This zesty pineapple salsa is so easy to make with a few everyday ingredients. Enjoy it with chips, or serve it with chicken, fish, or your favorite Mexican dishes.
Suitable for vegan, gluten free, and paleo diets. Post includes Weight Watchers points.

If fruit salsa sounds strange to you, just take a bite, and you will wonder where this recipe has been all of your life. The sweet juicy pineapple paired with the onion’s sharpness, the jalapeno’s heat, and the brightness of the cilantro is a flavor fiesta.
Pineapple salsa is so fresh and flavorful, and it can be made up to a day in advance, so it’s perfect for prepping ahead as a party appetizer. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo or just enjoy your favorite Mexican dishes with this yummy salsa.
Table of Contents
Why Make This Recipe
- Fresh – No jarred salsa compares to fresh homemade salsa.
- Fruity – Sweet and heat just go together.
- Perfect for Parties – Easily double or triple this recipe and serve it as a delicious party appetizer.
- Leftovers – budget friendly and a great way to use up leftovers.
- Versatile – You can use pineapple salsa in so many ways. See the list below.
- Dietary – Suitable for vegan, gluten free, and paleo diets.
Ingredient Notes
- Pineapple – You want to use fresh pineapple for this recipe. The flavor is much sweeter than canned pineapple. It’s not terrible with canned pineapple, but fresh is so flavorful.
- Onion – Red onion has a bit of a sweet flavor that compliments the pineapple while also giving the salsa a bite. Red onion adds a beautiful contrast in color, so I prefer it to a white onion.
- Cilantro – This fresh herb that’s common in Mexican dishes adds a brightness of flavor and color. If you are not a fan of cilantro, use a small amount or leave it out.
- Lime Juice – Again, fresh is your friend, but bottled lime juice will work in a pinch.
- Jalapeno – Jalapeno adds that spicy kick to this salsa. Add a little or a lot, depending on your preference of heat level.
- Salt – Don’t skip the salt but don’t overdo it either. A pinch of salt helps to bring all of the flavors together.
- Taco Seasoning – This is optional but lends to that traditional salsa flavor.
How To Make Pineapple Salsa
Get full ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.
- Peel and core the pineapple, then cut into small pieces.
- Chop the onion, cilantro, and jalapeno into small pieces.
- Place everything in a bowl and season with lime juice, salt, and taco seasoning (if using). Taste and add more as needed.
- Cover the salsa and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
How To Use Pineapple Salsa
- Serve it as a dip with tortilla chips. It makes an excellent appetizer for dinner or a party.
- Put it on tacos.
- Serve it with grilled fish.
- Eat it as a salad.
- Serve it with your favorite Mexican dishes.
Tips For Success
- If you don’t like a lot of heat, remove the seeds and the ribs from the jalapeno before dicing.
- Cut all your ingredients into similar-sized pieces, so it’s easy to get a bit of everything in each bite. The small you chop, the better.
- If your pineapple is not very sweet, you may only need to add half of the lime juice.
Delicious Variations
- Add Mango – Diced mango is a sweet and welcome addition to this salsa.
- Add Roasted Red Peppers – Sweet and slightly smoky; roasted red peppers also add more color.
- Add Avocado – Adding chopped avocado adds a deliciously creamy element to this salsa.
Budget-Friendly Tips
- Fresh Pineapple is Economical – The flavor of fresh pineapple is so incredible, and it’s often cheaper than the equivalent amount of canned pineapple.
- Use Leftover Veggies/Pineapple – Make this with leftover pineapple and veggies from another recipe, so you get more bang for your buck.
Make Ahead And Storage
Prep Ahead – You want to make this pineapple salsa recipe at least 30 minutes before you plan to use it. This allows the flavor to build.
- Store – Store in the fridge up for 24-48 hours.
- Freeze – Freezing this recipe is not recommended.
FAQs
First, look for a pineapple that has uniform eyes all the way around. Gently grip one of the top leaves on a pineapple. If it pulls up easily, the pineapple should be juicy and sweet. If there is resistance, select a different pineapple. Finally, check that there are no mushy spots on the pineapple.
Fresh pineapple is a tastier and more economical choice. However, using canned pineapple will work. You will want to completely drain the pineapple, and you may need to chop it into smaller pieces.
Serving Suggestions And Other Recipes
Weight Watchers Points
There are 0 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.
Tools To Make This
- A sharp knife makes cutting ingredients so easy.
- A handy cutting board.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
Get The Pineapple Salsa Recipe:
Pineapple Salsa
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients into a bowl.
- Cover and let stand for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Tips For Success
- If you don’t like a lot of heat, remove the seeds and the ribs from the jalapeno before dicing.
- Cut all your ingredients into similar-sized pieces, so it’s easy to get a bit of everything in each bite. The small you chop, the better.
Delicious Variations
- Add Mango – Diced mango is a sweet and welcome addition to this salsa.
- Add Roasted Red Peppers – Sweet and slightly smoky; roasted red peppers also add more color.
- Add Avocado – Adding chopped avocado can add a creamy element to this salsa. If your pineapple is not very sweet, you may only need to add half of the lime juice.
Budget-Friendly Tips
- Fresh Pineapple is Economical – The flavor of fresh pineapple is so incredible, and it’s often cheaper than the equivalent amount of canned pineapple.
- Use Leftover Veggies/Pineapple – Make this with leftover pineapple and veggies from another recipe, so you get more bang for your buck.
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