Canned Pineapple Salsa

Think Pineapple Salsa requires coring a pineapple? Think again! Grab a can of pineapple, a few seasonings and simple, crisp veggies. Canned Pineapple Salsa is quick, colorful and healthy. Perfect for dipping, a side dish or on top of chicken, fish or pork.   

Here come the pineapples 

(shake shake shake)…

And then they jump de jump de jump

Jump de jump jump into the bowl

All for the fruit salad salsa

-Fruit Salad Salsa by The Laurie Berkner Band

I can’t help but to sing this song as I mix up Pineapple Salsa.  The Laurie Berkner Band is one of our all time favorites in this house. My kids and I have some pretty entertaining dance parties to her music. 

And rather than teaching you my dance skills, I’m here to share a recipe instead.

Just like her catchy song, this one is set on repeat. It’s so good! 

Canned Pineapple Salsa Recipe

If you’re like me, you like to make fresh, festive dishes. But the thought of certain things seems a bit overwhelming. Like coring a whole pineapple. Sounds cool, but those spiky leaves seem a bit daunting with with kids under foot. And storing fresh Cilantro? Well, let’s just say, I’m not the best at keeping plants alive.

If you can relate, save this recipe now for a fast and fun solution.  This recipe is based on ingredients I always keep on hand, which minimizes purchasing specialty items and saves time prepping. All while maximizing color, nutrition and flavor. 

What Ingredients do I need for Canned Pineapple Salsa?

• Canned Pineapple Chunks— Canned pineapple has so much potential and this recipe certainly lets it live up to it’s flavor. I do suggest buying name brand  (like Dole ) if possible. This ensures quality color and flavor.  And opt for chunks. Sure, tidbits would save you the chopping but trust me, it’s worth the extra minute. And still easier and cheaper than a whole pineapple!
• Red onion— you can use any variety of onion, but red onion is the sweetest. Plus that purple color is undeniable!
• Bell pepper– Choose any color(s) of bell pepper to add to the rainbow
• Tomatoes— Any chopped tomato works but my favorite are smaller sized ones, like cherry or grape, diced into even smaller pieces. They look and taste awesome.
• Spinach Leaves– Add that greenery! And a boost of nutrition and color.  Typically, the green comes from cilantro. Well, that’s technically in here too, but I’m taking this opportunity to do what I love–sprinkle in that spinach! 
• Seasonings— dried cilantro, garlic powder, and ginger
• Lemon or lime juice— I keep bottles of real juice on hand so flavor is always just a pour away

Equipment

Of course, you’ll need a can opener, bowl, knife and measuring spoons.

But do you have kid cooking knives? Having them help cut the bell pepper is so fun.

I ordered these kid safe knives on Amazon, and they are wonderful!!

How do I make Canned Pineapple Salsa?

First, toss together pineapple pieces and veggies. Then, sprinkle in seasonings. Finally, splash in lemon and/or lime juice.

Feel free to customize this sunny dish as you desire. I love the mixture of fresh ingredients with easy shortcuts.   And opting for items such as canned pineapple, bottled lemon/lime juice and dried seasonings are easy, cheap ways to to save time, mess and waste.

How do I serve Canned Pineapple Salsa?

You can devour immediately. However, for optimal flavor, it’s best to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. Then choose to serve as:

• a side dish
• on top of meat or seafood
• a dip with chips/crackers/pita
• rolled into lettuce wraps or on top of a simple salad

How do I store Canned Pineapple Salsa?

This salsa is best served the day it’s made but if you do have leftovers, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Give a quick stir to refresh before serving!

Tips and Tricks

• Save even more time by chopping veggies at beginning of week. Now they’re ready for this recipe or many others!
• Color is color. Can swap ingredients like strawberries for tomatoes or corn for yellow bell pepper.
• You can always use fresh pineapple if prefer.
• Let your kids help cut up the bell pepper– I highly recommend these kids safe knives

What makes Canned Pineapple Salsa Healthy?

Color! In one scoop you are getting a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc. All these things benefit specific healing and disease preventing functions within your body. More on that later, but when it comes to “eating the rainbow,” just take a dip into easy pineapple salsa!

Before you know it,  you’ll be singing (and dancing!) along too…

“And everybody goes in and shake shake shake

And everybody goes out and shake shake shake…”

-The Laurie Berkner Band

All for this easy Canned Pineapple Salsa!

Looking for something similar?

For more inspiration from a can? Be sure to check out:

Crispy Chickpeas

Recipe please!

See full instruction below. And I’d love to know if you try it! Please leave a comment below.