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Grilled pineapple salsa with red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro served in a rustic wooden bowl.
Layla

Grilled Pineapple Salsa

Smoky-sweet grilled pineapple meets bright jalapeno and lime for a salsa that transforms tacos, fish, or grilled chicken into something unforgettable.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Condiment, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 85
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salsa
  • 0.5 medium fresh pineapple peeled, cored, cut into 1-inch rings or wedges
  • 1 medium red bell pepper diced small
  • 0.25 cup red onion finely diced
  • 1 jalapeno minced, seeds removed for less heat
  • 0.25 cup cilantro freshly chopped
  • 1 lime juiced, about 2 tablespoons
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil plus extra for brushing
  • 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste

Equipment

  • Grill or Grill Pan
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Medium Bowl

Method
 

Grill the Pineapple
  1. Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high, about 400-450F. Brush pineapple lightly with olive oil on all sides.
  2. Grill pineapple 3-4 minutes per side until deeply caramelized with char marks. You want real color here - that smoky sweetness is the whole point. Transfer to a cutting board and let cool 5 minutes.
Build the Salsa
  1. Dice grilled pineapple into 1/4-inch pieces, capturing any juices that run off. Add to a medium bowl.
  2. Add bell pepper, red onion, jalapeno, and cilantro. Drizzle with lime juice and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  3. Toss gently and taste. Add more salt, lime, or jalapeno as needed. The salsa should be bright, slightly sweet, and punchy. Let sit 10 minutes for flavors to meld, or serve immediately.

Notes

For extra depth, grill the jalapeno alongside the pineapple until blistered, then mince. The salsa keeps 2 days refrigerated but is best the day it's made - the grilled flavor fades over time. Serve with grilled fish, carnitas tacos, or spoon over cream cheese with crackers for an instant appetizer.