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Home » Side Dish

Spicy Pineapple Watermelon Salad With Jalapeños

Published: Jul 21, 2024 by Ash, The Grocery Addict · This post may contain affiliate links ·

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Add bright, bold, and juicy goodness to your plate with this Spicy Pineapple Watermelon Salad recipe! Featuring two of summer’s finest fruits punctuated by fiery jalapeños and dressed in a zippy cilantro lime dressing, this 10-ingredient vegan side dish is perfect for pairing with all your cookout favorites.

45 degree angle of spicy jalapeño pineapple watermelon salad in a white serving bowl on a sunlit white table.

Just last night, Joe and I were grilling up some Asian pork burgers for dinner. All I needed was an appropriately summery side salad. Aldi (my go-to budget grocery store) had both watermelon and pineapple on sale, so I knew I was off to a good start.

When I got home, I picked a few jalapeños and a handful of cilantro from my garden, a red onion from the pantry, and the zest and juice of a lime. By the end of a 10-minute fruit peeling and chopping frenzy, I had one of the best fruit salads I've ever had the pleasure of eating.

The sweet flavors of the fruit and the spicy heat from the chiles were the perfect combination—an excellent foil for my banh mi-inspired burgers. Better yet, the evening was cool and dry enough to dine al fresco (miracle of miracles in August in the South!). I highly recommend you try this incredible combo before summer ends! It was perfection. 🤌

Jump to:
  • Why You’ll Love This Pineapple & Watermelon Salad 
  • Ingredients & Substitutions
  • How To Make Spicy Watermelon Salad With Pineapple
  • Optional Variations & Dietary Adaptations
  • Expert Tips
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storage and Reheating Instructions
  • FAQs
  • More Summery Recipes
  • Spicy Watermelon Salad With Pineapple & Jalapeño
  • 💬 Reviews

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple & Watermelon Salad 

  • Fantastically Fresh - When it’s hotter than Hades outside, there’s nothing like a fruit salad to help cool you down. Between the juicy pineapple and watermelon, herbaceous cilantro, zippy lime, and spicy jalapeños, this simple side salad is like summer on a plate.
  • So Stinkin’ Simple - Mix up your vinaigrette, chop your fresh ingredients, then toss everything together. You’ll be done in just 10 minutes!
  • Versatile - This bright and spicy pineapple watermelon salad is the boisterous guest your plate has been missing. It’s excellent with nearly any cuisine—Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Tex-Mex, Mexican, Indian, or American BBQ dishes are all ideal mates. 
overhead shot of ½ a serving bowl of spicy watermelon salad with pineapple and jalapeño.

Ingredients & Substitutions

This vegan watermelon salad recipe requires just a handful of ingredients. Here’s what to grab:

ingredients for making fresh jalapeño watermelon pineapple salad laid out on a white table.
  • Fresh Pineapple - If you can't find a suitable fresh pineapple, use defrosted frozen pineapple or canned pineapple chunks in pineapple juice. Just avoid anything that's been canned in syrup—it's far too sweet.
  • Fresh Watermelon - This time of year, watermelons are abundant. Grab them while they’re cheap and at their most flavorful!
  • Red Onion - For a touch of sharpness. You’re welcome to swap in shallots, green onions (use both the white and green parts!), or yellow onions instead. 
  • Jalapeños - Because spicy pineapple watermelon is an incredible combo. If you prefer things hotter, try swapping in serrano chiles or minced habaneros.  
  • Fresh Cilantro - I love the herbaceous flavor of cilantro, especially in this quasi-salsa salad. If you’re not a fan, try using mint, basil, Thai basil, or chervil instead. 
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil - If you have it, this is a great spot for your fancy cold-pressed finishing oil.
  • Lime - Fresh lime juice has a zingier flavor than bottled, plus you get the added benefit of having the zest. If you absolutely must use bottled, Nellie & Joe’s Famous Key West Lime Juice is by far the best option. 
  • Apple Cider Vinegar - This tangy, slightly sweet vinegar adds an extra pop of acidity. Feel free to swap in rice vinegar or champagne vinegar instead. 
  • Agave - A little sweetness to balance out the tanginess of pineapple, lime, and vinegar. You can also use maple syrup, honey, brown rice syrup, or the liquid sweetener of your choice. 
  • Kosher Salt & Black Pepper - Basic seasonings make all the fruity flavors even brighter. If possible, use freshly cracked black pepper for the best taste. 
closeup overhead shot of spicy watermelon salad in a serving bowl showing the slices of jalapeños, cubes of pineapple, minced red onions, fresh cilantro, and a halved lime.

