Cuban-Style Rum-Infused Pineapple Salsa
A vibrant and tangy pineapple salsa brightened with Cuban rum, perfect for tacos or grilled seafood. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 10 minutes blends fresh pineapple, diced, red bell pepper, finely diced, red onion, finely diced 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 70 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, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, deseeded and minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp Cuban rum
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups diced fresh pineapple, 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper, 1/3 cup finely diced red onion, 1 minced deseeded jalapeño, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
- Step 2: Add 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp Cuban rum, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the fruit and vegetables. Gently toss all ingredients together until evenly coated.
- Step 3: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salsa for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the rum to infuse the pineapple.
- Step 4: Serve the rum-infused pineapple salsa chilled as a topping for grilled fish, shrimp, or tacos for a refreshing and spirited kick.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cuban-Style Rum-Infused Pineapple Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Cuban-Style Rum-Infused Pineapple Salsa?
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 Cuban-Style Rum-Infused Pineapple 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 Cuban-Style Rum-Infused Pineapple Salsa 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.
What goes well with Cuban-Style Rum-Infused Pineapple Salsa?
Caribbean seafood 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.
