Sweet, smoky, tangy, and bursting with color, Grilled Pineapple Salsa is the ultimate summer condiment—think of it as a tropical party in a bowl! Juicy pineapple and charred onions mingle with crisp peppers, fresh cilantro, and a zippy burst of lime, transforming even the simplest dish into something wonderfully memorable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Sweet & Smoky Flavor: Grilling pineapple and onion brings out their natural sugars and adds a delicious char that takes salsa to a whole new level.
- Super Versatile: Grilled Pineapple Salsa shines on everything from tacos and grilled chicken to simply scooped with chips as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Fast & Fuss-Free: It comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for warm nights and last-minute gatherings alike.
- Make It Your Own: Easily customizable with add-ins like avocado or jalapeño, so you can adjust the heat and flavor to match your mood.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe celebrates a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients—each playing a crucial role. Every bite of Grilled Pineapple Salsa has a balance of sweet, savory, zesty, and crunchy, and you’ll taste and see every colorful ingredient in the mix.
- Pineapple (peeled and sliced into circles): Grilling brings out its natural sweetness, and gives those irresistible caramelized edges.
- Red Onion (sliced): A quick kiss on the grill mellows sharpness and adds balancing savory notes.
- Red Bell Pepper (chopped): Crisp pops of freshness and a color contrast that makes your salsa sing.
- Cilantro (chopped): Adds herby, citrusy lift—skip or swap if it’s not your thing.
- Lime Juice: Brightens the salsa and ties all the flavors together with a tangy kick.
- Salt & Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every bite.
- Jalapeño (finely diced, optional): Add as much or as little as you like for gentle warmth or feisty heat!
Variations
One of the most fabulous things about Grilled Pineapple Salsa is how endlessly riffable it is. Don’t hesitate to get creative—these simple swaps and additions will let you tailor it to every occasion and craving!
- Add Avocado: For creamy richness, toss in diced avocado right before serving—it’s a dreamy pairing with grilled pineapple.
- Make It Spicier: Throw in extra jalapeño (or even a touch of chipotle) if you love some serious heat.
- Go Tropical: Mix in diced mango or papaya for even more sunshine sweetness and texture.
- Low-Cilantro Version: If you’re not a cilantro fan, try subbing in fresh mint or flat-leaf parsley instead.
How to Make Grilled Pineapple Salsa
Step 1: Fire Up the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium heat. This is the magic moment: when the flames promise caramelized fruit and bring a whisper of smoke to the party. Give those grates a quick brush for clean grill marks.
Step 2: Grill the Pineapple & Onion
Lay the pineapple slices and red onion rounds directly on the hot grill. Cook them for just 1-2 minutes on each side, until charred in spots and fragrant. You want gentle grill marks, not burnt fruit—a little patience goes a long way here.
Step 3: Chop & Combine
Once the pineapple and onion have cooled enough to handle, chop them into bite-size 1/4-inch pieces and add to a bowl. Stir in the chopped red pepper, cilantro, jalapeño (if using), a big squeeze of lime juice, and plenty of salt and pepper to taste. Toss well until everything is glistening and vibrant!
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover the salsa and refrigerate if you’re making it ahead—the flavors become brighter and more cohesive with even a short rest. If you’re impatient (I get it!), serve right away while everything is crisp and the tropical aroma is utterly tempting.
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Pineapple Salsa
- Char with Care: Don’t walk away—pineapple and onion both grill quickly! Keep a close eye so you get gorgeous marks without bitterness.
- Dice Matters: Cut everything uniformly into small pieces. This ensures every scoop gives you a perfect mix of juicy, fresh textures in each bite.
- Maximize Lime Juice: Roll your limes on the counter before squeezing to release every last drop of tangy goodness—and taste before adding more!
- Serve Fresh: For the boldest flavor and crunch, enjoy Grilled Pineapple Salsa as soon as possible after assembling.
How to Serve Grilled Pineapple Salsa
Garnishes
For added flair and flavor, scatter a handful of extra cilantro leaves, finely sliced jalapeño rings, or a final drizzle of fresh lime juice right before serving. A pinch of flaky finishing salt or a sprinkle of chili powder also looks stunning on top, giving your Grilled Pineapple Salsa a little chef’s touch!
Side Dishes
This salsa is made for pairing—try it with crisp tortilla chips, alongside smoky grilled chicken or salmon, tucked into tacos or burritos, or even as a vibrant topping for salads and grain bowls. Its versatility truly knows no bounds!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Grilled Pineapple Salsa into the star of your summer spread: spoon it into a hollowed-out pineapple half for a show-stopping bowl, or layer it in mini jars for individual servings at a picnic or BBQ. It’s also irresistible as a colorful topping for grilled shrimp skewers or in lettuce cups for a fresh finger-food option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep Grilled Pineapple Salsa fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just be aware—the flavors mellow and the salsa becomes a bit softer as the juices mingle over time, so it’s truly at its best the first day.
Freezing
Unfortunately, this salsa just isn’t a candidate for freezing—the fruity, fresh texture gets lost and the mixture becomes watery once thawed. Enjoy it fresh, or plan to scale the recipe if you only need a smaller batch.
Reheating
No reheating needed—salsa is always served chilled or at room temperature! If it’s been in the fridge, just let it sit out for 10-15 minutes and give it a good stir before serving to revive its flavor and aroma.
FAQs
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Can I make Grilled Pineapple Salsa ahead of time?
Absolutely! It can be made a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated. That said, it truly tastes brightest and has the crunchiest texture within the first few hours of making. If prepping ahead, wait to add avocado until right before serving.
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What type of pineapple works best?
Look for a ripe, fresh pineapple—a sweet aroma is a good indicator. Avoid canned pineapple, as it won’t caramelize the same way on the grill and may turn mushy.
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Is Grilled Pineapple Salsa spicy?
It’s only as spicy as you make it! The basic version is mild, but you can easily add more jalapeño or even a minced serrano pepper if you want a bigger kick.
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Can I make this recipe without a grill?
You sure can! Use a grill pan or even a hot cast-iron skillet on your stovetop—the key is to get light caramelization on the fruit and onion, so the salsa keeps that unique smoky-sweet flavor.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Pineapple Salsa is truly the sunshine spark your next meal needs—bursting with bright flavor, easy to toss together, and guaranteed to impress. I hope you’ll give it a whirl and discover just how much joy a bowl of this salsa can bring to your table. Enjoy every golden bite!
Print
Grilled Pineapple Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer/Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors of this Pineapple Salsa recipe. Perfect for summer gatherings, BBQs, or as a topping for grilled meats or tacos.
Ingredients
Grilled Pineapple and Onion:
- 1 pineapple , peeled and sliced in circles
- 1/2 red onion , sliced
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1–2 limes , juiced
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Jalapeno, finely diced, optional
Instructions
- Grill the Pineapple and Onion: Heat the grill to medium-heat. Grill the pineapple and onions for 1 to 2 minutes per side until light grill marks appear. Remove from the grill and let cool.
- Prepare the Salsa: Chop the grilled pineapple and onion into 1/4-inch pieces. Place them in a bowl and add the red bell pepper, cilantro, lime juice, salt, pepper, and jalapeno if using. Mix well.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salsa and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- For added creaminess, consider mixing in 1 chopped avocado.
- Best enjoyed fresh; store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, though texture may soften over time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0.6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
