Pineapple-Avocado Salad with Spiced Lime Dressing

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

A refreshing tropical salad featuring juicy pineapple and creamy avocado tossed in a zesty spiced lime dressing, perfect for a light summer meal or side. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 15 minutes blends fresh pineapple chunks, large ripe avocado, diced, red bell pepper, 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 180 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: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks, 1 large diced ripe avocado, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp ground chili powder, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth and emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Pour the spiced lime dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss with a large spoon to evenly coat all pieces without mashing the avocado. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a vibrant tropical side salad.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pineapple-Avocado Salad with Spiced Lime Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 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 Pineapple-Avocado Salad with Spiced Lime Dressing?

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 Pineapple-Avocado Salad with Spiced Lime Dressing?

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 Pineapple-Avocado Salad with Spiced Lime Dressing 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.

Is Pineapple-Avocado Salad with Spiced Lime Dressing vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

Related recipes