Fresh pineapple is one of those ingredients that instantly brings a little sunshine to the table. Its natural sweetness is especially delicious when paired with crisp red pepper, fresh herbs, a squeeze of lime, and just enough jalapeño to give this salsa a little personality.

This fresh pineapple salsa is simple, colorful, and incredibly versatile. Spoon it over grilled salmon or a mild white fish, pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp, or serve it alongside tacos. And when mango is calling your name instead, it makes a delicious swap for the pineapple.

***All of my recipes are gluten-free, dairy-free, blood sugar-friendly, and gut-supportive. We are all different so you may need to make adjustments based on your body’s unique needs.***

❤️Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and vibrant: Sweet pineapple, lime, herbs, and peppers create layers of bright, refreshing flavor.
• Quick and simple: Once the pineapple is prepped, everything comes together in one bowl.
• Easy to customize: Leave out the cayenne for a milder salsa or adjust the jalapeño to suit your preferred level of heat.
• Naturally versatile: Serve it with grilled fish, chicken, shrimp, tacos, or simply enjoy it as a fresh side.
• No added sugar needed: Ripe pineapple brings plenty of natural sweetness all on its own.

🌿Why Your Body Loves This Recipe

• Pineapple provides vitamin C along with naturally occurring antioxidants and plenty of fresh flavor.
• Red bell pepper adds another source of vitamin C as well as colorful plant compounds.
• Cilantro and mint bring fresh flavor, which is a simple way to make whole-food meals more interesting without relying on heavy sauces.
• Jalapeño and cayenne add flavor and heat from naturally occurring plant compounds such as capsaicin.
• Fresh lime juice brightens the entire salsa while contributing a little additional vitamin C.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 medium fresh pineapple
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup (6 g) fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, minced
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional

Instructions:

1. Cut the top and base from the pineapple. Stand the pineapple upright and carefully remove the peel, cutting away any remaining pineapple “eyes.”
2. Cut the pineapple lengthwise into quarters and remove the tough core. Dice the pineapple into small, bite-size pieces.
3. Add the diced pineapple to a medium bowl along with the red pepper, cilantro, mint, jalapeño, lime juice, paprika, and optional cayenne pepper.
4. Gently toss until everything is evenly combined. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Recipe Notes:

1. Choosing your pineapple: Look for a pineapple with a yellow-gold color and a pleasantly sweet aroma at the base. These are helpful signs that the fruit is ready to enjoy.
2. Use fresh pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives this salsa its best texture and flavor. Canned pineapple is typically softer and may contain added sugar or syrup, depending on the variety.
3. Adjust the heat: Jalapeños can vary considerably in heat. For a milder salsa, remove the seeds and inner membrane before mincing, or use less jalapeño. For more heat, keep them in and add the optional cayenne.
4. Try it with mango: Fresh mango can be substituted for the pineapple for another naturally sweet, tropical variation.
5. Serving ideas: Spoon the salsa over grilled salmon, white fish, chicken, or shrimp. It’s also delicious with tacos or as a colorful accompaniment to a simple grilled meal.
6. Storage: Store leftover salsa in a covered container in the refrigerator. For the freshest flavor and texture, enjoy it within 2–3 days.