Salsa lovers take note! Roasted Pineapple Salsa is an easy way to change up your salsa game with sweet, spicy flavors you’ll for for dipping, or a relish with grilled chicken or fish!
My daughter is now a college freshman and as she winds her way through on campus dining, it has given inspiration for today’s recipe: Roasted Pineapple Salsa. No, that’s not what you can expect in the dining halls (although they do offer much more exciting, inspired options than when I was in college).
Last week, after eating at the dining hall three times a day for three or so weeks now, my daughter confessed to early burn out. She’s gluten-free which always makes for more of a dining recon situation trying to scope out ‘safe’ options, how to get enough protein, balancing fruits with the special gluten-free treats served daily.
We headed off campus for lunch and then to our local Whole Foods to do some shopping to stock her dorm fridge offering food options should she want to skip a meal at the dining hall. The fresh guacamole, pico de gallo and salsas were popular and something that could be shared with other dorm friends during late night study sessions.
She grabbed some Roasted Pineapple Salsa that we both thought sounded fantastic. The combo of sweet and spicy on a salty chip really is a great spin on traditional tomato-based salsa. It served as a memory jog that I thought I had posted a recipe for regular Pineapple Salsa way, way back when Boulder Locavore was just starting. Sure, enough I had as a combination with a simple supper idea for Chipotle Chicken Soft Tacos, Pepper Jack Quesadillas, Pineapple Salsa and Slaw (and yes that is the full blog post title!).
I did not buy any of the roasted pineapple salsa to bring home but when the texts started coming in about how great it was I decided to reprise my pineapple salsa recipe from long ago! Roasting pineapple allows the sugars to caramelize, developing a sweet depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with spicy jalapeno, lime juice, cilantro and onion. The salsa is irresistible!
I will admit to taking the laziest prep route possible, buying a cored pineapple (already peeled) which is ready for slicing. The size is perfect to yield about 2 cups of chopped roasted pineapple. Of course, buying a pineapple, cutting away the outer skin and slicing it is fine too. It does not need to be cored before roasting but do remove the woody core before chopping the fruit.
When the pineapple is roasting you’ll smell the difference as the sugars begin to caramelize. It starts to smell a bit like brown sugar. The fruit becomes a more golden color as well. Once it has roasted, let it cool before chopping. After combining the salsa ingredients, it can be eaten immediately or if possible allow it to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours so the flavors can blend. I think you’ll love this recipe and will find many occasions to enjoy it!
How to Make Roasted Pineapple Salsa:
Roasted Pineapple Salsa
Roasting pineapple allows the sugars to caramelize adding a wonderful depth of sweetness. Combined with spicy jalapeno, onions, lime and cilantro, the flavors are exciting and a fun departure from traditional salsa.
For a preparation short cut, buy a prepared cored pineapple. All that will need to be done is to slice and roast it. It will save the time peeling and coring and ensures the pineapple is ripe.
Ingredients
- 1 medium Pineapple peeled, cored and sliced into 1/2 inch slices
- 1 tablespoon Canola Oil
- 1/3 cup Red Onion chopped
- Juice of 1 Lime
- 1/2 cup Cilantro Leaves chopped
- 1 Jalapeno Pepper seeds removed, diced
- Kosher Salt to taste
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat and lay the pineapple slices out with room in between them. Brush the tops lightly with the canola oil.
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Bake the pineapple slices for 15 minutes. Flip them over, brush lightly with oil and allow to bake 10 additional minutes. Remove and allow to cool to room temperature and chop.
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In a large bowl combine the chopped pineapple, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, jalapeno pepper and mix together. Add salt to taste. If time permits, allow the salsa to sit 20 minutes before serving for the flavors to blend.
Kiwi says
I definitely pinned this! This looks amazing pineapple as a salsa is always a good idea!
Hali says
Oh mmm this is making me crave it! Love that there is a spice in it!! 🙂
Amanda Goodenough says
Yum! I love pineapple! This looks delicious!
Rosey says
That’s awesome that you stocked her dorm fridge. The salsa sounds delicious. I’ve never tried it with pineapple, but I’d love to give it a whirl.
Cat says
Oh my! This roasted pineapple salsa sounds AMAZING! Great for an end-of-summer cookout!
Tara says
Your salsa looks so delicious I can almost taste it. My daughter just loves pineapple. I’ll have to make this for her.
Crystal says
We had chips and salsa for dinner tonight. Big lunch and zero desire to prep a meal for dinner. I was totally okay with it, too. I love homemade salsa. This pineapple recipe sounds phenomenal.
krystal says
I am a salsa fiend however I have NEVER Tried it with pineapple as the main ingredient! Looks delicious and I need to give it a try!
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
I’ve never tried a spicy pineapple salsa, it sounds like it would have an interesting flavor. Can’t beat how nice and easy it is to make!
reesa says
Oh this looks and sounds just delicious!!! i would love to give this a try. It sounds like it would be so good over fish!
Aubrey says
Yum. That looks like it would be really good with some fish tacos or something. I’m going to need to try this out.
Toni Dash says
Yes!!
Brianne says
What a fun alternative to salsa! Pineapple is one of my favorite fruits!
Kathy says
This looks really good. I don’t think I have had pineapple salsa before. I bet this tastes great though.
Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place says
I need this salsa in my life! I love pineapples and it reminds me of summers in my home country. I would so love to give this recipe a try! I think the family will enjoy it too.
Shelby @ For The Love of Paws says
This looks beautiful, and delicious! Especially if you are a pineapple lover, what is not to like? 🙂
AnnMarie John says
Roasted pineapple is really great, I love the flavor that it gives, add it to your usual salsa recipe and it’s even better! I’d love to make this for movie night, I’m sure the family will enjoy this one.
Carol Cassara says
I love it. I’m sure it tastes amazing. I’m glad you shared the recipe and I would lpve to give it a try. It’s really nice that you got to go shopping for more food for your daughter.
Melanie MG says
Yummy! This recipe looks/sounds amazing! I love pineapple in salsa. Now, if only I could core a pineapple like an adult.
Connie says
I love anything pineapple. This looks really yummy.
Pam says
This sounds amazing. I love roasted pineapple. It has such a sweetness to salsa is gonna be a hit at my house.
Sarah Bailey says
Now this sounds like the most awesome salsa. I have to admit I do love a good bit of roast pineapple and I bet it adds a delicious flavour to this.
Victoria says
I love easy recipes like these for busy nights! Pineapple are my favorites and I’m such a huge fan of salsa, so I know that this will easily become a favorite recipe in my home!
Melissa Chapman says
That sounds like a great salsa. My family is vegetarian and vegan so this is a perfect salsa because we now eat chips as our favorite snack. I hope the meal plan at school satisfies a special diet.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
I love to roast fruits. Their sugar content always brings out some amazingly deep, caramelized flavor. I can’t wait to make this!
Luna says
Me too! The sugar just tastes a lot better after it’s roasted!