mini holiday in a bowl.
Think sweet pineapple, crisp cucumber, and a zingy lime dressing. This salad is so easy to make. I mean, honestly, if I can make it, anyone can.
Quick, Easy, and Oh-So-Good
We're talking easy salad recipes here. Prep time? 15 minutes, tops. This recipe makes 4 servings, so it's great for a light lunch or a side at your next barbecue.
Honestly, the hardest part is just chopping the veggies.
Why You'll Love This Salad
This isn't just a pretty face! It's packed with vitamins. This refreshing summer salad is perfect for those days when you want something healthy and delicious.
It's also amazing as a side for grilled meats, or you can serve it with tortilla chips as a fresh pineapple cucumber salsa .
It’s light, healthy and fun! I reckon this recipe will become a regular in your rotation!
Let's dive into the ingredients, shall we?
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Ready to make the most refreshing pineapple and cucumber salad ever? Honestly, this recipe is so simple. It's almost too good to be true! Think sunshine, a little bit of holiday, and a whole lot of yum.
Main Players: The Salad Base
- Pineapple: You need 1 medium ripe pineapple (about 500g/1.1 lbs ). Make sure it smells sweet!
- Cucumber: Grab 2 medium English cucumbers (about 400g/0.9 lbs ). Thinly slice them, please.
- Red Onion: Just 1/2 a red onion (around 75g/2.6 oz ), thinly sliced too.
- Red Bell Pepper: One red bell pepper, diced (about 150g / 5.3 oz ).
- Cilantro: 1/4 cup ( 15g ) of chopped fresh cilantro.
Seasoning Sensations: Dressing Time
- Lime Juice: You'll need 3 tablespoons ( 45ml ) of fresh lime juice. That's about 2 limes.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ) of good olive oil.
- Sweetener: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ) of honey or maple syrup. Maple syrup keeps it vegan!
- Mint: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ) of chopped fresh mint. Smells amazing, right?
- Spice: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5ml ) of red pepper flakes. Only if you like a kick!
- Salt & Pepper: To taste, obviously.
This pineapple and cucumber salad recipe is a game changer! It’s great for summer. These seasoning combinations will really bring it home, trust me.
I once forgot the mint. It just wasn't the same!
Gear Up: What You Need
- Cutting Board: Essential.
- Chef's Knife: For chopping, dicing, and slicing.
- Mixing Bowl: A big one.
- Whisk or Fork: For the dressing.
- Citrus Juicer: Makes squeezing limes way easier.
Don't have a citrus juicer? No worries! Just use a fork. This easy salad recipes is all about keeping it simple.
You want some other tropical salad recipes ? This one is really special.
Alright, let's dive into this! I'm so excited to share my take on this pineapple and cucumber salad recipe . It's seriously a game changer for summer.
You know, sometimes you just crave something light. This ticks all the boxes.
Island Breeze: My Pineapple and Cucumber Salad Adventure
This salad isn't just food. It's a mini holiday! Imagine sitting on a beach. This refreshing summer salad captures that feeling.
It's super easy and packed with flavour. I honestly think you'll love it.
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic
First things first: get organised! Peel, core, and cube your pineapple. Thinly slice those cucumbers. I always find having everything prepped makes cooking so much easier.
Think of it as your culinary zen. It also minimises mistakes, trust me, I've been there!
step-by-step: From Kitchen Chaos to Caribbean Dream
- Chop the pineapple into bite sized bits.
- Slice the cucumbers thinly.
- Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, and mint for the dressing.
- Combine everything in a big bowl.
- Gently toss and chill!
Pro Tips: Secrets to Salad Success
Want to take your pineapple and cucumber salad to the next level? Use a ripe pineapple. The riper, the sweeter.
Don't dress the salad too early! This keeps the cucumber crisp. It is one of the easiest easy salad recipes !
It is also inspired by a caribbean inspired salad . Add some chilli flakes to the dressing for a bit of a kick.
I sometimes make the dressing ahead of time. This saves time when you are really hungry!
