Pineapple Cucumber Mint Salad with Hot Honey Vinaigrette

I promise, this salad will be the most refreshing salad you serve all summer long!

I got the inspiration for this salad on a vacation to Puerto Vallarta about 10 years ago.  Every morning in the restaurant there were pitchers of blended fruit juices and smoothies.  I was totally smitten with the pineapple, cucumber and mint concoction! Every morning I went back for multiple servings of this most vibrant, tropical, brilliantly refreshing, sweet (but not too sweet) juice blended with crushed ice.

For years now, this has been one of my favourite morning smoothies.  Sure, from time to time additional fruit etc gets added in: kiwi, celery, mango etc.  But at it’s core, the pineapple, cucumber and plenty of fresh mint.

Then last year, I was looking to make a salad to serve with my grilled Chicken Satay, and realized that turning these smoothie ingredients into a salad would be a sensational tropical side!  The dressing I came up for these bright flavours would have to hold its own, but not overpower the fruit or gentle flavour of the cucumber. 

Hot Honey Lime Vinaigrette

I decided to use a dressing that I have used with fruit in the past: a hot honey and lime vinaigrette.  It really couldn’t be easier: hot honey (instead of just plain honey) would add some kick, lime would cut through the sweetness of the honey, and the olive oil balances it all.  Here is the link to my hot honey recipe.  This dressing comes together quickly, and can be stored in the fridge till needed. Of course, remove from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before using, since the oil will have solidified.

Salad Ingredients

Along with the pineapple, cucumber and mint, I’m adding red onion and little gems lettuce to this salad.  They help flesh out the salad, and create a base for the flavours we want to shine. 

Chop the pineapple into bite-sized chunks.  

For the cucumbers, feel free to chop into chunks, slice into rings, use a peeler to create ribbons, or even use a melon baller to shape the cucumber into bite-sized balls. I show both balls and ribbons in the salad made here.

Thinly slice the red onion. Pro tip: Once you have sliced the onion, place the slices into a small bowl and cover with a few tablespoons of the hot honey vinaigrette.  Let the onion slices soak for a good 30 minutes. This will help soften their bite.

When ready to serve the salad, toss everything with enough of the dressing to coat but not drown the ingredients.  Finish with a dusting of lime zest, and cracked pepper.

Final Thoughts

This salad will last overnight in a sealed container in the fridge.

This salad works great with any grilled meat or fish you are serving. It makes a great salad to bring to a picnic or bbq, since the dressing doesn’t use any mayo etc.

Of course, you can play with additions: ribbons of prosciutto, smoked salmon, sesame seeds or chopped macadamia nuts etc.  As I mentioned above, mango, even kiwi would be great in this salad as well.  Or how about some edamame beans!

For other ways to enjoy fruit in summery salads check out Agua Fresca Melon Salad with Hot Honey Lime Dressing, Watermelon Strawberry and Avocado Salad, Melon and Feta Tetris Salad

If you make this vibrant Pineapple, Cucumber Mint Salad with Hot Honey Vinaigrette, please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! It’s always lovely to hear from you guys, and I always do my best to respond to each comment or question. And of course, if you do make this recipe, and you post it on Instagram, don’t forget to also tag me so I can see! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is such a treat.

Love Jen

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Pineapple Cucumber Salad with Mint and Hot Honey Vinaigrette

All the tropical vibes in this simple summer salad that is perfect in any setting. The hot honey vinaigrette will become your new favourite dressing for all sorts of salads. As with most of my salads, don't be obsessed by amounts, use as much or as little of each salad ingredient as you are in the mood for.

Course Salad

Keyword hot honey vinaigrette, pineapple

Prep Time 30 minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups or so, chopped Pineapple
• 4 Persian cucumbers, or 1/2 of an English cucumber, chopped or sliced, see Notes
• 2-3 Little gems lettuce, chopped
• 1/3 cup or so, of thinly sliced red onion
• large handful of fresh mint, thinly sliced
• Lime zest for garnish
• Fresh cracked black pepper for garnish

Hot Honey Lime Vinaigrette

• 2-3 tbsp hot honey, see Notes
• zest from one lime
• 3 tbsp lime juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• good pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Hot Honey Vinaigrette first

1. Combine all the dressing ingredients in a small jar with a lid. Shake well to combine. Taste, and re-season as desired. Store in the fridge till needed. Remove to allow the olive oil to loosen up if needed. There may be more dressing than you require, use it for other salads through the week.

Salad

1. Place the sliced red onion into a small bowl. Cover with some of the vinaigrette. This will help soften the onion and take away excess 'bite'. Do this about 30 minutes before you assemble the rest of the salad.
2. In a large bowl combine the chopped pineapple, chopped or sliced cucumber, torn or chopped lettuce, and the finely shredded mint. Add the onion.
3. Drizzle with more of the dressing. Toss gently together. Taste to see if you want to add any more salt or pepper.
4. Finish with lime zest, and freshly cracked pepper.
5. Any leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge overnight.

Recipe Notes

Feel free to use more pineapple, or less cucumber, more or less onion, you know what I mean!
Cucumber: You can chop, slice, use a vegetable peeler to create ribbons, or even a melon baller to create cucumber balls (this works best if using an English cucumber)
You can use any hot honey you have on hand, homemade or storebought. If you want to make a batch, it's so easy, here is my Hot Honey recipe.