Pineapple Relish
Pineapple relish is a vibrant, sweet, and tangy condiment that adds a burst of flavor to any dish. Made with fresh pineapple, onions, peppers, and a blend of spices, this tropical relish is perfect for pairing with grilled meats, fish, burgers, and even tacos.
Its balance of sweetness from the pineapple and heat from spices creates a versatile topping that can elevate both savory and sweet dishes. Whether you’re looking to add a tropical flair to your summer barbecues or enhance the flavor of a simple sandwich, pineapple relish is a fun and flavorful way to do it.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, finely diced (about 1 small pineapple)
- ½ cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
How to Make Pineapple Relish:
Prepare the Pineapple
Start by selecting a ripe pineapple. You can tell it’s ripe when it has a sweet aroma at the base and its skin has a slight give when pressed. Peel the pineapple, remove the core, and finely dice the flesh into small, bite-sized pieces. You will need about 2 cups of diced pineapple for this recipe. If you don’t have access to fresh pineapple, you can use canned pineapple chunks (drained), but fresh pineapple gives the best flavor.
Chop the Vegetables
Finely dice the red bell pepper and red onion. The red bell pepper adds sweetness and crunch, while the red onion brings sharpness to the relish. If you like a little heat, chop and add the jalapeño pepper, being sure to remove the seeds if you want to reduce the spice level. Adjust the amount of jalapeño to your heat preference, or omit it altogether for a milder relish.
Mix the Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño (if using). Stir in the minced garlic, fresh cilantro, and lime juice. The lime juice adds a bright, citrusy tang that complements the sweetness of the pineapple.
Season the Relish
Add the apple cider vinegar, honey (or sugar), ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to the mixture. The vinegar provides a bit of acidity that helps balance the sweetness, while the honey or sugar enhances the natural flavor of the pineapple. The cumin gives the relish a warm, earthy note that complements the tropical fruit. Stir everything together until well combined.
Taste and Adjust
Taste the relish and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or honey depending on your preference. For a spicier relish, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add a dash of red pepper flakes.
Chill the Relish
Once the relish is mixed and seasoned, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can prepare this relish a day ahead, as the flavors will develop and become more pronounced over time.
Serve and Enjoy
Pineapple relish is best served chilled and can be used in a variety of ways. Spoon it over grilled chicken, pork, or fish for a tropical twist, or use it as a topping for tacos, burgers, or hot dogs. It also makes a delicious side dish for a summer barbecue or picnic.
Chef’s Note:
Pineapple Selection:
Fresh pineapple is the star of this relish, so selecting a ripe one is crucial. Look for a pineapple that has a sweet fragrance at the base and a golden color on the skin. You can also pull a leaf from the crown—if it comes out easily, the pineapple is ripe. If fresh pineapple is out of season, canned pineapple can be used, but make sure to drain it well to avoid excess liquid in the relish.
Customizing the Heat:
The heat level of this pineapple relish can be adjusted to suit your taste. Jalapeños are a great option for mild to medium heat. If you prefer a spicier relish, consider adding a hotter pepper like a serrano or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Alternatively, for a completely mild relish, omit the jalapeño entirely.
Add Some Herbs:
Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note to the relish, but if you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh mint or parsley for a different flavor. Both options will still provide a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the pineapple.
Storage and Shelf Life:
Pineapple relish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will meld together, making it even more flavorful over time. If the relish releases too much liquid after storing, simply drain off some of the excess before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Pineapple relish is incredibly versatile. It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, pork, or fish, especially salmon or mahi-mahi. It’s also a great topping for tacos, burgers, and sandwiches. For a vegetarian option, try serving it over grilled vegetables or with rice and beans. It even works as a topping for cheese and crackers or as a side for chips and salsa at a party.
Nutritional Information
(Per serving, approximately 2 tablespoons):
- Calories: 25
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 6g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 0g
- Vitamin C: 40% of Daily Value
- Vitamin A: 2% of Daily Value
- Calcium: 1% of Daily Value
- Iron: 1% of Daily Value
Pineapple relish is a low-calorie, nutritious addition to any meal, packed with vitamins and antioxidants from the fresh pineapple and vegetables. It’s also low in fat and sodium, making it a healthier alternative to many store-bought condiments. With its refreshing and vibrant flavors, this pineapple relish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, perfect for adding a tropical flair to any dish!