Grilled Pineapple and Jalapeño Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A sweet and spicy salsa made from smoky grilled pineapple and fresh jalapeños, perfect to complement BBQ dishes. This mexican-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 20 minutes blends small, finely diced red onion, chopped fresh cilantro, lime juice 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 80 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 80 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Brush 1 medium peeled pineapple rings with 1 tbsp olive oil and grill for 3-4 minutes per side until grill marks appear and pineapple softens slightly.
  2. Step 2: Remove pineapple from grill and chop into 1/2-inch pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine chopped grilled pineapple, 2 finely chopped seeded jalapeño peppers, 1/2 small finely diced red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1/2 tsp salt to the bowl. Toss gently to combine all flavors. Let the salsa rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Grilled Pineapple and Jalapeño 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 Grilled 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 Grilled Pineapple and Jalapeño 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 Grilled Pineapple and Jalapeño Salsa?

Mexican bbq & smoked 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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