Looking for a tasty way to use up fresh pineapple? This vibrant pineapple cilantro salsa is perfect! It's easy to make, and has a delicious tropical flavor that everyone will love.
Serve with chips or use it as a condiment for tacos, grilled chicken, or pork chops. You'll be craving this salsa all summer long!

Why this recipe works
The sweet and tangy flavors of the pineapple are balanced out by the earthy cilantro, making this salsa irresistibly delicious. It's super easy to make, so you can spend more time enjoying your party guests!
Plus, it's a great way to use up some of that fresh pineapple you picked up at the grocery store.
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Ingredients needed
Here is a list of the items you will need to have on hand to make this recipe.
- pineapple
- red onion
- cilantro
- olive oil
- lime juice
- lime zest
- soy sauce
- garlic powder
- salt
- pepper
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to make fresh pineapple cilantro salsa
You don't have to buy a full size fresh pineapple for this, unless of course you need enough for a large party. Most produce departments have smaller quantities of fresh cut pineapple in containers for purchase. It sure makes it easier than preparing a fresh pineapple!
Dice Up the Pineapple
- If you do want to start with a full size fresh pineapple, you will need to cut the top and bottom bit off.
- Slice into thick slices, and then slice the peel off. Leave what you don't need still encased in it's rind, as it will stay fresh longer. Use a sharp knife for this job, but take care.

Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Mince The Cilantro
- You will also want to chop up some fresh green cilantro and some red onion. I go for a dice that is about ¼". Dice the pineapple to about ½" dice.

Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Combine Ingredients and Chill
- Place all your chopped pineapple, cilantro, and red onion in a mixing bowl. Add the seasonings and spices and mix well.

Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Serving Suggestions
Chill, and serve either as a topping for grilled or backed meats (scallops, chicken, pork chops). Try it on our Pan Grilled Steakhouse Pork Chops!

Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Substitutions
This salsa recipe is good with many fruits. Try it with diced mango, or peaches! You can swap out the chopped cilantro for chopped or chiffonade cut mint leaves, which pairs really nicely with cantaloupe or honeydew melon!
Storage
Store your Pineapple Cilantro Salsa in a tub with a lid in the refrigerator. Let it chill for a few hours so the flavors can mingle and intensify.
You can make up to 3 days in advance of an event, but it does not freeze well.
Top tips
- Purchasing your pineapple already peeled or chunked from your grocery produce makes this a salsa you can put on the table without fussing with preparing a full size pineapple.
Frequently asked questions
Yes! Some people get a 'soapy' taste with cilantro. A good substitute would be mint or parsley, or no chopped herbs!
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📖 Recipe
Pineapple Cilantro Salsa
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh pineapple
- ½ cup red onion
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- 3 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Chop the pineapple up into about ½" dice. Chop the onion into ½" dice. Chop the cilantro up coarsely. Add all to a mixing bowl.3 cups fresh pineapple, ½ cup chopped cilantro, ½ cup red onion
- Add the soy sauce, olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, and spices to the bowl of fruit & vegetables. Toss well to coat with the marinade.3 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 3 tablespoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon lime zest, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour so that flavors mingle and intensify.
- Serve with your tacos, grilled meats or seafoods, or as a dip for chips.
Notes
- Purchase your pineapple and/or chopped red onion already diced in the refrigerated case in your grocery store produce department. It saves a TON of time!
- You can make this salsa up at lease 3 days ahead of time.
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe? We could love to hear from you. Drop us a comment below.
Dahn says
Looks great! This is perfect for summer BBQ's!