Charred Pineapple and Jicama Salad with Lime-Chili Dressing
A refreshing and vibrant salad combining smoky charred pineapple, crisp jicama, and a zesty lime-chili dressing for a bright, tropical side. This latin american-inspired salads (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes blends jicama, peeled and julienned, red bell pepper, finely diced, fresh cilantro, chopped into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup jicama, peeled and julienned
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Toss 2 cups fresh pineapple cubes with 1 tbsp olive oil. Grill pineapple pieces for 3-4 minutes per side until charred and caramelized.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup julienned jicama, 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp chili powder, and 1/2 tsp salt until combined.
- Step 4: Add the charred pineapple to the jicama mixture and pour the lime-chili dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 1/4 cup toasted pepitas over the top before serving for a crunchy texture.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Charred Pineapple and Jicama Salad with Lime-Chili Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Charred Pineapple and Jicama Salad with Lime-Chili Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Pineapple and Jicama Salad with Lime-Chili Dressing?
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 Jicama Salad with Lime-Chili Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.
Is Charred Pineapple and Jicama Salad with Lime-Chili Dressing vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.