Sweet pineapple, still warm from the grill, meets fiery habanero in this bright and smoky salsa. Grilling the fruit over high heat caramelizes its natural sugars, adding a deep, savory char that perfectly balances the chili's kick. Fresh lime juice and cilantro cut through the sweetness to create a sharp, refreshing finish. It's an incredible topping for fish tacos, grilled chicken, or just a simple bowl of tortilla chips.
Prep
20 min
Cook
10 min
Total
30 min
Servings
6
Cuisine
Mexican
Ingredients
1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into ¼” (6 mm)-thick rings
1 habanero chile, dry roasted, stemmed, seeded and finely diced ( here )
1 sweet red bell pepper, cored, seeded and finely diced
1 tbsp (2.5 g) cilantro leaves, finely chopped
1 tbsp (15 ml) lime juice
Salt
Instructions
1Heat a grill or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the pineapple rings on both sides until they develop a light char. The high heat caramelizes the sugars, giving the salsa its signature smoky flavor.
2Remove the pineapple from the heat and chop it into small 1/4-inch (6 mm) chunks. Transfer the fruit to a large mixing bowl and fold in the prepared habanero, red bell pepper, cilantro, and lime juice.
3Taste the mixture and season with salt as needed.
Notes
Swap: You can easily substitute fresh mango if you prefer it over pineapple.
Storage: Keep the salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits.
Prep tip: Wear gloves when handling and dicing the habanero to avoid irritating your skin.