Recipe Notes for Your Island Breeze Salad
Right then, let's chat about some extra bits and bobs for this pineapple and cucumber salad . This isn't just any salad, you know? It's a taste of the Caribbean in a bowl.
Honestly, I could eat this every day!
Serving like a Pro
For plating, think bright and cheerful. Use a pretty bowl. Maybe garnish with an extra sprig of mint. It elevates it, you know? This refreshing summer salad goes brilliantly with grilled fish or chicken.
It's also fab with some crusty bread for dipping. If you fancy a drink, a light and fruity white wine would be perfect.
Or even a cheeky little rum punch!
Storage Secrets
If you have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. It'll be good for about 2 days.
The cucumber pineapple salad dressing might make things a tad soggy after that. Freezing isn't really an option, it's best enjoyed fresh.
When you're ready to tuck in again, give it a good stir.
Remixing the Recipe
Fancy a change? No worries, mate! For a vegan version, just swap the honey for maple syrup or agave. Sweet! To make it gluten-free, just make sure all your ingredients are certified GF.
For a spicy kick, add a finely chopped chili to the pineapple cucumber salsa . Ooh, that's how to create a caribbean inspired salad !
Nutrition Nuggets
This easy salad recipe is packed with vitamins and goodness. The pineapple brings the vitamin C. Cucumber keeps you hydrated.
It's also relatively low in calories. Making it a great choice for a light lunch or a salad for barbecue .
It’s a win-win! This is great light lunch idea .
So there you have it, my friend! A few extra tips to make your pineapple and cucumber salad recipe even more amazing.
Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own! This is a tropical salad recipe that is perfect for anytime.
Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pineapple and cucumber salad ahead of time? I'm having a bit of a 'mare' in the kitchen today!
You can prep the ingredients for the pineapple and cucumber salad in advance, but it's best to dress it just before serving. If you dress it too early, the cucumber can release moisture and make the salad a bit soggy, like a British summer.
To save time, chop everything and store it separately in the fridge, then toss it with the dressing when you're ready to serve.
What are some good variations I can try with this pineapple and cucumber salad? I'm feeling a bit adventurous!
Feeling like a culinary Picasso, are we? This pineapple and cucumber salad is a great base for experimentation! For a tropical twist, try adding diced mango or papaya. You could also add some grilled shrimp or chicken for a more substantial meal.
And if you're feeling really daring, a little bit of finely chopped jalapeño will give it a lovely kick.
How long will the leftover pineapple and cucumber salad last in the fridge? Don't want it to go to 'pot'!
Leftover pineapple and cucumber salad is best enjoyed within 1-2 days when stored properly in the fridge. The cucumber tends to soften over time, so the texture won't be quite as crisp.
To keep it as fresh as possible, store any undressed salad separately from the dressing and only combine them when you're ready to eat.
Is this pineapple and cucumber salad healthy? I'm trying to be a bit more 'good' these days!
Absolutely! This pineapple and cucumber salad is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a healthy and refreshing choice. Pineapple is a good source of vitamin C and bromelain, while cucumber is hydrating and low in calories.
Just be mindful of the honey/maple syrup in the dressing if you're watching your sugar intake - you can always adjust the amount to suit your needs.
I'm allergic to cilantro (coriander), what can I use instead in this pineapple and cucumber salad?
No worries, mate! Cilantro (coriander) isn't everyone's cup of tea. A great substitute in this pineapple and cucumber salad is fresh parsley. It provides a similar fresh, green flavor without the polarizing taste of cilantro.
You could also try mint, though that will subtly change the flavour profile, but could create a new delicious salad!
My pineapple is not ripe enough, can I still make the pineapple and cucumber salad?
A ripe pineapple really does make a difference, but if yours is a little underripe, don't despair! You can try roasting the pineapple chunks for a few minutes to bring out some of their sweetness.
Alternatively, consider adding a touch more honey or maple syrup to the dressing to compensate for the lack of sweetness in the pineapple for your pineapple and cucumber salad. Just remember to taste and adjust!
Island Breeze Pineapple Cucumber Salad With Lime
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 150 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 3g |
