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Fresh and juicy Pineapple Salsa is an easy recipe that instantly brightens any meal. Made with ripe pineapple, crisp peppers, red onion, cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, this naturally colorful, vibrant salsa is delicious served with tortilla chips, spooned over grilled chicken or fish, or tucked into tacos.
Quick and Easy Pineapple Salsa Recipe
We love salsa. Mild, spicy, restaurant style, sweet or chunky, it doesn’t matter. We are a salsa family! Given this mild addiction, it might not be surprising that I’m back today sharing another amazing salsa recipe. This recipe was first posted in 2015 and has continued to be a family favorite especially when served with fish or shrimp tacos.
Talk about simple! This stuff is amazing. It’s quick to make, naturally colorful and the perfect balance of sweet heat and tangy freshness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Fresh Pineapple – fresh is best but canned could be used in a pinch. For a nice shortcut, purchase pre-cut pineapple found in the prepared produce department of your favorite grocery store.
- Red Pepper – pick your favorite hot red pepper like Serrano, or use half a red bell pepper. Peppers add lost of crunch and vibrant color so don’t skimp!
- Onion – red onion is my favorite for flavor and color but sweet onions like Vidalia works well too.
- Jalapeño – If you remove all the seeds and ribs you’ll be left with a very mild green pepper. For extra kick leave some of the seeds and ribs in the mix. Feel free to adjust the spice level as preferred.
- Fresh Cilantro – Herbs add brightness and freshness to all our salsas.
- Fresh Limes – we add both juice and zest from one lime. Feel free to adjust depending the sweetness of the pineapple. Bright acidity is essential to balance the flavor.
- Salt – add a pinch or two then give it a taste to check the seasoning before serving.
Yes! Pineapple salsa actually tastes even better after chilling for a few hours to allow the flavors to blend together.
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, pineapple salsa will keep for about 2 to 3 days.
Fresh pineapple is best for texture and flavor, but canned pineapple packed in juice can work in a pinch. Be sure to drain it well first.
Look for a ripe pineapple that smells sweet at the base and has a little give when pressed.
Absolutely! Feel free to leave it out entirely or replace with parsley.
How to Make our Fresh Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Pineapple
- Peel and core the pineapple removing all tough edges and blemishes. Dice into 1/4 or 1/2 inch pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Dice the Vegetables
- Remove the stems from the peppers, split in half and remove the seeds and membrane (or ribs). Dice and add to the pineapple. Aim for uniform pieces for the best texture.
Step 3: Mix Everything Together
- Toss with lime juice, lime zest and add any herbs and seasonings.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
- Cover and store the salsa in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours before serving. Stir a time or two while chilling. This allows the flavors to blend and meld into one amazing bite.
Variations and optional add-ins
- Spicy Pineapple Salsa
- Pineapple Mango Salsa
- Avocado Pineapple Salsa
- Tropical Salsa with Coconut Shrimp
- Black Bean Pineapple Salsa
- Sweet Corn
- Hot sauce
- Scallions
What to Serve with Pineapple Salsa
- Tortilla chips
- Fish tacos
- Shrimp tacos
- Grilled chicken
- Grilled mild white fish
- Pork tenderloin
- Salmon
- Rice bowls
- Pulled pork sandwiches
I’ve been craving a thick piece of grilled fish, like mahi mahi or grouper and now all I want is this salsa on top. Fish tacos with pineapple salsa, grilled chicken, bean and rice burritos or just a bag of chips, this lovely condiment is the perfect match to almost any meal.
How to Store Pineapple Salsa
- Store this salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir well before serving.
- This salsa will keep for up to 3 days but is best when served fresh.
- Freezing is not recommended since the fresh ingredients become watery and lose their crisp texture after thawing.
Easy Pineapple Salsa
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh pineapple diced, about 1 medium pineapple
- 1 large jalapeño seeded and minced
- 1 red hot pepper (or 1/2 red bell pepper) seeded and minced
- zest and juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup cilantro leaves chopped
- ¼ cup red onion diced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Peel and core the pineapple removing all tough edges and blemishes. Dice into ¼ to ½ inch pieces and place in a medium bowl with a tight fitting lid.
