Avocado and Pineapple Salad with Chili-Lime Sauce

This Avocado and Pineapple Salad with Chili-Lime Sauce is a bright, refreshing dish that pairs creamy avocado with juicy pineapple, finished with a tangy, slightly spicy chili-lime dressing. It’s the kind of salad that brings bold flavor with minimal effort, ideal for warm days or as a vibrant side to your favorite mains.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and Flavorful: The sweet pineapple and creamy avocado are perfectly balanced by the zest of lime and heat from chili.
• Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 20 minutes, with no cooking required.
• Healthy and Nourishing: Full of vitamins, healthy fats, and antioxidants.
• Versatile: Serve it as a side dish, light lunch, or a colorful appetizer.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh pineapple, diced
• Ripe avocados, cubed
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Jalapeño or serrano pepper, finely diced
• Fresh lime juice
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Directions

1. Dice the pineapple and cube the avocado. Thinly slice the red onion, chop the cilantro, and finely dice the chili pepper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the chili-lime sauce.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pineapple, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and chili.
4. Pour the chili-lime sauce over the salad and gently toss to coat.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Add grilled shrimp or chicken to make it a full meal.
• Use mango or papaya instead of pineapple for a twist.
• Swap cilantro with mint or parsley for a different herb profile.
• Add cucumber for an extra crisp texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Note: The avocado may brown over time; tossing it with extra lime juice helps reduce this.
• Reheating: This salad is meant to be served cold and should not be reheated.

FAQs

What type of pineapple works best?

Use fresh, ripe pineapple for the best texture and flavor.

Can I use canned pineapple instead?

Yes, though fresh is preferred. Drain well if using canned to avoid extra liquid.

How can I keep the avocado from browning?

Tossing the avocado with lime juice helps slow the oxidation process.

Is this salad spicy?

It can be mildly to moderately spicy depending on the chili used and the amount. Adjust to taste.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the chopped ingredients ahead and combine just before serving.

What can I pair this salad with?

It goes well with grilled fish, chicken, or tacos. It’s also a great topping for grain bowls.

Can I make this salad vegan?

It is naturally vegan with no animal products involved.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers work well.

What’s a good substitute for lime?

Lemon juice can be used in place of lime juice, although it will slightly change the flavor.

Do I need to remove the seeds from the chili?

If you want less heat, remove the seeds and ribs from the chili before dicing.

Conclusion

This Avocado and Pineapple Salad with Chili-Lime Sauce is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s simple to make and wonderfully refreshing. Whether served as a light meal or a side, it’s sure to impress with its colorful presentation and zesty taste. Perfect for warm-weather gatherings or as a healthy addition to your weekly menu.

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