Fresh pineapple delivers a brighter, more sour-sweet flavor than what you’d get out of a can, and while you can always opt for an already prepped package from the refrigerator case at the grocery store, cleaning and cutting your own fresh pineapple is easier (and much cheaper!) than you might think. Watch culinary manager Wes Martin explain it on Instagram.
From tangy tacos to delectable, caramelized sweets, this collection of seven refreshing recipes includes our favorite ways to showcase the tropical delight that is fresh pineapple.
Avocado, Pineapple and Arugula Salad with Fresh Chili and Lime
Our take on the Cuban classic, ensalada de aguacate, berro y piña is a harmonious assembly of creamy avocado, juicy pineapple, and peppery arugula. Inspired by Cuban-born chef, Maricel Presilla, our recipe also incorporates Fresno chilis for a sweet, smoky heat that satisfyingly contrasts the fresh pineapple's acidic tang.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cornmeal Cake
Inspired by Portland, Maine, pastry chef, Brianna Holt, this recipe serves as an update to the all-American classic. Fresh pineapple is caramelized to enhance its natural sweetness, then paired with a tender buttermilk-cornmeal base. The result is a richly moist dessert with crisped edges and a vibrant flavor.
Jerk-Spiced Chicken and Pineapple Traybake
Roasted alongside boldly seasoned chicken and habanero chilies, chunks of fresh pineapple caramelize slightly for the perfect balance to the heat of the jerk spice. As one reader happily shares, "The pineapple is INSANE with the chicken. You'll want pineapple in every bite."
Tacos al Pastor
Fresh pineapple is at the heart of this classic Mexican street food. Paired with tender broiled pork and chipotle chilies, the pineapple plays double-duty, adding a refreshing brightness to the marinade while another portion gets charred to bring a subtle smokiness.
Sweet-and-Sour Stir-Fried Pork with Pineapple
This recipe riffs on the Cantonese classic, gu lao rou, but punches up the natural flavors of the American takeout version to offer a lighter and brighter alternative that’s still deeply satisfying. Fresh pineapple chunks add a lively burst of acidity while helping to drive the irresistible sweet-and-sour flavor profile of the dish.
Chili and Citrus-Marinated Fish Tacos
Inspired by a lesson from Jorge Fritz and Beto Estúa at Casa Jacaranda cooking school in Mexico City, these vibrant fish tacos feature a savory-sweet pineapple-based salsa with a hint of fruity heat from the added habanero. The bright, bold, and satisfying flavors are due, in part, to cooking the pineapple and accompanying veggies until the liquid is pulled out and the mixture becomes "tangy and sweet and a little chewy."
Explore Mexico City with Jorge Fritz and Beto Estúa of Casa Jacaranda cooking school with Milk Street in 2024!
Charred Pineapple with Spiced Honey and Coconut Ice Cream
Charring fresh pineapple rings under a broiler transforms them into a succulent delight while simultaneously unveiling irresistible notes of caramel. At the end of a warm summer day, these charred pineapples pair beautifully with a generous scoop of coconut ice cream (though vanilla is great, too!) and an enticing drizzle of spicy honey.
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