Description
Sweet, fresh, and just the right amount of spicy, this Grilled Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa is the perfect topping for grilled chicken, pork, seafood, or tacos. Grilling the pineapple and jalapeño adds incredible depth of flavor while fresh cilantro and lime keep every bite bright and refreshing.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh pineapple, cut into rings or planks
1 medium jalapeño
1/4 cup finely diced red onion
2 cloves garlic, finely grated
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon olive oil
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat a grill or George Foreman grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the pineapple lightly with the olive oil. Place the pineapple and whole jalapeño on the grill.
- Grill the pineapple for 5 to 7 minutes, turning as needed, until caramelized with grill marks. Grill the jalapeño for 4 to 5 minutes until blistered and softened.
- Transfer the pineapple and jalapeño to a cutting board and allow them to cool slightly.
- Remove the stem from the jalapeño. Remove the seeds and membranes for a milder salsa, or leave some in for extra heat. Finely dice the jalapeño.
- Dice the grilled pineapple into small pieces.
- In a medium bowl, combine the grilled pineapple, jalapeño, red onion, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using.
- Stir well and refrigerate for at least 20 to 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
For a milder salsa, remove all of the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño before dicing. Leave a few behind if you enjoy a little more heat.
Fresh pineapple works best for this recipe. Canned pineapple contains too much moisture and won't caramelize as well on the grill.
Allow the salsa to rest for at least 20 to 30 minutes before serving. This gives the lime juice time to mellow the onion and allows all of the flavors to come together.
For the best texture, dice the pineapple into pieces about the same size as the onion so every bite has a balanced mix of sweet, spicy, and fresh flavors.
This salsa can be served with tortilla chips, spooned over grilled teriyaki chicken, pork chops, grilled shrimp, fish, tacos, or even in rice bowls.
It will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving since the juices naturally settle.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American