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This grilled pineapple salsa is sweet, spicy, and super juicy! It is the perfect topping for your tacos, side to your barbeque, or just a delicious and nutritious homemade snack!
This homemade pineapple salsa is SO GOOD! It is juicy, slightly spicy, and packed full of nutrients. This salsa is delicious with tortilla chips and is amazing on these Fish Tacos. It’s the perfect recipe for a pool party snack, summer cookout appetizer, or easy side dish with seafood. There are also tons of ways you can customize this recipe for your own preferences. This gluten-free, dairy-free appetizer can even be vegan if you like!
Ingredients
Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need for this pineapple salsa recipe. Find exact measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Pineapple: Fresh ripe pineapple adds a juicy, sweet, acidic element to this salsa. You could substitute peaches or mango if you prefer.
- Tomato: Use plum, Roma, or beefsteak tomatoes if you can but any juicy, plump tomato should do. PRO TIP: If you are making this salsa ahead of time and it is going to be sitting for a while, I recommend de-seeding the tomatoes so your salsa does not end up too watery. Read how-to here.
- Red onion: Red onion is crunchy and a little tangy to balance out the sweetness of the pineapple and the heat from the chili powder.
- Fresh Cilantro: This brightens up the dish and is the perfect aromatic herb for salsa.
- Lime Juice and Honey: Swap the honey with maple syrup if you’re vegan, or leave it out entirely if your pineapple is super sweet. If you don’t have lime juice, you could sub apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
- Salt and Chili powder: Enhances the flavor and brings everything to life!
How to make Pineapple Salsa
This recipe is super simple to make; you basically just need a grill and a mixing bowl! Here’s a step-by-step guide to grilling your pineapple and making this easy appetizer.
Grill the pineapple
First, you need to prep your pineapple. Cut the rind away from the fruit, then slice the fresh pineapple into even circles, about 1″ thick. If you cut yours thinner, that’s fine, they will likely just cook quicker. Don’t go too thin, though, because you want pieces big enough to stay nice and juicy.
Heat your grill to medium high heat (aim for about 450 degrees F). Place your pineapple slices on the hot grilling grate for a good sear, cooking 5-7 minutes on each side. When the fruit is fork-tender and charred, remove it from the grill and transfer it to a cutting board. Allow it to cool, then dice and remove the middle piece of rind in the center of each circle.
PRO TIP: If your grill tends to have a problem with things sticking, feel free to brush the grates with olive oil as your preheat grill.
Mix up salsa
Finely chop your tomato, red onion, and cilantro. Place these in a bowl with your diced pineapple. Stir in the lime juice and honey. Mix until well combined, then add salt to taste.
What to serve with pineapple salsa?
This recipe shines brightest with seafood, pork, or salty tortilla chips. For a great summer party, serve this up with chips, Avocado Bacon Dip, Shrimp Tacos (or these amazing steak tacos), and a Spiked Blueberry Lemonade. The salsa is so fresh, it brings a ton of flavor to any dish. This habanero chicken already comes with a mango salsa recipe, but this pineapple salsa would be amazing instead! For a light vegetarian meal, it would be great with chips and this Grilled Zucchini Wrap and some Ginger Grilled Oranges!
More serving ideas:
Storage Instructions
This salsa recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3-5 days. Deseeding your tomatoes is the best way to ensure your salsa holds up well over a few days–This process helps prevent the salsa from becoming too watery and less flavorful. I do not recommend freezing leftovers as these fresh ingredients will just become mushy after thawing.
Do you have to grill the pineapple?
Grilling the pineapple adds an extra layer of sweet to this salsa, but it is not necessary. The pineapple becomes caramelized while it is grilling and I promise, you will not be disappointed by this! If you want to skip the grilling step, be sure to grab an extra sweet and ripe pineapple. Also, canned pineapple will not work for this recipe; it is too watery.
More easy summer sides
- Grilled Zucchini Salad – The fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, squash, and tasty vinaigrette come together for a super flavorful, healthy side dish.
- Sweet Corn Salsa – If you want a salsa that is more savory, this recipe is perfect! It’s great with fresh cherry tomatoes from the garden!
- Mexican Street Corn – This summer recipe is often made on the grill, but we made it easier with the air fryer!
- Grape Salad – You are going to LOVE this no-cook, easy side dish! It’s great for potlucks, cookouts, and quick lunches.
- Lima Bean Salsa – There is SO much flavor in this 4-ingredient recipe! It’s another one that is great for serving with tortilla chips by the pool.
Homemade Pineapple Salsa
Ingredients
- 1 pineapple, rind removed, cut into 1" slices
- 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey, or maple syrup
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat grill or grill pan to medium heat
- Cut rind off pineapple and slice into circles
- Oil grill gates and grill for 5-7 minutes on each side, 10-15 minutes total or until pineapple is fork-tender and charred
- While the pineapple is cooling, finely chop all your vegetables, chop the pineapple once it has cooled (make sure to discard rind in the center of each slice).
- Combine all your ingredients in a bowl and stir until salsa is well combined. Taste and add salt to your liking
- Serve immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
