This pineapple salsa recipe is packed with sweet pineapple, spicy pepper, and juicy tomato. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, it’s quick and easy to whip up! Includes directions for fresh or grilled pineapple salsa.

Introducing our easy pineapple salsa – a tropical delight that’s as refreshing as it is flavorful. Created with a combination of juicy pineapple, vibrant bell pepper, zesty jalapeno, and the perfect blend of spices, this salsa is an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Whether you opt for the fresh version or decide to grill the ingredients for a smoky twist, this easy-to-make pineapple salsa will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover the irresistible flavors that await.
⭐️ Pro-tip: If you really want to impress, you can serve it in a hollowed out pineapple. If you just want salsa ASAP, you can skip the grilling part. It’s a flexible and forgiving salsa, and I think you’re going to love it.
Pineapple Salsa Ingredients
Head to the produce section and grab a few key ingredients to whip up this tropical salsa.
- Pineapple: The star ingredient, providing a sweet and tangy flavor that adds a tropical twist to the salsa.
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds a vibrant color and a mild, slightly sweet flavor to the salsa, complementing the pineapple perfectly.
- Red Onion: Offers a mild onion flavor and a crisp texture. It adds a touch of sharpness and depth to the salsa.
- Jalapeno: Brings a kick of heat and a subtle smoky flavor to the salsa. Adjust the amount to your desired spice level (or use another type of pepper if you’re feeling adventurous).
- Tomatoes: Provide a juicy and refreshing element to the salsa, balancing the sweetness of the pineapple. Most types of tomatoes work well here.
- Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its aromatic and savory notes.
- Salt & Cumin: We’re keeping the seasonings simple with this one, but feel free to throw in any of your favorites! Chili powder, paprika, and cayenne all work well here.
Fresh vs. Canned Pineapple
Fresh and canned pineapple rings both work well for this salsa! Check out our guide to cutting pineapple here.
How To Make Pineapple Salsa
You’re just three steps away from delicious pineapple salsa (and one of those steps is optional!)
Step 1: Grill (Optional)
Grilling the pineapple slices, red bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeno brings a delightful smoky flavor to the salsa. The heat of the grill adds a subtle char and caramelization, enhancing the natural sweetness of the ingredients. Once done, remove them from the heat and get ready to assemble a sensational pineapple salsa.
Step 2: Assemble
You have the flexibility to choose the texture of your salsa.
- For a chunky salsa, simply roughly chop the grilled ingredients, along with the tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno, and pineapple. Toss them together with the minced garlic, salt, and cumin, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- For a smoother consistency, transfer all the ingredients to a food processor and give it a few quick pulses until you reach the desired texture. This method ensures a more uniform salsa with a finer texture, similar to restaurant style salsa.
Step 3: Serve!
After assembling the salsa according to your preferred consistency, cover it and refrigerate for about an hour to allow the flavors to blend and intensify. This chilling time also helps to enhance the overall texture and freshness of the salsa. Once chilled, serve the pineapple salsa alongside your favorite dishes or as a refreshing dip with tortilla chips.
FAQs
Can I adjust the spiciness level?
Absolutely! The heat level can be adjusted according to your preference. If you like it mild, remove the jalapeno seeds and membranes. For a spicier salsa, include them or add an extra jalapeno.
Can I add other ingredients to customize the salsa?
Yes, feel free to customize the salsa to your taste. You can add diced mango, cilantro, lime juice, or even a touch of honey to enhance the flavors and create variations.
Is this salsa suitable for dietary restrictions?
This pineapple salsa is naturally gluten-free and vegan. However, if you have specific dietary restrictions or allergies, make sure to check the ingredients to ensure they align with your needs.
For the salsa lovers
There are two types of people in the world: those who make their own salsa, and those who don’t. Here are a few more homemade salsa recipes for the salsa makers out there!
Ingredients
- 1 pineapple or a 14-oz can
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 small red onion
- 1 jalapeno
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cumin
Instructions
- Grill (optional): For a smoky flavor, you can grill the pineapple (cut into rings), red bell pepper (halved and seeded), red onion (halved), and jalapeno (halved and seeded). Cook on a well-oiled grill over medium/high heat just until things begin to char and soften, then remove from heat.
- Assemble: For chunky salsa, roughly chop everything and toss with seasoning. For less chunky salsa, throw everything in a food processor and blitz a few times until it reaches a consistency to your liking.
- Serve: Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.
Jagruti says
just the other day we had pineapple and avocado salasa, grilling pineapple sounds good too..will try sometime 🙂
Sarah says
Oooh yum with avocado would also be so tasty! Grilling takes away a bit of the acidity, you should definitely give it a go!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Anytime you’re grilling fruit! Delish!
Cristie | Little Big H says
Love pineapple salsa and that look so great served in the pineapple. Cant wait to try this….
Lisa | Garlic + Zest says
I just made a peach salsa last night and this looks wonderful too! Great flavors and I love how you scooped out the pineapple for a serving bowl.
Sarah says
Oh peach salsa, yum! With peach season right around the corner I may have to try that too!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
This is our favourite salsa to me. It goes really well with chipotle chicken tacos.
Sarah says
I bet! I served it on these Avocado Tacos but I think it’d just go well on any taco 🙂
Heather with WELLFITandFED says
I am about to write and article for MODE.com on fruity summer salsas. This one is definitely going to make the cut. I will let you know when it posts!
Sarah says
Thanks so much, Heather! Can’t wait to read it! 🙂
Emily says
This salsa recipe looks amazing! I love the presentation in the hallowed out pineapple too, perfect for summer entertaining!
Sarah says
Thanks, Emily! I couldn’t decide if it would be cheesy or not in the pineapple, but I’m thinking you’re so right, it would be perfect for entertaining! 🙂
Kristen says
i absolutely love pineapple salsa and I love that you served it in a pineapple! Looks soo delicious and fresh! And thanks for such a fun giveaway, I cannot wait to read this! 🙂
Sarah says
Thanks, Kristen! I hope you’ll try it out! 🙂
candy says
Grilling pineapple is the best made into salsa is a great idea.
adriana says
Oh my god this looks sooo good! I need to try this, it looks perfect for summer!
Ruthie Ridley says
You make this look amazing! I must try this!
Maggie says
This is my kind of salsa. Love grilled pineapple!
Adaleta says
This looks absolutely scrumptious! Grilled PINEAPPLE? YAS GIRL YAS! xx Adaleta Avdic
Elaine McKellips says
ABSOLUTELY going to try out this recipe! Maybe even this weekend. It looks so good and your pictures of the process are adorable – I love it. Thanks for sharing!
xoxo,
E
Sarah says
Happy to hear, Elaine! Let me know how it goes! 🙂 And thanks so much for stopping by
Maya | Wholesome Yum says
Yum! This looks delicious, and I love how you stuffed it back into the pineapple.
Ashley says
Yum! I love fruit salsa, but I’ve never had a grilled fruit salsa. Can’t wait to try this!
Angie says
Oh my goodness, that salsa is to die for! Your photos are SO pretty too.
Linda Briggs says
Sarah-Marissa made 4(half’s) this past weekend for a big party! She froze the pineapple half’s to keep the salsa cool for the long haul. It was perfect and lots of compliments! Thanks you.
Sarah says
That’s such a good idea!! Happy to hear it was a hit!! 😀