- It can add flavor to many dishes and can be used in a variety of recipes
- Pineapple salsa is a fresh and flavorful topping for grilled chicken or fish
- Pineapple fried rice is a delicious and easy-to-make dish packed with pineapple, vegetables, and protein
- Pineapple upside-down cake is a classic dessert that is always a crowd-pleaser
- Pineapple can be used to make a refreshing smoothie or a flavorful chicken curry
Pineapple is a tropical fruit with a sweet and tangy taste that can add flavor to many dishes.
Whether you’re looking for a refreshing drink, a savory meal, or a sweet dessert, pineapple can be a versatile ingredient to incorporate into your recipes.
In this article, we will explore 15 delicious pineapple recipe ideas that you can easily prepare at home.
From grilled pineapple skewers to pineapple upside-down cake, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So, let’s dive in and discover the many ways you can use this delicious fruit in your cooking!
15 Best Pineapple Recipe Ideas
Pineapple Salsa
This fresh and flavorful salsa is perfect for dipping tortilla chips or topping grilled chicken or fish.
To make it, combine diced fresh pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Begin by preparing the ingredients. Dice the pineapple, red onion, and red bell pepper into small pieces. Remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño pepper, then mince it into tiny pieces. Finely chop the cilantro leaves.
- Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl, starting with the pineapple. Add the red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño pepper, and cilantro.
- Squeeze the lime juice over the top of the mixture, then stir everything together until well combined.
- Season the salsa with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of sugar if the pineapple is not sweet enough.
- Serve the Pineapple Salsa immediately or chill it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Enjoy your fresh and Savory Pineapple Salsa!
It’s perfect as a topping for tacos, grilled fish, or as a dip for tortilla chips.
Pineapple Fried Rice
This delicious, easy-to-make fried rice is packed with pineapple, vegetables, and protein.
Simply sauté diced onion, garlic, and vegetables in a pan, add cooked rice, pineapple chunks, and protein (such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu), and season with soy sauce and spices.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup chopped pineapple
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup roasted cashews
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions:
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Add the red bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the pepper is slightly softened.
- Add the chopped pineapple and stir to combine with the other ingredients.
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet or wok and stir to combine with the other ingredients.
- Add the soy sauce, fish sauce, and black pepper to the skillet or wok and stir to evenly distribute the sauces throughout the rice.
- Make a well in the center of the rice mixture and pour the beaten eggs into the well. Scramble the eggs until they are cooked through.
- Add the roasted cashews and green onions to the skillet or wok and stir to combine with the rice.
- Serve the pineapple fried rice hot with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze lime juice over the rice before eating, if desired. Enjoy!
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
This classic dessert is always a crowd-pleaser.
To make it, simply arrange sweet pineapple slices and maraschino cherries in a cake pan, pour a batter over it, and bake.
Once it’s done, flip it over and serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 can (20 oz) sliced pineapple, drained
- Maraschino cherries, drained (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar together until well combined. Pour the mixture into the bottom of the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
- Arrange pineapple slices on top of the butter-sugar mixture. If desired, place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple slice.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the flour mixture and milk, alternating between the two, until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter over the pineapple slices and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake. Invert the cake onto a serving platter, and carefully remove the pan.
- Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Pineapple Upside-Down Cake!
Pineapple Smoothie
This refreshing and healthy smoothie is perfect for breakfast or a midday snack.
Simply blend fresh, juicy pineapple, Greek yogurt, spinach, and almond milk until smooth.
You can also add some protein powder for an extra boost.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen pineapple chunks
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions:
- Add the pineapple chunks, banana, vanilla yogurt, milk, honey, vanilla extract, and ice cubes to a blender.
- Blend all the ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
- If the smoothie is too thick, you can add a little more milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, you can add a few more ice cubes.
- Once the smoothie is at the desired consistency, pour it into glasses and serve immediately.
- You can also garnish with a few pineapple chunks and a sprig of fresh mint for added flavor and presentation.
Enjoy your delicious and refreshing Pineapple Smoothie!
Pineapple Coconut Chicken Curry
This flavorful and aromatic curry is perfect for a cozy dinner.
Simply sauté diced onion, garlic, and chicken in a pan, add curry powder, diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and pineapple chunks, and simmer until everything is cooked through.
Serve over rice or with naan bread.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can of pineapple chunks (about 20 oz)
- 1 can of coconut milk (about 14 oz)
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the red and green bell peppers to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until they start to soften.
- Stir in the red curry paste, ground turmeric, ground cumin, and ground coriander. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the spices are fragrant.
- Add the pineapple chunks (with the juice) and coconut milk to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the curry for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked and the sauce thickens.
- Garnish the curry with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan bread.
Grilled Pineapple Skewers
These delicious and easy-to-make skewers are perfect for a backyard BBQ.
Simply skewer pineapple chunks and other fruits or vegetables (such as bell peppers or zucchini), brush them with oil, and grill until charred and caramelized.
Ingredients:
- 1 fresh pineapple
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Wooden skewers
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple. Slice off the outer skin and remove the “eyes” with a sharp knife.
- Cut the pineapple into 1-inch chunks.
- Whisk together the honey, lime juice, and melted butter in a small bowl.
- Thread the pineapple chunks onto wooden skewers.
- Brush the honey-lime mixture onto the pineapple skewers, making sure to coat all sides.
- Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pineapple is caramelized and slightly charred.
- Remove the skewers from the grill and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the grilled pineapple skewers as a sweet and delicious side dish or dessert. Enjoy!
Pineapple and Avocado Salad
This fresh and healthy salad is perfect for a light lunch or a side dish.
Simply combine diced fresh pineapple, avocado, red onion, and cilantro, and dress with lime juice and olive oil.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 fresh pineapple, peeled and cubed
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled and diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Combine the pineapple, avocado, red onion, bell pepper, and cilantro in a large bowl.
- Drizzle the lime juice over the top of the salad, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently toss the salad until all of the ingredients are evenly coated with the lime juice and seasoning.
- Serve the salad immediately, garnished with additional cilantro leaves if desired.
Enjoy your refreshing Pineapple and Avocado Salad!
Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken
This sweet and savory chicken dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Simply sauté diced onion, garlic, and chicken in a pan, add teriyaki sauce, pineapple chunks, and vegetables (such as broccoli or bell peppers), and simmer until everything is cooked through.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Pineapple slices for garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Whisk together the teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, vegetable oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, and discard any excess marinade.
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until cooked through and no longer pink in the middle.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips or cubes.
- Serve the pineapple teriyaki chicken over rice, and garnish with pineapple slices and chopped green onions if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken!
Pineapple Coconut Popsicles
These refreshing and healthy popsicles are perfect for a hot summer day.
Simply blend fresh pineapple, coconut milk, and honey until smooth, pour it into popsicle molds, and freeze until firm.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
Instructions:
- In a blender, blend the pineapple chunks until smooth.
- Add the coconut milk and honey to the blender and blend again until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, filling each mold about 3/4 full.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of each mold.
- Insert popsicle sticks into each mold.
- Freeze the popsicles for at least 4-6 hours or until completely frozen.
- To remove the popsicles from the molds, run them under warm water for a few seconds.
- Enjoy your delicious Pineapple Coconut Popsicles!
Pineapple and Ham Pizza
This delicious and easy-to-make pizza is perfect for a casual dinner or party.
Simply top a pizza crust with tomato sauce, diced ham, pineapple chunks, and cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup diced ham
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Roll out your pizza crust onto a baking sheet or pizza pan.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Top the cheese with diced ham and pineapple chunks.
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Pineapple Margarita
This tropical and refreshing cocktail is perfect for a weekend party or happy hour.
Simply blend fresh pineapple, lime juice, tequila, and ice until smooth, and serve in a salt-rimmed glass.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz triple sec
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Salt (for rim)
- Pineapple wedge (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Rim a glass with salt by running a lime wedge around the rim and then dipping it into a small dish of salt.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add tequila, triple sec, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup to the cocktail shaker.
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
- Fill the rimmed glass with ice.
- Strain the cocktail mixture into the glass.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
- Serve your Pineapple Margarita, and enjoy!
Note: If you prefer a frozen Pineapple Margarita, blend all the ingredients together in a blender with ice until smooth.
Then, pour it into a salt-rimmed glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge.
Pineapple Coconut Oatmeal
This healthy and hearty oatmeal is perfect for a filling breakfast.
Simply cook rolled oats in coconut milk, top with diced fresh pineapple, shredded coconut, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup diced pineapple
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
- Additional toppings of your choice, such as sliced banana or chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine the rolled oats, coconut milk, water, and salt in a medium saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the oats are tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Stir in the diced pineapple and shredded coconut, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- If desired, stir in the honey to sweeten the oatmeal.
- Divide the oatmeal into bowls and top with additional toppings of your choice, such as sliced banana or chopped nuts.
- Serve and enjoy!
This recipe makes about 2-3 servings, depending on the size of your bowls.
You can easily double or triple the recipe to serve more people.
Pineapple Glazed Salmon
This sweet and savory salmon dish is perfect for a fancy dinner.
Simply coat salmon fillets with pineapple juice, soy sauce, and honey, and bake until flaky and tender.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- Sliced scallions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease with cooking spray.
- Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper.
- Combine the pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and whisk until well combined. Cook for another minute until the sauce has thickened to a glaze-like consistency.
- Brush the salmon fillets with the pineapple glaze and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets, until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove the salmon from the oven and brush with another layer of the pineapple glaze.
- Garnish the salmon with sliced scallions and sesame seeds, then serve immediately.
Enjoy your delicious Pineapple Glazed Salmon!
Pineapple Guacamole
This fresh and flavorful guacamole is perfect for a party or game night.
Simply mash ripe avocados and mix with diced fresh pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/2 cup diced fresh pineapple
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 small jalapeno, seeded and minced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit. Scoop the flesh into a medium bowl.
- Mash the avocado with a fork or potato masher until it reaches your desired consistency (chunky or smooth).
- Add the diced pineapple, red onion, cilantro, jalapeno, and garlic to the bowl with the mashed avocado.
- Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips or your favorite Mexican dishes.
Enjoy your delicious Pineapple Guacamole!
Pineapple and Ham Sandwich
This delicious and easy-to-make sandwich is perfect for a quick lunch.
Simply stack sliced ham, Swiss cheese, and diced fresh pineapple on whole-grain bread and toast until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of whole wheat bread
- 8 thin slices of ham
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 8-10 slices of canned pineapple, drained
- 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat a griddle or a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Spread one side of each bread slice with a thin layer of mayonnaise and the other side with a thin layer of Dijon mustard.
- Place one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss cheese on four of the bread slices.
- Top each with 2-3 slices of pineapple.
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt and black pepper over the pineapple.
- Top the pineapple with another slice of ham and the remaining bread slices, mayonnaise side facing down.
- Spread the softened butter over the top of each sandwich.
- Place the sandwiches, butter side down, on the griddle or skillet.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Flip the sandwiches over and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the other side is golden brown and the cheese is completely melted.
- Remove the sandwiches from the heat and let them cool for a minute or two.
- Cut each sandwich in half diagonally and serve warm.
Enjoy your delicious Pineapple and Ham Sandwich!
Delicious and Healthy Pineapple
These 15 pineapple recipe ideas are just a starting point for incorporating this tropical fruit into your cooking.
Whether you prefer sweet or savory, every palate has a pineapple dish.
So, grab a fresh pineapple and get creative in the kitchen!
Rosily Ryan is an accomplished health and fitness writer, editor, and health activist based in Sydney, Australia. With a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the health and nutrition industry, Rosily has established herself as a trusted authority in the field. She has contributed to several leading publications, including Pure Green Magazine, where her work has been widely recognized for its insightful analysis and engaging style.
Rosily’s passion for health and fitness is evident in her writing. Her extensive research and first-hand experience in the field allow her to provide valuable insights and practical advice to her readers. As an advocate for healthy living, Rosily has been actively involved in various health initiatives and campaigns that aim to raise awareness about the importance of physical and mental well-being.