Grilled Tomatillo Salsa with Sweet Pineapple

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant grilled tomatillo salsa featuring the natural sweetness of pineapple balanced with smoky char and fresh cilantro. This mexican-inspired snacks ready in about 22 minutes blends medium, husked and rinsed tomatillos, fresh pineapple chunks, whole garlic cloves 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 45 calories and feeds 6, 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: 12 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 45 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place 8 husked tomatillos, 1 jalapeño pepper (seeded), 3 whole garlic cloves, and 1 cup pineapple chunks directly on the grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until char marks appear and ingredients soften.
  2. Step 2: Transfer the grilled tomatillos, jalapeño, garlic, and pineapple to a blender. Add 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Blend until smooth but still slightly chunky, about 20 seconds.
  3. Step 3: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lime juice if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Tomatillo Salsa with Sweet Pineapple take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Tomatillo Salsa with Sweet Pineapple?

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 Tomatillo Salsa with Sweet Pineapple?

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 Tomatillo Salsa with Sweet Pineapple for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Tomatillo Salsa with Sweet Pineapple?

Mexican snacks 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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