Fire up the grill! Sweet and smoky with a hint of spice, this grilled Pineapple Salsa Recipe is a delicious summer snack with chips, or served with tacos, grilled meats, and seafood.
The first time I had grilled pineapple, I was sold.
The balance of the juicy, caramelized fruit, against the light char from the grill was such an elegant and refreshing treat on a warm night.
It’s become a popular addition to our summer dessert rotation, usually drizzled with Nocciolata (the chocolate hazelnut spread to which I have such devotion, we should probably be taking vows).
Pairing grilled fruit with more savory flavors, such as in this pineapple salsa recipe, is a great way to enjoy the best of the season’s sweet produce beyond dessert. It’s a fun variation on the summer salsa theme.
How to Grill Pineapple
Grilled pineapple is quick and easy to make, needing only a few minutes per side to caramelize. You can brush the pineapple with butter sprinkle it with sugar for dessert recipes, but for this salsa, I just like to brush it with a bit of olive oil.
I often use a nontoxic, nonstick grill mat (shown in the photo above), which allows the pineapple and vegetables to develop great grill marks, with no sticking. When grilling directly on the grates, make sure they are well-oiled.
Since the pineapple grills quickly, you’ll want to keep a close eye on it, so the natural sugars don’t overdevelop (read: burn). The pineapple is ready when lightly-charred and tender, but still slightly crisp in the center.
You can grill cored pineapple rings or wedges; I tend to gravitate toward the former, as I find they cook just a little bit more evenly.
How to Slice a Pineapple
To make grilled pineapple, you can either buy pre-sliced rings in the fresh produce case at your market, or you can peel, core, and slice a whole pineapple at home. It’s easy to do!
- Detach or slice off the green “crown” with a sharp knife.
- Cut about a half an inch slice from the bottom of the pineapple.
- Stand the pineapple on the flat, sliced end, and use your knife to follow the contour of the fruit and cut off the skin from top to bottom.
- Use the tip of your knife to carefully cut out any “eyes” that remain.
- Cut the pineapple into slices of your desired thickness.
- Use a small round cookie cutter to remove the core from the center of each slice.
Check out this video from Martha Stewart to watch the process, step by step.
If you love kitchen gadgets as much as I do, there are some really convenient pineapple corer/slicers on the market that get the job done quite well. My favorite is the OXO Good Grips Steel Ratcheting Slicer (not an ad, just a satisfied consumer).
Turning Grilled Pineapple into the Best Pineapple Salsa Recipe
To turn grilled pineapple into a vibrant salsa recipe, I dice it and toss it with grilled bell peppers, jalapeños, and lime juice. Grilling the lime halves before juicing gives them a hint of a smoky flavor that really complements the grilled pineapple and peppers.
While most of the salsa ingredients are grilled, I like to leave the red onions raw for a fresh bite and contrast of textures.
Tossed with extra virgin olive oil, honey, and ground cumin, this pineapple salsa recipe has a somewhat unexpected combination of sweet and savory flavors. It really allows the grilled fruit and peppers to shine in a unique way.
What Goes with Pineapple Salsa?
We love to enjoy this pineapple salsa recipe with lightly-salted tortilla chips (blue corn are my favorite here, both visually and for their slightly nuttier flavor). It’s a great option for patio or poolside entertaining, with a margarita, an ice cold beer, or your favorite mocktail.
Grilled Pineapple Salsa is also an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats and seafood. Try using it to top pork chops or sliced pork tenderloin. It’s also great over grilled chicken breasts, and white fishes such as cod and halibut.
Serving carnitas tacos? This pineapple salsa recipe is the perfect accompaniment.
More Recipes for the Grill:
- Grilled Guacamole
- Bacon Bourbon BBQ Sauce
- Grilled Meatball Subs
- Grilled Shrimp Scampi
- Honey Mustard Grilled Pork Chops
📖 Recipe
Grilled Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large pineapple , peeled, cored, and cut into ½-inch thick slices
- 1 red bell pepper , halved lengthwise, seeds removed
- 1 jalapeño pepper
- 1 lime , halved
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil , plus extra for grilling
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ to ¾ teaspoons ground cumin (to taste)
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- tortilla chips , for serving
Instructions
- Heat grill with a medium-high flame. Oil grates or line with a nontoxic, nonstick grilling mat.
