This spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa is sweet, zesty, and made with just 5 fresh and vibrant ingredients. It takes only 10 minutes to make and adds a bold, tropical twist to tacos, grilled meats, or tortilla chips.
If you like the tropical, sweet-and-spicy flavor of my Mango Pico de Gallo, then this fresh pineapple salsa is right up your alley. This recipe balances the sweetness of pineapple with fiery jalapeños, creating a sweet-heat combo I personally love and grew up enjoying in all kinds of Mexican fruit-based snacks.
Not only is this salsa incredibly delicious, but it's also packed with nutrition. Pineapple is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and bromelain, an enzyme that can help in digestion and reduces inflammation. Plus, this recipe is gluten-free, vegan and Whole30-friendly.
This is one of my favorite salsas during the summer months when pineapple is in season and I crave something refreshing, quick, and with a spicy kick.
Jump to:
For more refreshing recipes featuring pineapple, check out: Pineapple Agua Fresca, Pineapple Cucumber Agua Fresca, and Mango Pineapple Paletas.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This recipe only requires pineapple, jalapeño, red onion, cilantro and lime juice. For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe pineapple. Jalapeños add a mild to medium spice. For less spice, take out the seeds and the veins and for added spice you can swap in serrano peppers instead.
See recipe card for a list of the ingredients and quantities.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Pineapple: Remove the skin and core of the pineapple, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice Other Ingredients: Finely chop the onion, cilantro and jalapeño.
- Combine: Add all of the ingredients into a medium bowl and gently mix together.
- Season: Add lime juice and salt. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Chill for 20-30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Recommended for This Recipe
Chef Knife
A sharp, well-balanced knife, like this Made-In Chef Knife, makes dicing up all of the veggies in this recipe faster, easier, and more enjoyable.
How to Serve
I prefer serving this salsa slightly chilled or at room temperature. Spoon it over grilled meat or fish, or serve it with tortilla chips for an appetizer. It also pairs well with:
Storing
This Mexican pineapple salsa is best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to 3 days.
I hope you enjoy! If you try this recipe, please leave me a comment with a star rating below. Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest to stay in touch, and don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter.
Recipe
Spicy Pineapple-Jalapeño Salsa
Equipment
- Knife
- cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh pineapple (peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 2 diced jalapeños sub serranos for added spice
- ½ cup diced cilantro
- ¼ finely diced red or white onion
- 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste if needed)
Instructions
- Gather and dice the fruit and vegetables.
- Add all of the ingredients into a medium bowl and gently mix together.
- Add the juice of one lime and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Mix again.
- Taste for seasoning and add more salt if needed.
- Optional: Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to come together.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled as a topping for tacos, grilled meats, or with tortilla chips.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published August 1, 2019. Updated photos and post June 2025.
Soledad
So easy and so good! I love the fresh pineapple with the jalapeño and cilantro. Great flavor combo!
Gemma
Hi Soledad, I love the pineapple and spice too.
Lola
Perfect for summer grilling. Love these types of fresh salsas!
Gemma
Yes, I love taking advantage of the ingredients in the season during the summer.
Dawn Conklin
This looks delicious 🙂 I think we will try it for a topping on chicken. I am sure it is very good with chips too, so maybe we will try it with both!
everydaylatina
Oh yeah, so good with both. Let me know if you give it a try.