When you think of a pineapple, it’s likely that you’re envisioning a fresh and juicy dessert, probably an ice cream, a pie or even a cold smoothie. But the truth is pineapples are good for much more than that. Aside from it’s almost addictive taste, pineapple is also quite healthy, since a cup of it only contains 82 calories, .20 grams of fat and a surprising 2.3 grams of fiber. Pineapple can be really good to take care of your immune system, since it’s high in vitamins A, B6, C, E and K, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc.
Eating pineapple as part of your daily diet could bring you many benefits such as strengthening your bones, fighting viral and bacterial infections, soothe sinus infections, improve bronchitis and arthritis, lower your risk of cancer and even help you speed up physical recovery after surgery or when you are suffering from exercise injuries or burnout. If you’re interested in eating more of this exotic fruit but you don’t want to eat it on its own, here are some mouthwatering pineapple recipes you can try.
Tacos al Pastor with Pineapple Topping
Tacos al pastor, or Mexican style pork tacos, are a national delicacy in Mexico and you can find them on almost every corner as a quick meal.
Ingredients
- Pork shoulder
- Achiote paste
- Chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Vinegar
- Oregano
- Cumin
- Salt
- Pepper
- Pineapple juice
Directions
- Thinly slice the pork shoulder.
- Marinate the pork shoulder with the achiote paste, chili powder, garlic powder, vinegar, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper and lots of pineapple juice.
- Once the meat is well marinated, place thick slices of pineapple on the bottom of a baking sheet, then stick a wooden skewer on the baking sheet and start stacking slices of pork meat on the skewer.
- Bake the meat and pineapple until the meat looks deep red, then cut it in small pieces and serve it on tortillas with chopped pineapple as topping.
The sweet and tangy flavor of the pineapple will create a delicious contrast with the spicy pork meat!
Sticky Pineapple Chicken
This is the ultimate dish if you want to throw a fun and fresh lunch in the backyard and you want to wow your guests.
Ingredients
- Pineapple juice
- Soy sauce
- Chicken broth
- Hoisin sauce
- Brown sugar
- Garlic
- Cornstarch
- Diced chicken breasts
- Olive Oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Directions
- Whisk together in a saucepan ½ cup of fresh pineapple juice, soy sauce, chicken broth, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, garlic and cornstarch.
- Cook this mix until it really thickens and boils.
- Take a skillet and pour some olive oil to cook diced pieces of chicken seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Let the chicken cook completely until it looks crispy golden-brown, then drain the excess fluid and pour the thick sauce over the chicken.
- To add even more exotic flavor, add chopped pieces of fresh pineapple and cashews.
- You can serve this dish over a bed of white rice inside half a scooped out pineapple.
The pineapple will add a sweet touch to the taste of the chicken.
Related: The 5 Most Mouthwatering Fish Recipes
Pineapple Bun Burgers
Are you really into classic fast foot but you’re trying to keep the carbs low on your diet? This recipe is for you. Take a quick and tasty spin on America’s favorite burger and replace the bread buns with slices of pineapple. This pineapple recipe can become one of your top dinner ideas.
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt
- Pepper
- Pineapple slices
- Red onion
- Pepper jack cheese
- Lettuce
- Bacon
Directions
- Start by combining the ground beef with some Worcestershire and season with salt and pepper.
- Create 4 round patties and grill them on a medium-high temperature on your grill for about 3 minutes per side.
- Make sure to place the pineapple thick slices and the red onion slices on the grill as well until they’re charred.
- You can then place a slice of pepper jack cheese over the patties to let it melt completely.
- “Build” your burger by placing over a pineapple bun the patties, the lettuce, bacon and red onion, then close it up with another pineapple slice.
With this pineapple recipe we are sure you won’t miss the taste of bread buns!
Grilled Aloha Chicken
Chicken and pineapple are the ultimate combination that will forever change the way you eat this fruit and wish you could season all your meats with this fruit.
Ingredients
- Ketchup
- Pineapple juice
- Brown sugar
- Garlic
- Minced Ginger
- Chicken breasts
- Green onions
Directions
- To start, whisk together ketchup, fresh pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic and some minced ginger.
- Pour this mix in a bowl and toss the chicken in. Let it marinate for at least a couple of hours, or if you have the chance let it marinate overnight.
- Heat your grill to a high temperature, oil the grates and grill the chicken for about 8 minutes per side, remembering to baste with marinate every once in a while.
- Toss the pineapple slices over the grill with some oil for about 2 minutes per slice until they’re well charred.
- Take out the grilled chicken and pineapple slices and pour some more sauce over it, then top it off with some chopped green onions.
This Aloha chicken is not only delicious, it’s also super lean and healthy, perfect for a diet and can become one of your favorite dinner ideas.
Related: Easy and Healthy Chicken Recipe Ideas for Two
Grilled Salmon With Pineapple Salsa
Nothing makes more sense than pairing fish with pineapple, it gives us big “Hawaii at sunset” vibes.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Honey
- Diced pineapple
- Chopped onions
- Chopped cilantro (coriander)
- Salt
- Pepper
Directions
- Start by mixing the juice of two limes, olive oil and some honey in a bowl.
- Heat your grill to a high temperature and add the salmon, brushing it with the honey-lemon sauce and grilling it for about 5 minutes per side.
- While the salmon is grilling, chop small pieces of pineapple, chopped onion, more lime juice and chopped cilantro, all seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Once the salmon is well grilled, serve it on a plate and pour the delicious and sweet salsa over it. You’ll have a healthy, fresh and tropical meal in no more than 20 minutes!
Not only are these great dinner ideas but they can be enjoyed any time of the day. Pineapple is a very versatile fruit that, in spite of its sweet and citric taste, really combines perfectly with all types of meat and even other vegetables and flavors such as chili. So if you thought using pineapple in your meals required a high level of expertise, now you know some of the easiest and most exotic pineapple recipes that’ll taste as good as if they’re made in a fancy restaurant. Which one will you be trying first?
