Refreshing Pineapple Cucumber Salad with Avocado and Lime Dressing

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Brighten up your meals with this Refreshing Pineapple Cucumber Salad, a vibrant and tangy dish that’s perfect for warm days or as a fresh side to any meal. This salad combines the sweetness of juicy pineapple with the crispness of cucumber, the creaminess of avocado, and a touch of heat from jalapeño. Tossed in a zesty lime dressing with a hint of honey, this salad is both refreshing and flavorful. It’s an excellent choice for barbecues, picnics, or a light lunch. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

  • 1 fresh pineapple, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 1 cucumber, deseeded and cut into thin half-moon slices
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Dressing:

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
    • Start by preparing all your fresh ingredients. Peel and core the pineapple, then cut it into bite-sized chunks.
    • Thinly slice the red onion, and finely dice the jalapeño, making sure to remove the seeds for less heat.
    • Dice the red bell pepper, peel and cube the avocado, and chop the fresh cilantro.
  2. Mix the Salad:
    • In a large salad bowl, combine the pineapple chunks, cucumber slices, red onion, jalapeño, avocado, red bell pepper, and chopped cilantro. Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure an even mix without mashing the avocado.
  3. Prepare the Dressing:
    • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, honey, red pepper flakes, and white vinegar. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more honey or lime juice, depending on your preference.
  4. Dress the Salad:
    • Pour the prepared lime dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss the salad again, ensuring that all the ingredients are lightly coated with the dressing.
  5. Serve:
    • Serve the Pineapple Cucumber Salad immediately for the freshest taste. If preparing ahead of time, keep the avocado separate and add just before serving to maintain its texture. This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, or can be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing snack.

Conclusion:

This Refreshing Pineapple Cucumber Salad is a delicious blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, complemented by the creamy texture of avocado. The zesty lime dressing brings all the ingredients together, creating a dish that is both satisfying and light. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a fresh side dish, this salad is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the bright, tropical flavors in every bite!

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