Charred Pineapple and Jalapeño Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant and spicy salsa combining smoky charred pineapple with fresh jalapeños for a bold flavor punch. This mexican-inspired snacks ready in about 15 minutes pairs fresh pineapple chunks, jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced, red onion, finely diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 80 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 80 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a grill pan or cast iron skillet over high heat until very hot. Add 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks and 2 diced jalapeño peppers (seeded) and char for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until edges are blackened and smoky.
  2. Step 2: Transfer the charred pineapple and jalapeños to a bowl. Add 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 3 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp olive oil.
  3. Step 3: Mix gently to combine and let sit for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld before serving with grilled meats or tortilla chips.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Pineapple and Jalapeño Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Charred Pineapple and Jalapeño Salsa?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh pineapple chunks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Pineapple and Jalapeño Salsa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Charred Pineapple and Jalapeño Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Charred Pineapple and Jalapeño Salsa?

Mexican snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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