This delicious pineapple cucumber and mint relish (or salsa depending on your definition) is the latest addition to our ever-growing list of healthy no-cook sauces.

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The Peel household is obsessing over sauces, salsas and relishes lately. We eat so many great whole foods, but we just need a punch of flavor sometimes. Or all the time. That is why we love this pineapple cucumber relish.
Our cucumbers were in overdrive one summer and I could only stomach so many more pickles. I tried a bunch of different salsa and relish recipes and this became a favorite.
What is the difference between salsa, relish, and chutney?
Salsas typically feature a spicy element and are typically tomato and chili-based. Relishes contain cucumbers and are often pickled. Chutneys are primarily fruit-based and cooked with spices.
So…. Is this a salsa, relish, or a chutney? While I make it both ways, I typically leave out any heat, like a jalapeno, because I find it overpowers the refreshing cucumber and mint. So that makes it a relish. Unlike most relish's we don't pickle this one, or chop it too finely. We like to keep it chunkier too, more like light salad, when using it as a topping for meat.
Ingredients and Substitutions
This is one of those basic no-cook sauces that just requires you to chop up the veggies and toss them together. How finally you chop up the ingredients is up to you.
- Pineapple- Use fresh pineapple for this recipe, frozen doesn't always result in the best texture unless you want to puree/ finely chop it.
- Cucumber- I prefer English seedless cucumbers or the baby Persian cucumbers. If using a regular cucumber you will want to deseed it before chopping.
- Red Onion- If you find the flavor too strong you can soak your onions in water for 5 minutes to take the bite out. Drain very well before combining with the remaining ingredients. In a pinch, you can substitute scallions or shallots, but the flavor will not be as robust.
- Herbs- This recipe calls for cilantro and mint. We love this combo, but we realize not everyone likes cilantro. Italian basil, Thai basil, and flat-leaf parsley all make tasty substitutions.
- Make it Spicy- Add finely diced jalapeno or serrano peppers for a bit of a kick.
To make the relish, combine all the chopped ingredients. Pretty simple right?
Pro Tip: Wait to salt the relish until right before serving to avoid discolored mushy cucumbers.
How to Serve and Use Relish
So many possibilities…. Here are a few of our favorites ways to serve pineapple cucumber and mint relish/ salsa!
- With chips (yep like salsa- just don't forget to add the spice!
- In place of a dressing on a big grilled chicken and spinach salad
- Over roasted fish (we pick our easy brine salmon or grilled tuna steak)
- Blackened shrimp tacos- the perfect taco topping!
- Inside spring rolls- trust me, yum!
- Over steamed carrots, the prettiest side dish you have ever seen.
- It also pairs well with pickled watermelon radishes on a buffet
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📖 Recipe
Pineapple, Cucumber and Mint Relish
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ c fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 c seedless cucumber, peeled and diced
- ½ c red onion, diced
- 2 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped
- ½ lime, juiced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Gently toss to combine.
- Salt to taste right before serving.
Video
Notes
- AIP Compliant as written
- Diced jalapeno can be added for an extra kick (not AIP compliant)
Cathy Demosthenes says
This was fantastic! So yummy. I will definitely be making this again. I brined the salmon and cooked as suggested. Perfect! The pineapple cucumber relish not only tasted great but the presentation looked fabulous! It was better than a high priced restaurant food!👍 Thank you so much for this recipe.
Jen Wooster says
Glad it was a hit. We love how easy it is!
April says
This looks absolutely delicious and healthy. I'm loving all these bright colors. I can't wait to try it! I bet mangoes would be a tasty addition!
Natalie says
This sounds so refreshing and delicious. I love how you served this relish with salmon. I will give this a try soon.
Hani says
Pineapple is one of my favorite fruit to eat in smoothies and salads! This recipe sure will taste very delicious. Cannot wait to try it!
Pavani says
Such a delicious and refreshing relish this is. Fresh pineapple with cucumber is an amazing combination - will have to try this soon.