Ensalada de Piña con Queso Fresco
A refreshing tropical salad with sweet pineapple, creamy cheese, and a zesty lime dressing. This puerto rican-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs pineapple, queso fresco, red onion into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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 pineapple
- 1/2 cup queso fresco
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 3 tbsp fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice 2 cups fresh pineapple into 1/2-inch cubes, then pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Step 2: Thinly slice 1/4 cup red onion and chop 3 tbsp fresh cilantro, then combine with pineapple in a medium bowl.
- Step 3: Whisk together 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp honey, and 1/4 tsp salt in a small bowl until emulsified and glossy.
- Step 4: Pour dressing over pineapple mixture and toss gently until evenly coated, ensuring the pineapple is just moistened but not soggy.
- Step 5: Crumble 1/2 cup queso fresco over the salad and serve immediately at room temperature.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ensalada de Piña con Queso Fresco take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 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 Ensalada de Piña con Queso Fresco?
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 pineapple from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Ensalada de Piña con Queso Fresco?
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 Ensalada de Piña con Queso Fresco 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 Ensalada de Piña con Queso Fresco?
Puerto Rican salads 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
