Pineapple Salsa
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Jump to RecipeAdding a touch of sweetness to your Pico de Gallo makes the best Pineapple Salsa!
What is Pineapple Salsa?
Pineapple salsa is a condiment that builds upon the classic pico de Gallo base by adding pineapple, achieving a perfect balance thanks to its natural sweetness. Every bite is packed with a perfect blend of acidity, spiciness, saltiness, and sweetness.
The acidity of the lime juice and tomatoes, the spiciness of the Serrano pepper, the sweetness of the pineapple, and sprinkle of salt all meld together to create deep flavors. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make!
In the world of Mexican Candy, we know that a spicy and sour kick is much needed – it’s what makes our treats truly pop! And when we add a pinch of salt to the mix, it’s like the whole flavor profile comes alive!
But here’s the thing: this magic formula doesn’t just apply to sweet treats. When we bring that same balance of spicy, sour, sweet and salty flavors to our savory dishes, the profile instantly changes!
It’s no secret that this fruit can elevate the flavors of a classic Pico de Gallo! I personally love to pair it with tacos al pastor or carnitas – the combination is thrilling! Or simply try it as an appetizer with chips.
Selecting the Ingredients
When I’m shopping for ingredients, I make it a point to seek out the best quality options. I’m willing to go the extra mile – even visiting another store if needed – to find the freshest, most flavorful ingredients.
This simple recipe relies on the individual qualities of each component to shine, so it’s worth the extra effort to get the best. I think I’ve made my point… after all, you can’t “salsa” your way out of using uninspiring ingredients – that’s just a recipe for disaster!
Tips and Recommendations
Even though canned pineapple might be a consideration, I strongly advise against using it for this recipe for a few reasons:
- Added Sugar: Canned pineapple is submerged in a sweet syrup or juice, which can add excessive sugar to your recipe, throwing off the balance of flavors.
- Softer Fruit: the fruit is typically softer than fresh pineapple, which can affect the texture and overall presentation of your dish.
- Excessive Juice: Too much liquid can result in a watered-down salsa.
If you’re short on time and canned pineapple is your only option, make sure to drain the liquid thoroughly and pat the pineapple dry with paper towels before using.
Pineapple Amount
I personally like to make this salsa with a basic pico de Gallo base and add pineapple to complement the flavors. But feel free to add more pineapple if you prefer a sweeter taste – it’s up to you! I love that this recipe is flexible and can be tailored to your individual taste buds.
Pineapple Salsa Ingredients
- Tomatoes: The base for many salsas, tomatoes bring acidity, balance, and texture.
- Red Onion: Brings flavor and texture, with a hint of sweetness that complements the pineapple.
- Pineapple: Adds natural sweetness, a pop of tropical flavors, and texture.
- Serrano Pepper: Adds grassy flavors that pack a punch of heat. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds to reduce the heat while maintaining its characteristic flavor profile.
- Cilantro: Adds a burst of bright, herbal, and citrusy flavor.
- Lime Juice: Bright and citrusy, with acidic properties that balance out other flavor profiles.
How to Make Pineapple Salsa
Combine all of the ingredients in a large non-reactive bowl until evenly distributed.
Recipe Video Tutorial
Below is my easy to follow video tutorial on how to make this Pineapple Salsa.
It will give you an additional in-depth knowledge and the visuals of the step-by-step process to enhance your understanding.
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Customize this Recipe
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a must, but feel free to use whichever kind looks the best quality. For a less juicy end result, Roma tomatoes work best, but you can also use vine-ripe or cherry tomatoes.
- Onion: While red onion adds the most incredible flavor and pop of color, you can substitute with white onion.
- Pepper: Feel free to experiment with different peppers for a variety of flavor profiles and levels of heat. You can substitute Serrano peppers with jalapeño for a milder salsa, or with habanero or Chile de arbol for a spicier kick.
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Storing
My husband Nelson and I are obsessed with this Pineapple Salsa! With just the two of us at home, this recipe is perfect for us. But when I share it with friends and family, it’s a huge hit and disappears in no time – even when I make a bigger batch!
If you have leftovers, just transfer it to an airtight non-reactive container and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Recommended Tools:
- Non-Reactive Glass Bowl: A must-have for marinating fish in high acidity levels. I recommend this beautiful and versatile set.
- High-Quality Knife: Essential for precise and effortless chopping of veggies.
- Glass Measuring Cups: If you don’t already have a set, this is a great one to get you started.
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Recipes to Enjoy Together
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
A: Use pineapple salsa as a topping for tacos, grilled meats, fish, or vegetables. It’s also great as a dip for chips or as a sauce for salads or sandwiches.
A: The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your liking by using more or less peppers or by deseeding them.
A: Yes, you can prepare pineapple salsa ahead of time and store it in the fridge, but for optimal flavor and freshness, it’s best to enjoy it the same day.