How To Make Spicy Watermelon Salad With Pineapple

This delicious recipe couldn't be simpler if it tried. Here's how to make it:

Step 1: Make Dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together oil, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, lime zest, agave, salt and pepper.

Step 2: Toss & Serve. In large bowl, combine pineapple, watermelon, cilantro and red onion. Toss with dressing and serve immediately.

lime juice salad dressing for spicy watermelon salad in small bowl after whisking.
chopped pineapple, watermelon, jalapeno, red onion, and cilantro added to a large white salad bowl.
spicy watermelon and pineapple salad after tossing.
silver serving spoon with a scoop of spicy pineapple salad with watermelon, red onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and a tangy lime dressing with the bowl of the salad on a white table with a bunch of cilantro blurred out below.

Optional Variations & Dietary Adaptations

As much as I love this pineapple jalapeño watermelon salad, there are plenty of ways for you to make it your own. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Watermelon Pineapple Salsa - Rather than chopping the watermelon and pineapple into large chunks, dice them into ½-inch cubes. Also, instead of slicing the jalapeños, mince them finely. This sweet and spicy salsa is excellent for scooping up with tortilla chips or fried wontons, spooning over your favorite grilled meats, or using as a fresh garnish on sashimi. Bonus points if you make a pineapple bowl out of the bottom of the hull and serve your salsa directly from it!
  • Less Spicy - If you're appealing to younger taste buds or don't have a high tolerance for heat, feel free to remove the jalapeño seeds and white membranes before slicing and adding to the salad. 
  • Add-Ins - If you love a traditional feta mint watermelon salad, try bringing some of the creamy goodness to this spicy version. I recommend crumbly queso fresco—it’s mild and just the right amount of salty. You can also try adding other fruits and veggies to the mix to make it heftier—mango, jicama, red bell peppers, or avocado would all be welcome. Finally, you could add roasted peanuts, candied almond slices, or cashews for crunch.
overhead shot of a round white serving bowl filled with spicy pineapple and watermelon salad on a white table with lime wedges and wooden salad claws.

Expert Tips

  • Watermelon-Picking Savvy. Watermelons that are heavy for their size indicate that they will be super juicy. Look for dull skin and a creamy yellow patch where it rested on the ground. Shiny skin indicates that it didn't have enough time to ripen. 
  • Pineapple-Picking Savvy. First, the pineapple should also be heavy for its size. Next, pick a frond from the center; it should release easily. Sniff the bottom of the pineapple—it should smell sweet. The exterior should be firm, but yield a little to pressure when you squeeze it.
  • Get a Pineapple Corer. Seriously, y’all. This thing is life-changing. You’ll have perfectly cut, spike-free pineapple chunks in 2 minutes with one of these bad boys!
  • Learn the Fastest Way to Cube a Watermelon. It doesn’t have to be hard! Just trim the ends to give yourself a flat surface, cut off the rind (and use it to make watermelon water!), then go to town. You’re also welcome to use a melon baller. 
  • Patience is a Virtue. Wait to dress the salad until right before serving. The acidity from the pineapple, lime, and vinegar will start drawing the juices from the watermelon immediately, so you want to mix the watermelon chunks in at the very last second. 

Serving Suggestions

  • On nights when Joe is gone, I’ll happily eat this jalapeño watermelon & pineapple salad as my meal. I might add some peanuts or queso fresco for a touch of protein, but it’s just as good without.
  • If you’re serving it as a side, it goes great with most summer favorites like my grilled chicken pita wraps, spicy black bean chicken chili, potato chorizo tacos, zhoug chicken, and Hawaiian roll BBQ chicken sliders.    
  • Make a watermelon hull serving bowl for a festive, eco-friendly display. I love doing this for potlucks—that way I don’t have to worry about remembering to take my bowl home! Just remember to bring the elements separately (fruit in a gallon zip-lock and dressing in a mason jar) so the fruit doesn’t break down too much in transport.
flat lay shot of a serving bowl filled with spicy watermelon salad with pineapple on a white serving table with fresh jalapeño slices, cilantro, and lime rounds scattered around.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

  • Due to the porous nature of watermelon, this salad is best enjoyed shortly after assembly. 
  • If you are pressed for time, you can cut the fruit and make the dressing ahead of time, keeping the watermelon, pineapple, onion/cilantro/jalapeño, and dressing in separate containers until ready to serve.
  • Any leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. Note that it will be very juicy if left for more than an hour. 