- Remove the stems from the peppers, split in half and remove the seeds and membrane (or ribs). Dice and add to the pineapple.
- Add the onion, lime juice, zest, cilantro and salt to the pineapple and gently stir to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Recipe Notes
- Serve with chips or spoon into tacos, over grilled chicken or fish.
- This salsa is best made a few hours ahead to give the flavors time to meld.
Nutrition
Originally posted April, 2015 updated May 2026
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tanna
Oh, yeah!!! Love salsa… in all varieties!! =)
Tricia Buice
Being a Texas resident I bet you have to say that! Haha
John@Kitchen Riffs
I don’t think I’ve ever met a salsa I didn’t like! I don’t make pineapple salsa very often (maybe once every 3 or 4 years),but always enjoy it when it do. You’ve reminded me it’s been too long! Time to make this again. Your recipe is perfect — thanks for this.
Tricia Buice
Thank you John!
Susan
I love the idea of using this fresh salsa on fish tacos, Tricia! This is perfect for the warmer months ahead.
Tricia Buice
I am craving fish so badly! Love these warmer days 🙂
Mandy
We used to eat loads of pineapples when we lived in Mauritius and most of the time they made their way into a salad, wish I had thought to make salsa. Delicious!
Have a happy day Tricia.
🙂 Mandy xo
Tricia Buice
Thanks Mandy – you too!
Abbe @ This is How I Cook
I love pineapple salsa! I like to eat it all on its own. Weird ’cause today I did a recipe with pineapple, too! And you won the Whole Foods giveaway so today is your lucky day! Could you please send me your address?
Tricia Buice
How exciting Abbe! Thank you so much. I love your pineapple guacamole!
Kitchen Belleicious
yes yes yes! Sweet with some heat. the perfect combo! I am just going to pretend I am dipping my chip in that right now:)
Tricia Buice
It is a lovely combination. Thanks for stopping by Jessica!
Monique
A variation of this is one of our favorites w/ coconut shrimp:)
Refreshing ..sweet and summery!
Tricia Buice
That sounds pretty great Monique – yummy!
handmade by amalia
I like mango salsa. Now I’ll try pineapple.
Amalia
xo
Tricia Buice
Ohh Mango salsa – gotta try that soon! Thanks Amalia
Angie@Angie's Recipes
o yes, I definitely would love this salsa with some fish! Fresh, easy and simply irresistible.
Tricia Buice
I agree Angie – fish and pineapple salsa yum! I may be trying that this weekend!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland
I am in love with salsas of every kind, but pineapple has a special place in my heart, I love it with chicken, fish, pork, and steak too!
Tricia Buice
Salsa may just be the perfect topping for anything! Have a lovely day Sue
Mary
I love your shots, Tricia! I bet this is awesome with the bell pepper too. Have a wonderful week!
Tricia Buice
Thanks Mary – for letting me tweak your lovely recipe! You posted it twice over the years – so after the second time it got to me and I had to try it! Thanks again.
Chris @ The Café Sucré Farine
It’s funny, at this time of the year salsas look even better than ever. I think I’d just eat this by the spoonful, that’s legal, right?
Tricia Buice
You bet Chris – by the spoonful is perfect!
Monica
What a gorgeous salsa, and great pics that captured it! I don’t eat/cook Mexican enough though we did have fish taco night for dinner the other week (a lot of fun). Seeing it everywhere lately in magazines (and blogs now) is inspiring me. I’ve been thinking about mango and even zucchini salsa that I was reading about! We went to Chicago recently and ate at one of Rick Bayless’ place…boy, the food was so amazing and it’s gotten me in the mood for more Mexican food right now. I never had pineapple salsa…I’m sure yours is as good as it looks!
Tricia Buice
Thanks Monica – it doesn’t even seem Mexican in taste – I guess the lack of tomatoes 🙂 Really good Mexican food is the best – sounds like a great place to visit!