Grilled Pineapple Salsa: Your Ultimate Summer Recipe & Dole Contest Inspiration!

Summer is officially here, and what better way to celebrate than with vibrant, fresh flavors that tantalize your taste buds? We’re thrilled to share an exciting culinary adventure that combines my passion for delicious, homemade food with the incredible opportunities offered by Dole. As a proud member of the Foodie 100 community on Foodie.com and the Glam Author program, I often get to explore innovative products and participate in events that bring value and inspiration to my kitchen and, hopefully, to yours. This time, I simply couldn’t resist collaborating with Dole on a recipe for their highly anticipated contest.

Dole is hosting their spectacular 2012 Dole California Cook Off, and the stakes are high! Imagine winning a grand prize of $10,000 and an unforgettable trip to California to compete in the cook-off. Even the two runners-up will walk away with a fantastic $1,000 each. Beyond the main competition, there’s also an incredible sweepstakes where you can enter your email address for a chance to win a trip to California to be a judge in the contest, plus an additional $500! This is an opportunity not to be missed for any food enthusiast. To learn more and enter both the contest and the sweepstakes, simply click on the Dole logo displayed above, which will take you directly to their Facebook page.

The Allure of Grilled Pineapple Salsa

For my entry into the Dole contest, I’ve crafted a truly unique and utterly delicious grilled pineapple salsa. Salsa has been a staple in our household, especially since I started canning batches last summer. While I adore traditional fresh salsas, I decided to venture into something truly special this time by incorporating grilled pineapple. The idea initially sparked a mix of excitement and curiosity – I wasn’t entirely sure how the flavors would meld, but I can confidently say the result is nothing short of amazing!

Grilling pineapple transforms its already delightful sweetness into something extraordinary. The heat caramelizes the natural sugars, intensifying the fruit’s flavor while introducing a subtle, irresistible smokiness. This unique preparation method elevates the pineapple, giving it a depth that simply can’t be achieved with raw fruit. When combined with other classic salsa ingredients, the grilled pineapple creates a symphony of flavors – smoky, sweet, tangy, and with just the right amount of savory goodness. It’s a truly perfect balance, and I’m already planning to make this grilled pineapple salsa again and again.

Crafting the Perfect Salsa: Key Ingredients & Variations

Creating an exceptional salsa is all about balancing flavors and textures. For this grilled pineapple salsa, each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect harmony. Let’s delve into some of the stars of this recipe, particularly focusing on how to tailor it to your preferences.

The Pineapple Transformation

Choosing a ripe pineapple is the first step to success. Look for one that smells sweet at the base and has slightly yielding flesh. Once you’ve cored and sliced your pineapple, a quick sear on the grill is all it takes. You can grill rings or chunks, depending on your preference. The char marks aren’t just for aesthetics; they contribute to that coveted smoky flavor profile. This caramelization process concentrates the pineapple’s natural sugars, enhancing its sweetness and adding a rich, complex note that perfectly complements the other fresh ingredients.

The Great Cilantro Debate

Ah, cilantro – an herb that consistently divides opinion! It seems people either absolutely love its fresh, citrusy aroma or find it to have a soapy, off-putting taste due to a genetic predisposition. I totally understand that not everyone is a fan, and if you fall into the latter category, please don’t let it deter you from trying this incredible grilled pineapple salsa! The recipe is incredibly versatile. If cilantro isn’t your thing, feel free to leave it out entirely, or substitute it with an equal amount of fresh parsley. Parsley offers a clean, herbaceous note without the strong, polarizing flavor of cilantro.

I learned the hard way that my husband, despite his adventurous palate, firmly dislikes cilantro. While this means more delicious salsa for me (a silver lining!), I’m certainly going to make this recipe without cilantro for him in the future. Other fantastic alternatives could include fresh mint for a surprisingly refreshing twist, or even finely chopped chives for a milder oniony flavor. Experiment to find what works best for your taste buds!

Other Essential Ingredients for a Vibrant Salsa

Beyond the star grilled pineapple and the debated cilantro, other fresh ingredients contribute significantly to the depth and complexity of this salsa. Finely diced red onion provides a sharp, pungent kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the pineapple. Fresh jalapeño adds a welcome touch of heat; you can adjust the quantity (or remove the seeds and membranes) to control the spice level. A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens all the flavors, tying everything together with its zesty acidity. Depending on your preference, you could also add finely diced bell peppers (red or yellow for sweetness and color) or even a hint of red pepper flakes for extra warmth. The key is to use the freshest ingredients possible for the most vibrant and delicious outcome.

How do you feel about cilantro? What’s your favorite fresh herb? Mine is absolutely, without a doubt, basil! Its sweet, peppery notes are simply irresistible in everything from pesto to fresh caprese salads.

Serving Suggestions & Culinary Pairings

This grilled pineapple salsa is incredibly versatile and can elevate a wide array of dishes. Of course, it’s phenomenal served simply with your favorite tortilla chips, making it the perfect appetizer for any gathering, from casual backyard BBQs to more formal dinner parties. Its vibrant colors and refreshing taste are always a crowd-pleaser.

Beyond chips, consider pairing this salsa with main courses. It makes an excellent topping for grilled chicken breasts, adding a burst of sweet and smoky flavor that complements poultry beautifully. Imagine it spooned over flaky white fish, like mahi-mahi or cod, for a light and exotic meal. It’s also fantastic with pork tenderloin, where the pineapple’s sweetness cuts through the richness of the meat. Don’t forget seafood tacos! A generous dollop of this grilled pineapple salsa transforms simple shrimp or fish tacos into a gourmet experience. You can even use it as a vibrant and refreshing side dish for grilled salmon or as a unique topping for veggie burgers. Its unique flavor profile ensures it will stand out in any meal you incorporate it into.

Join the Dole California Cook Off and Win!

I hope my grilled pineapple salsa inspires you not only to try this delicious recipe but also to get creative in your own kitchen! The Dole California Cook Off is an amazing opportunity to showcase your culinary talents and potentially win life-changing prizes. Remember, the grand winner of the 2012 Dole California Cook Off will receive $10,000 and a trip to California, with two runners-up each getting $1,000. Plus, don’t miss the sweepstakes to win a trip to California to judge the contest and $500! This is your chance to shine and celebrate the fresh, healthy goodness that Dole products bring to our tables.

Ready to try this amazing salsa yourself? For my full, detailed recipe for Grilled Pineapple Salsa, click over to my post on Foodie.com. You won’t regret adding this smoky, sweet, and perfectly balanced salsa to your recipe collection!

Compensation was provided by Dole via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Dole.