Jalapeno Pineapple Salsa

Name: Jalapeno Pineapple Salsa
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 3 cups diced pineapple; 1 cup diced tomato; 1 cup diced red onion; 1-2 jalapeno peppers, (diced); 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1-2 limes; Kosher salt, (to taste); Ground black pepper, (to taste)

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Jalapeno pineapple salsa is a fresh, sweet-and-spicy dip that comes together in just 10 minutes! It’s perfect for scooping with chips or adding flavor to grilled chicken, fish, tacos, or salads.

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Jalapeno Salsa

Sure, salsa is good. But pineapple salsa? Better. I said what I said. There’s just something about bringing a sweet, juicy fruit into a savory dish that makes it pop, and pineapple was made for this recipe. I love how the natural sweetness plays so nicely with the heat from jalapeño, the bite of red onion, and the brightness from lime.

It’s fresh, fun, and feels fancy… but it’s super quick and easy to throw together. And let's talk versatility — because this stuff works with everything. Spoon it over grilled chicken or fish. Add it to tacos or just kick back with tortilla chips, a bowl of this salsa, and a glass of sangria. Here’s why this recipe is a must-make:

Takes 10 minutes
Sweet, spicy, and tangy
Bright, fresh flavor
Totally customizable

An overhead image of pineapple salsa and chips with a blue towel.

Ingredient Information And Substitutions

Fresh pineapple- The star of the show! Use ripe pineapple for the best flavor. Precut pineapple works too — just avoid canned or frozen.
Tomato- Adds juiciness and a hint of acidity. Roma or vine-ripened work well here.
Red onion- Adds a sharp, peppery bite that balances the sweetness of the pineapple. You can also swap it for white or sweet onion.
Jalapeño- Adds a nice kick of heat. To make it less spicy, swap for a milder pepper like poblano.
Lime juice- Brightens everything up. Bottled works in a pinch, but fresh is best.
Cilantro- Gives that classic salsa flavor. Not a fan? Leave it out or sub in parsley.
Kosher salt & black pepper- Season to your taste.

How To Make Pineapple Salsa

Step 1- Combine all the ingredients.

In a large bowl, add the diced pineapple, tomato, red onion, jalapeños, and chopped cilantro. Stir to combine everything.

Step 2- Add lime and season.

Squeeze the juice from one or two limes over the mixture, depending on how tangy you like it. Sprinkle in a little salt and pepper to start, then give it a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Step 3- Chill and serve.

Pop the salsa into the fridge to let the flavors mingle. It’s ready to enjoy whenever you are!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a pineapple is ripe?

Look for bright green leaves, mostly yellow skin, and a sweet smell. Avoid any soft spots. If it’s not quite ready, leave it on the counter for a few days — ideally next to some bananas or apples. Once ripe, store it in the fridge if you’re not cutting it right away.

What’s the easiest way to cut a pineapple?

Slice off the top and bottom, then stand it up and shave off the skin. Cut around the fibrous core and chop the fruit into bite-sized pieces.

Can I make it in a blender or food processor?

You can, but keep it chunky! Just pulse a few times to avoid making a puree.

How spicy is this salsa?

That’s totally up to you. Removing the seeds from the jalapeño will tone it down. Want more heat? Leave them in or add an extra pepper.

A hand holding up a chip with pineapple salsa on it over the bowl.

Tips For Making This Pineapple Salsa Recipe

A chunky salsa is the way to go, but try not to cut the pieces too big. It makes it harder to scoop with chips.
For a smoky and bold flavor, try making grilled pineapple salsa! Simply grill the pineapple before dicing it and mixing it with the other ingredients for a deeper, caramelized taste that’s perfect on fish!
The seasoning is kept super simple on purpose. The real stars here are the fruits and veggies, so they don’t need much else.
If raw onion is a bit strong for you, soak the diced onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes. Drain well before mixing it in.
Let it chill. A little fridge time helps the flavors come together beautifully.
For a pretty presentation, try serving your pineapple salsa in a pineapple! Slice lengthwise through the stem and hollow out one half. It’s a super easy way to make it feel extra festive for parties or BBQs.
Ingredients to prep ahead- Dice the pineapple, onion, and jalapeño ahead of time for easy assembly.
Leftovers and storage- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5-7 days.

What To Serve With Pineapple Jalapeno Salsa

This makes a great topper for your favorite mains or sandwiches. It's a great condiment for salads, sandwiches, and tacos, and it makes a killer dip with chips for a snack or get-together. My favorite is using pineapple slasa for fish! Make it a full meal by pairing this salsa with your favorite protein and a few simple sides:

Other Salsa Recipes To Try

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