Tropical Pineapple and Avocado Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing

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

A refreshing salad combining sweet pineapple and creamy avocado, tossed in a zesty cilantro lime dressing perfect for a light meal or side dish. This caribbean-inspired salads (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 15 minutes pairs fresh pineapple, avocado, 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.

Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 180 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Kitchen tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups diced fresh pineapple, 1 large diced avocado, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 small minced jalapeño if using, until the dressing emulsifies.
  3. Step 3: Pour the cilantro lime dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly, taking care not to mash the avocado.
  4. Step 4: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tropical Pineapple and Avocado Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing 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 Tropical Pineapple and Avocado Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing?

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 fresh pineapple from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tropical Pineapple and Avocado Salad with Cilantro 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 Tropical Pineapple and Avocado Salad with Cilantro 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 Tropical Pineapple and Avocado Salad with Cilantro 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