This easy pineapple salsa recipe is beautifully colorful, sweet, and versatile! I use it as a side dish, an appetizer, or a topping on tacos, chicken, pork, or even steak. Plus, it’s great for canning so you can enjoy it year-round!

This recipe serves eight people and costs about $5.56 to make. That’s just $0.70 per serving

A picture of the finished recipe in a serving bowl with chips.

Pineapple Salsa

I love summer because I can incorporate all the tropical flavors I love. Everything will be in season then! It just seems fitting! And one of my favorite ingredients to cook with during the summer is pineapple. It’s so refreshing and versatile.

If you’ve never had pineapple salsa before, you’re missing out. A little sweet, tangy, and spicy, it pairs well with so many dishes. Sometimes I even prefer it to “regular” tomato-based salsa, and I think you’ll understand why once you try it.

Of course, this will be your new favorite recipe if you’re a pineapple salsa fan. It’s easy and quick, and, honestly, nothing beats homemade. Even with simple dips/appetizers like this!

This pineapple salsa is fabulous and served with my grilled Hawaiian chicken and coconut rice. I also like serving pineapple salsa with tacos, salads, fried rice, and even on top of pizza with some diced ham!

Why You’ll Love Pineapple Salsa:

  • It’s bursting with tropical flavor.
  • Refreshing and light appetizer option.
  • The perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
  • Complements various dishes beautifully.
  • Quick and easy to prepare.
A picture of the someone dipping a chip into the finished recipe.

Pineapple Salsa: Ingredients & Estimated Cost

Per Serving Cost: $0.70

Recipe Cost: $5.56

  • 1 medium pineapple peeled – $2.29
  • 1 large bell pepper – $0.72
  • 6 scallions – $0.89
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro – $0.20
  • 2 small jalapeños – $0.54
  • 6 Tablespoons lime juice – $0.18
  • 2 Tablespoons grated fresh ginger – $0.66
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons light brown sugar – $0.05
  • 1 teaspoon salt – $0.02
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper – $0.01

NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The recipe cost is calculated by the amounts needed for the recipe. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have. I updated the pricing for this recipe in August 2023.

A picture of the ingredients needed to make this recipe.

How To Make Pineapple Salsa

*For complete recipe instructions, see the recipe card below. 

  1. Add the pineapple, bell pepper, scallions, cilantro, and jalapeño in a large bowl and toss until they’re combined.
  2. Whisk together the lime juice, ginger, brown sugar, and salt and pepper in a small bowl until the sugar is dissolved. 
  3. Stir this into the pineapple mixture until well coated. 
  4. Chill for at least 30 minutes. 
  5. Give the salsa a quick stir, and then serve!

A picture collage showing how to make this recipe.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions:

  • Mango Substitution: Replace pineapple with diced mango for a tropical twist.
  • Grilled Pineapple: Grill the pineapple pieces for a smoky flavor.
  • Red Onion Addition: Add some finely chopped red onion for added depth.
  • Avocado Boost: Dice and add ripe avocado for a creamy element.
  • Pineapple-Habanero Heat: Swap jalapeños for minced habanero if you prefer more heat.
  • Mint Infusion: Replace cilantro with chopped fresh mint for a different herbaceous note.

Pineapple Salsa: Storage & Serving Tips

SERVE: After you chill this salsa for about a half hour, you’re ready to eat it! Just be sure to stir it first, as stated above.

STORE: Leftover salsa can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I recommend keeping it for two days because the pineapple releases all of its juices, and the salsa gets mushy and watery.

FREEZE: This salsa is best enjoyed fresh since it has a much different texture after it thaws. Unfortunately, many of the ingredients become mushy, and it’s not very appealing!

Pineapple Salsa FAQs

How much salsa does this recipe make?

About 4 cups, but feel free to half the recipe if that’s a lot.

How long does it take to make pineapple salsa?