- Lightly brush pineapple slices, peppers, and the cut side of the limes with olive oil. Season with a few pinches of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Grill, placing limes cut side down, until grill marks appear and pineapple and peppers have begun to soften; 3-4 minutes total for the limes, 3-4 minutes per side for the peppers, and 5-8 minutes per side for the pineapple (watch the pineapple carefully so it doesn't burn). Remove from grill and let stand until cool enough to handle.
- Cut grilled jalapeño pepper in half lengthwise and remove seeds (if you prefer a spicy salsa, you can leave the seeds in). Chop grilled pineapple and peppers into into bite-sized pieces. You should have about 2 cups of pineapple and ½ to ¾ cup of red pepper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, ½ tablespoon grilled lime juice, honey, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Add pineapple, peppers, red onion, and cilantro, tossing to combine. Season to taste with additional salt, pepper, and cumin, if desired.
- Let stand, covered, for about an hour to allow flavors to meld, stirring before serving.
Notes
Nutrition Estimate
Originally published May 28, 2016. Post last updated April 30, 2018 with photos and additional commentary.
Tina says
I have used canned pineapple and really love it. I have yet to actually grill pineapple, what a great technique! The charred bits and smokiness seem perfect contrasted with the sweetness. I need to try this, thanks for sharing this!
Kathy McDaniel says
This salsa is both beautiful and delicious! I love grilled fruit, especially pineapple. The charred makes the fruit sweeter and tastier. All I can say is pass the chips! Definitely making this salsa this weekend.
Gloria says
Grilled pineapple is so delicious. Hubby cannot eat it raw, but can eat it this way. What a great salsa…especially for BBQ season. The perfect side or condiment!!
Jade says
Grilled pineapple is the best and I’m pretty sure I could just sit there and eat a big bowl of this salsa. I really just want to put it on everything!
Liz @ Ready to Yumble says
I’m always super happy to grill anything I can in the summer. Pineapple salsa is no exception now! And I can put it on some grilled flank steak in some tacos….mmmmm hungry….
Whitney says
I love a good pineapple salsa, and yours has everything I could possibly want included. The grilled pineapple just takes it over the edge. I have gotta try this over the summer.. pineapple is ON the list for my next grocery trip!
Wajeeha says
What a fantastic idea for summer entertaining…this salsa looks and sounds delicious! Can’t wait to try it soon :)
Kathryn @ Family Food on the Table says
So happy grilling season and summer are here! And this sweet + savory salsa is the perfect way to celebrate! I know I’m going to want to have a batch on hand ALL the time to eat with chips, to spoon on top of grilled chicken, or just to dive into with a spoon! Yummed and pinned!
Florentina says
Oh man I love a good pineapple salsa. This one looks perfect, and those grill marks ! Yes Yes Yes !
Blair says
Oh, yum! Grilled pineapple is the best! I bet this tastes amazing with a salty tortilla chip. Pinned and sharing!
Jolina - The Unlikely Baker says
First time we had grilled pineapple was at this Brazilian steak place and we were hooked! Grilling just makes the pineapple so much more delicious! I can just imagine how awesome this salsa tastes. Cannot wait to try :)
Mandee Pogue says
Oh girl! You had me at grilled pineapple! These pics literally made my mouth water! It is going on my list for sure!
Kate says
I love that the ingredients are charred on the grill. It must add so much lovely flavour!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
We make this almost weekly and it goes SO good on tacos.
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
With BBQ season finally here, this looks delicious. I love grilling fruit…especially pineapple. Perfect for entertaining!!
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
Oh this looks just amazing! I love salsas that use grilled ingredients – always so much more flavour than raw!
Kate @ VeggieDesserts says
What an amazing BBQ salad. It looks so fresh and juicy and packed with flavour. The cumin sounds great with it :)
Priya says
This looks so so good! I just got pineapple from market today and will try it out..
Amanda | Chew Town says
I never make fruit based salsas, but every time I see them I wish I did it more! Your pineapple salsa looks truly delicious with the beautiful blackened charred pieces. I can almost taste it!
Amanda Mason says
I have never once even thought about grilling my ingredients before making salsa. What a fantastic idea!! Looks fantastic!