Grilled Pineapple Salsa with Chips
This Grilled Pineapple Salsa is a sweet, tangy, and smoky twist on traditional salsa.
The pineapple is grilled to bring out its natural sweetness and add a caramelized, smoky flavor, while fresh ingredients like cilantro, lime, and jalapeños give it a bright and zesty kick.
Served with crispy tortilla chips, this salsa is a perfect appetizer or side dish for BBQs, picnics, or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Grilling the pineapple enhances its sweetness and adds a charred, smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the fresh, zesty ingredients in the salsa.
The combination of the smoky pineapple, fresh veggies, and spicy jalapeños creates a well-balanced salsa that’s both refreshing and full of flavor. Paired with crispy tortilla chips, it’s a perfect appetizer that’s both sweet and savory.
Ingredients:
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings or chunks
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Grill the Pineapple: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the pineapple rings or chunks on the grill and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, until grill marks form and the pineapple caramelizes. Let the pineapple cool slightly, then chop it into small pieces.
- Prepare the Salsa: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped grilled pineapple, red onion, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice. If you prefer a sweeter salsa, drizzle with honey and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill (Optional): If you have time, refrigerate the salsa for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld together. This step is optional but enhances the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the grilled pineapple salsa with a bowl of crispy tortilla chips. It’s also delicious served as a topping for grilled meats, tacos, or fish.
Expert Tips for the Recipe:
- Adjusting Heat: If you prefer a milder salsa, use only one jalapeño or remove the seeds. For extra heat, add more jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Grilled Variations: You can also grill other fruits like peaches, mangoes, or even tomatoes to add depth to the salsa.
- Make Ahead: This salsa can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.
Grilled Pineapple Salsa with Chips
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple cut into rings or chunks
- 1 small red onion chopped
- 1-2 jalapeños chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 lime juiced
- 1 tbsp honey optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- Grill pineapple for 3-5 minutes per side until caramelized and cool. Chop into pieces.
- Mix grilled pineapple with onion, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, and honey.
- Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes, if desired.
- Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy!