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Extreme macro close-up of Spicy Pineapple Cucumber Salad showing juicy fruit fibers, translucent cucumber rounds with water droplets, and slivered red onion.

Spicy Pineapple Cucumber Salad with Fresh Lime and Cilantro

A refreshing Spicy Pineapple Cucumber Salad featuring juicy glistening pineapple, translucent cucumber, and thin slivered red onion. Balanced with lime and a hint of jalapeno heat, it is the perfect summer side dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Tropical
Calories: 115
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Components
  • 3 cups fresh pineapple chunks 450g, freshly cut for best texture
  • 2 medium English cucumbers 600g, sliced thin and translucent
  • 1/4 small red onion 40g, slivered irregularly
  • 1 small jalapeno 15g, sliced with seeds reserved
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro 15g, roughly chopped
  • 3 tbsp lime juice 45ml, freshly squeezed
  • 1 tbsp honey or agave 15ml, for a glossy sheen
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt 3g, to draw out moisture

Equipment

  • 1 Chef's Knife For precision slicing
  • 1 Mandoline slicer Optional, for translucent cucumber rounds
  • 1 Mixing Bowl Large glass bowl preferred

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Prepare the fresh pineapple by removing skin and eyes, then cut into bite-sized, glistening chunks.
  2. Slice the English cucumbers into thin, translucent rounds using a mandoline or sharp knife.
Assembly
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, and sea salt until fully emulsified.
  2. Combine pineapple, cucumber, and red onion slivers in a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently until the fruit has a glossy sheen.
  3. Scatter the fresh cilantro and reserved jalapeno seeds asymmetrically over the salad. Serve immediately or chill for 10 minutes to allow droplets to form.

Notes

Use a 100mm macro lens for photography to capture the fruit fibers.
Keep the skin on the cucumber for better color contrast and texture.