It only takes 10-15 minutes to prepare, but afterward, you’ll want to let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Can I use other kinds of bell peppers?

Absolutely. You can use yellow or orange bell pepper instead of red bell pepper.

How should I can pineapple salsa?

  1. Skip the chilling in the refrigerator step and immediately pour the salsa into hot, sterile pint jars with 1/2 inch headspace.
  2. Gently shake the jar to remove air bubbles.
  3. Wipe the rims clean, center the lid, and tighten the band finger before placing the jar into the boiling water.
  4. The pints should be processed with at least one inch of water above the lids. 
  5. Process in a water bath canner for:
  • 20 minutes < 1000 feet above sea level
  • 25 minutes 1001 – 5999 feet above sea level
  • 30 minutes over 6000 feet above sea level
A picture of the finished recipe in three serving bowls with chips around them.

 More appetizer recipes:

A picture of the finished recipe in a serving bowl.
5 from 9 votes

Pineapple Salsa

Recipe Cost $ $5.56
Serving Cost $ $0.70
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
8 people
This easy pineapple salsa recipe is beautifully colorful, sweet, and versatile! I use it as a side dish, an appetizer, or a topping on tacos, chicken, pork, or even steak. Plus, it’s great for canning so you can enjoy it year-round!

Equipment

  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • cutting board
  • knife
  • Mixing spoons
  • small mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • large mixing bowl

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 medium pineapple peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
  • 1 large bell pepper seeded and chopped fine
  • 6 scallions white and green parts sliced thin
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 small jalapeños seeded and minced
  • 6 Tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 Tablespoons grated fresh ginger
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • In a large bowl add the pineapple, bell pepper, scallions, cilantro, and jalapeño.
  • Toss until combined.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the lime juice, ginger, brown sugar, and salt and pepper until the sugar is dissolved.
  • Stir this into the pineapple mixture until well coated.
  • Chill for at least 30 minutes.
  • Give the salsa a quick stir and then serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 78kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 358mg | Potassium: 215mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 725IU | Vitamin C: 79mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg

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Recipe Rating




19 Comments

  1. This is a great combination of sweet and heat! Thanks for the recipe.

    1. You’re so welcome, enjoy!

  2. Nellie Tracy says:

    I will be canning all of the pineapple salsa! This stuff is so good we need it year round with garden fresh ingredients!

    1. It really is, enjoy! 🙂

  3. Emily Hill says:

    I love a good fruit salsa. Totally pinning this one!

  4. Linda Nortje says:

    The pineapple salsa looks so refreshing and perfect to use with just about any Summer meal !

  5. Helen of Fuss Free Flavours says:

    What a lovely mixture of ingredients for a very tasty dish. This would be delicious as a topping for chicken tacos, or simply enjoyed with crispy tortillas.

  6. Shadi Hasanzadenemati says:

    Nothing beats a tasty salsa! This pineapple salsa looks easy and I bet it’s great with some grlled meat!

  7. YUM! My FAVE! This Pineapple salsa is delicious!

  8. What are the canning instructions for this recipe?

    1. Hi Tara,

      There’s a section in the post with the heading “Canned Pineapple Salsa Instructions”. You will find them there. 🙂

  9. Hello! Just wondering if the shelf life of this salsa canned is comparable to tomato salsa?? TIA

  10. Carla Lucart says:

    Perfect palette food

  11. Carol Daddis says:

    Can I use caned pineapple? will be canning it.
    Thanks

  12. Brenda Johnson says:

    Just found your site! I have had a knee and both hips totally replaced in less than a year. Looking forward to doing a lot of canning. The pineapple salsa looks amazing! I have done peach in the past which everyone enjoyed. I am 76 years young and try to remain active. I will be researching your other recipes. I have been cooking since I was four. First helping my grandmother with biscuits. Love cooking for others!

    1. Dayna Jankowski says:

      Thank you for your review, sounds like you are very active chef! Follow along for new recipes:)