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Avocado, Pineapple and Arugula Salad with Fresh Chili and Lime

Avocado, Pineapple and Arugula Salad with Fresh Chili and Lime

With fresh pineapple, avocado, chili and lime, it's the perfect balance of creaminess, fruitiness, and subtle heat.

By Courtney HillDecember 20, 2021

  • Makes
    6 to 8 servings
  • Cook Time
    30 minutes
  • Rating

This bright, beautifully balanced salad of creamy avocado, fruity pineapple and peppery greens is our version of Cuban ensalada de aguacate, berro y piña, a dish we first learned about from Cuba-born Maricel Presilla, chef, food historian and author of the encyclopedic cookbook “Gran Cocina Latina.” In our recipe, we use both lime zest and juice for citrusy notes, plus white vinegar for an extra shot of acidity. Steeping the sliced red onion and grated garlic in the vinegar for a few minutes mellows their bite so their flavors don’t dominate. For efficiency, you can use that time to prep other ingredients. And for ease, purchase an already peeled and cored pineapple from the refrigerator case in the produce section of the supermarket, but be sure to drain the pineapple of any juice and pat it dry, as extra moisture will dilute the flavors and turn the salad soggy. We think a little chili heat is a nice counterpoint to the sweet-sour pineapple and rich avocado, but if you wish to minimize the spiciness, seed the chili before slicing it. This salad is an excellent accompaniment to Cuban-style meatloaf or grilled or roasted meats, poultry or seafood of just about any kind.

Tip

Don’t make the salad in advance of serving. It’s best served right away, while the arugula is perky, before the pineapple begins to release some of its juices and before the avocado begins to darken.

Ingredients
  • 1

    small red onion, halved and thinly sliced

  • 1

    medium garlic clove, finely grated

  • 2

    tablespoons white vinegar

  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper

  • 3

    cups (1 pound) fresh pineapple chunks (½- to 1-inch pieces), drained and patted dry

  • 1

    serrano or Fresno chili, stemmed, seeded (if desired) and thinly sliced

  • 1

    tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • ½

    teaspoon smoked paprika, plus extra to serve

  • 2

    teaspoons finely grated lime zest, plus 2 tablespoons lime juice

  • 2

    ripe avocados, halved, pitted and cut into ½- to 1-inch chunks

  • 4

    cups lightly packed baby arugula (about 2½ ounces)

Step 1

In a small bowl, stir together the onion, garlic, vinegar and ¼ teaspoon salt; set aside for about 10 minutes.

In a large bowl, toss together the pineapple, chili, oil, paprika, lime zest and juice, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.

Step 2

Using tongs or a fork, transfer the onion slices to the bowl with the pineapple mixture, reserving the vinegar.

Add the avocado, then gently toss. Add the arugula and gently toss again.

Taste and season with salt, pepper and some of the reserved vinegar mixture, if needed.

Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with additional smoked paprika.