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

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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.

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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