The Art of Ultimate Pineapple Cucumber Salad Perfection

Perfect Pineapple Preparation Mastery

Master the technique of selecting, coring, and cutting pineapple for optimal sweetness.

Cucumber Slicing Excellence

Learn the skill of cutting cucumbers uniformly for consistent texture and presentation.

Lime Dressing Perfection

Perfect the method of creating balanced, zesty lime-based tropical dressing.

Herb Integration Technique

Master the art of combining fresh herbs without overwhelming delicate fruit flavors.

Tropical Assembly Strategy

Learn optimal timing for combining ingredients to maintain freshness and prevent wilting.

Tropical Salad Mastery Secrets for Perfect Pineapple Cucumber Combination

Pineapple Ripeness: Choose pineapple that yields slightly to pressure and smells sweet at the base.

Cucumber Prep: Use English cucumbers for less seeds and better texture in tropical combinations.

Jalapeño Heat: Adjust jalapeño amount based on heat preference - remove seeds for milder flavor.

Herb Freshness: Add delicate herbs just before serving to maintain vibrant color and flavor.

Dressing Balance: Taste and adjust lime-to-honey ratio depending on pineapple sweetness level.

Serving Style: Serve well-chilled for maximum refreshing impact and optimal tropical experience.

Pineapple Cucumber Salad with Tangy Lime Dressing and Fresh Cilantro

Name: Pineapple Cucumber Salad with Tangy Lime Dressing and Fresh Cilantro
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Tropical
Ingredients: For the Tropical Base:; 1 large fresh pineapple, cored and chunked; 3 large English cucumbers, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, julienned; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; For the Fresh Herbs:; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn; 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chiffonade; For the Zesty Lime Dressing:; 1/3 cup fresh lime juice; 2 tablespoons lime zest; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; For the Flavor Enhancers:; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; For the Crunchy Elements:; 1/3 cup toasted coconut flakes; 1/4 cup toasted cashews, chopped; 2 tablespoons sesame seeds; For the Seasoning:; 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon white pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; For the Optional Additions:; 1 mango, diced

The ultimate tropical salad featuring sweet pineapple chunks, crisp cucumber slices, and fresh herbs tossed in a zesty lime dressing. This vibrant and refreshing dish combines the tropical sweetness of ripe pineapple with the cool crunch of fresh cucumbers, creating an exotic salad that's perfect for summer parties, poolside gatherings, or light lunch meals that transport you to paradise with every bright and flavorful bite.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

0 Minutes

Total Time

20 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Tropical Base:

1 large fresh pineapple, cored and chunked

3 large English cucumbers, sliced

1 red bell pepper, julienned

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

For the Fresh Herbs:

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn

2 tablespoons fresh basil, chiffonade

For the Zesty Lime Dressing:

1/3 cup fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons lime zest

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

For the Flavor Enhancers:

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

For the Crunchy Elements:

1/3 cup toasted coconut flakes

1/4 cup toasted cashews, chopped

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

For the Seasoning:

1 teaspoon coarse sea salt

1/2 teaspoon white pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the Optional Additions:

1 mango, diced

1/4 cup dried pineapple pieces

2 tablespoons chia seeds

For the Garnish:

Lime wedges

Cilantro sprigs

Toasted coconut

For the Sweet Balance:

2 tablespoons agave nectar

1 tablespoon maple syrup

For Perfect Assembly:

Large mixing bowl

Salad servers

Small whisk

For Special Equipment:

Pineapple corer

Sharp knife

Vegetable peeler

Microplane grater

Instructions

Remove pineapple core and skin, then cut into bite-sized chunks.

Reserve any pineapple juice that accumulates during cutting process.

Wash cucumbers thoroughly and slice into rounds or half-moons.

Cut red bell pepper into thin julienne strips for color contrast.

Slice red onion as thinly as possible using sharp knife or mandoline.

Soak sliced onion in ice water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness.

Drain onion thoroughly and pat dry with clean paper towels.

Roughly chop fresh cilantro, keeping some leaves whole for garnish.

Tear mint leaves by hand to prevent bruising and preserve oils.

Stack basil leaves and cut into thin chiffonade ribbons with knife.

In small bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice and zest.

Add rice vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard to lime mixture.

Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to create smooth emulsion.

Stir in minced garlic, jalapeño, and grated ginger for heat.

Season dressing with salt, white pepper, and cayenne to taste.

In large mixing bowl, combine pineapple chunks and cucumber slices.

Add julienned bell pepper and drained red onion to fruit mixture.

Toss in chopped cilantro, torn mint, and basil chiffonade gently.

Pour zesty lime dressing over salad and toss to coat evenly.

Let salad marinate for 10 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

Add toasted coconut flakes and chopped cashews just before serving.

Sprinkle sesame seeds over top for additional crunch and flavor.

Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro sprigs for presentation.

Serve immediately while fruits and vegetables are at peak freshness.

Store leftovers covered in refrigerator for up to 2 days maximum.

Pineapple Cucumber Salad with Tangy Lime Dressing and Fresh Cilantro

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Ultimate Pineapple Cucumber Salad Perfection

Pineapple Cucumber Salad with Tangy Lime Dressing and Fresh Cilantro

Ingredients

Instructions