Some days, you just need a little brightness. A little zing. Maybe a lot of zing! That’s how I feel when I’m craving my Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa. It’s honestly like sunshine in a bowl. It’s that perfect sweet and spicy combination. I remember making this for the first time. It was for a summer barbecue. Everyone loved it so much. They kept asking for the recipe. It’s so simple to make too. You’ll be amazed. It really elevates everything you pair it with.

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa
- It’s bursting with tropical, sweet pineapple flavor.
- The jalapeño adds a delightful spicy kick.
- It’s incredibly easy to whip up in minutes.
- This versatile salsa goes with so many dishes.
A Taste of Sunshine with a Kick
This pineapple salsa really is a party for your taste buds. The sweet pineapple is like a warm hug. Then, the jalapeño sneaks in with a gentle, spicy hello. It’s not too much, just enough to make things interesting. I remember one time, my cousin Sarah was visiting. She’s a bit picky. She tried this salsa and her eyes lit up! She said it tasted like a vacation. That’s exactly what I love about it. It brings that fresh, vibrant feeling right into your kitchen. It’s the perfect sweet and spicy salsa.
Gather Your Ingredients for Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa
Ready to make this amazing salsa? You just need a few fresh things. They come together so fast. You’ll have a delicious condiment in no time at all. Let’s get our ingredients ready.
Fresh Pineapple, Diced
You’ll need 2 cups of fresh pineapple, diced. Fresh pineapple gives the best sweet flavor. It also has a wonderful juicy texture.
Fiery Jalapeños, Finely Diced
Grab 1 to 2 jalapeños. Dice them very finely. For less heat, take out the seeds and white parts. This lets you control the spice level.
Vibrant Red Onion, Finely Diced
Finely dice half of a red onion. Red onion adds a pretty color. It also gives a nice, mild bite.
Fresh Cilantro, Chopped
Chop up 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro. Cilantro adds a wonderful fresh taste. It really brightens up the salsa.
Zesty Lime Juice
Juice one fresh lime. This lime juice adds a bright, zesty flavor. It brings all the tastes together.
A Pinch of Salt
A small pinch of salt is all you need. Salt helps to really bring out all the other flavors.
How to Prepare Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa
Making this pineapple jalapeño salsa is incredibly simple. It’s a no-cook recipe. You just mix everything together. It’s perfect for busy weeknights. Or even last-minute get-togethers. Let’s get started!
Combining the Fresh Flavors
Grab a medium-sized bowl. Add your diced fresh pineapple. Toss in the finely diced jalapeños. Then, add the chopped red onion. Finally, add the fresh cilantro. It’s already looking so colorful!
Adding the Zest and Seasoning
Now, squeeze the fresh lime juice over everything. This adds a wonderful brightness. Next, add a small pinch of salt. This salt is key. It really makes all the flavors pop.
Gentle Tossing for Perfect Blending
Use a spoon or spatula. Gently toss all the ingredients together. Mix them well. Be careful not to mash the pineapple. You want to keep those nice chunks.
Tasting and Adjusting for Your Perfect Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa
This is my favorite part. Taste a little spoonful. Does it need more salt? Maybe a bit more lime juice? If you want it spicier, add a tiny bit more jalapeño. Make it just how you like it.
Serving or Chilling Your Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa
You can serve this delicious salsa right away. The flavors are great fresh. For even better taste, cover the bowl. Let it chill in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes. This lets the flavors meld together beautifully.

Tips for the Ultimate Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa
Want to make your pineapple jalapeño salsa truly shine? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve. These simple tips will help you achieve perfect results every time. You’ll impress everyone with this easy salsa.
Controlling the Heat Level
Want it mild? Remove all the seeds and white pith from your jalapeños. This is where most of the heat hides. For a spicier salsa, leave some seeds in. You can even add a tiny bit of minced habanero if you’re brave! Just be careful.
Adding Extra Crunch and Color
For a little extra texture and a pop of color, try adding some finely diced bell pepper. Red or yellow bell peppers work wonderfully. They add a nice crunch. It makes the salsa even more vibrant.
Cilantro Substitutions or Omissions
Don’t have fresh cilantro? No worries! You can skip it. Or, use a tiny bit of dried cilantro if you must. Some people also use a little fresh parsley. It adds a different kind of freshness.
Serving Suggestions for Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa
This vibrant salsa is so versatile. It’s more than just a dip! I love finding new ways to use it. It really brightens up so many meals. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it.
Perfect Pairings for Your Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa
This pineapple jalapeño salsa is amazing with tacos. It’s also fantastic on grilled chicken or fish. Serve it alongside your favorite Mexican dishes. It’s also a great dip. Try it with tortilla chips. It’s delicious on burgers too! You can even mix it into cream cheese for a tasty spread.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa
Got questions about this yummy pineapple salsa? I’ve got answers! Making sure you feel confident in the kitchen is my goal. Let’s clear up any doubts you might have about this pineapple jalapeño salsa.
How long does Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa last?
When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this salsa usually stays good for about 3 to 4 days. The fresh ingredients are best enjoyed sooner. I find it’s usually gone before then anyway!
Can I make Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa spicier?
Absolutely! For a hotter salsa, leave some seeds and the white membrane in the jalapeños. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Or try a spicier pepper like serrano. Just add a little at a time.
What’s the best way to store Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa?
The key is an airtight container. Make sure it’s sealed tightly. Store it in the coldest part of your refrigerator. This helps keep the fresh flavors vibrant.
Can I use canned pineapple for this Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple. Make sure to drain it very, very well. Pat it dry with paper towels too. Fresh pineapple has a better texture, but canned works in a pinch!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa
Here’s a look at what you can expect in each serving. Remember, these are estimates. Your exact numbers might vary slightly. It’s always good to know the basics!
Nutritional Breakdown Per Serving
Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
Share Your Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa Creations!
I just love hearing from you! Did you make this pineapple jalapeño salsa? How did it turn out? Please share your thoughts below! Rate the recipe if you can. I’m always looking for new ideas too. What did you serve it with? Let’s connect in the comments!
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Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa: 5 minutes to sunshine
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 3 cups
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa is a vibrant and flavorful condiment that perfectly balances sweet pineapple with a kick of spicy jalapeño. It’s a fantastic addition to tacos, grilled chicken, or even as a dip with tortilla chips.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
- 1-2 jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced pineapple, jalapeños, red onion, and cilantro.
- Pour the lime juice over the ingredients.
- Add a pinch of salt.
- Gently toss everything together to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve immediately or chill for flavors to meld.
Notes
- For a milder salsa, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños.
- Add a diced bell pepper (any color) for extra crunch and color.
- If you don’t have fresh cilantro, you can omit it or use a small amount of dried cilantro.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