FAQs

Are watermelon and pineapple good together?

Heck yeah, they are—especially during the summer when they’re at their ripest and most flavorful. Just note that once you mix them together, the acidity of the pineapple will start drawing the juices out of the watermelon, so you should eat it straightaway.

What are some good examples of recipes that are spicy but cool in temperature?

Aside from this spicy pineapple watermelon salad, my sesame chili ramen, creamy jalapeño cilantro sauce, orange cranberry jalapeño relish, and spicy tuna salad are all fiery but served cold!

Why does my tongue tingle when I eat pineapple?

Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which breaks down proteins. (That’s why pineapple is so great in marinades!) When you eat pineapple, the bromelain starts to digest the proteins on the surface of your tongue and inside your mouth, which can lead to a tingly, slightly prickly sensation. Don't worry, though—it's harmless and temporary! If you want to minimize the tingling, you can try grilling your pineapple first, as the heat destroys the bromelain.

closeup of a serving bowl of spicy watermelon and pineapple salad with a silver serving spoon sticking out.

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If you tried this recipe and loved it, be sure to rate and review it below! For more inexpensive and delicious recipe inspiration, be sure to follow me on Pinterest. You can also get all of my newest content delivered straight to your inbox by signing up for my email newsletter!

overhead shot of a round white serving bowl filled with spicy pineapple and watermelon salad on a white table with lime wedges and wooden salad claws.

Spicy Watermelon Salad With Pineapple & Jalapeño

The perfect bright, spicy and sweet side for your grill out. An excellent accompaniment for my Banh Mi Style Pork Burgers!
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Salad, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine Fusion
Servings 10
Calories 173 kcal

Equipment

  • Chef's Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Pineapple Corer

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Fresh Pineapple peeled and cubed. Sub canned pineapple in juice drained
  • ½ medium Watermelon peeled and cubed
  • ½ Red Onion minced
  • 2-3 Jalapeños sliced thinly
  • ½ bunch Cilantro tough stems removed and roughly chopped
  • ¼ C Olive Oil
  • 1-2 Lime(s) zested and juiced (3 Tbsp)
  • 2 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Agave or more to taste
  • Kosher Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, whisk together oil, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, lime zest, agave, salt and pepper.
  • In large bowl, combine pineapple, watermelon, cilantro and red onion. Toss with dressing and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Due to the porous nature of watermelon, this salad is best enjoyed immediately after assembly. 
  • If you are pressed for time, you can cut the fruit and make the dressing ahead of time, keeping the watermelon, pineapple, onion/cilantro/jalapeño, and dressing in separate containers until ready to serve.
  • Any leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. Note that it will be very juicy if left for more than an hour.
  • Watermelon-Picking Savvy. Watermelons that are heavy for their size indicate that they will be super juicy. Look for dull skin and a creamy yellow patch where it rested on the ground. Shiny skin indicates that it didn't have enough time to ripen. 
  • Pineapple-Picking Savvy. First, the pineapple should also be heavy for its size. Next, pick a frond from the center; it should release easily. Sniff the bottom of the pineapple—it should smell sweet. The exterior should be firm, but yield a little to pressure when you squeeze it.

Nutrition

Calories: 173kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 4mgPotassium: 372mgFiber: 3gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 1390IUVitamin C: 67mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Easy, Fast, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthy, Summer, Vegan
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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  1. Anne gladd says

    July 31, 2024 at 6:37 am

    5 stars
    I was going to take this to a picnic but then i ate too much and had to stop at Publix and buy potato salad on my way

    Reply
    • Ash, The Grocery Addict says

      August 04, 2024 at 1:43 pm

      😂😂😂 Anne, we'd be friends! I 100% have done that before. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

      Reply

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flat lay shot of a serving bowl filled with spicy watermelon salad with pineapple on a white serving table with fresh jalapeño slices, cilantro, and lime rounds scattered around.

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