Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium ripe pineapple (about 4 cups diced): The star of the show, providing sweetness, juiciness, and a tropical foundation. Ensure it’s ripe for maximum flavor.
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced: Adds a lovely sweetness, a vibrant color, and a pleasant crunch.
- 1/2 medium red onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup): Offers a pungent sharpness that balances the sweetness of the pineapple. Soaking in cold water for 10 minutes can mellow its bite if preferred.
- 1–2 jalapeños, finely minced (seeds removed for less heat): Provides a kick of spice. Adjust the quantity and whether you keep the seeds based on your heat preference.
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Lends a bright, herbaceous, and quintessential salsa flavor.
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes): Adds a crucial zesty tang that brightens all the flavors and helps preserve the salsa.
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste: Enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional): Adds a subtle smoky, earthy depth.
- Large tortilla scoop chips or small lettuce cups: For serving the delicious pineapple salsa.
Instructions
- Prepare the Pineapple: Carefully peel, core, and dice the fresh pineapple into small, bite-sized pieces (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch). Aim for consistency in size for the best texture. Place the diced pineapple into a large mixing bowl.
- Dice the Vegetables: Finely dice the red bell pepper and red onion. For the jalapeño, remove the stem and, for a milder salsa, slice it lengthwise and scrape out the seeds and white membranes with a spoon before mincing. If you enjoy more heat, you can leave some seeds in. Add the diced bell pepper, red onion, and minced jalapeño to the bowl with the pineapple.
- Chop the Cilantro: Wash and thoroughly dry the fresh cilantro. Roughly chop the leaves and tender stems. Add the chopped cilantro to the bowl.
- Add Lime Juice and Seasonings: Squeeze the fresh lime juice directly over the ingredients in the bowl. Sprinkle in the sea salt and ground cumin (if using).
- Combine Gently: Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix or mash the pineapple, as you want to retain its texture.
- Taste and Adjust: Give the salsa a taste. If needed, add a little more lime juice for tanginess, salt for overall flavor enhancement, or a pinch more jalapeño for heat. Remember that the flavors will meld and intensify as it chills.
- Chill Thoroughly: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salsa to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for 1-2 hours, before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and ensures the salsa is refreshingly cool.
- Serve: Just before serving, give the salsa a gentle stir. Spoon the chilled pineapple salsa into large tortilla scoop chips, small crisp lettuce cups (like butter lettuce or baby romaine), or small serving bowls. Garnish with an extra sprig of cilantro if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 80