This salad is all about the mix of creamy avocado, juicy pineapple, and a sweet-spicy peanut dressing. It’s quick to throw together but tastes surprisingly bold.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- sweet fruit with a gentle spicy kick
- creamy, nutty dressing flavor
- perfect for lunch or a light dinner
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes
Servings: 2–3
You may also like: Easy Quinoa Curry with Kale and Tofu
Ingredients
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- no peanut butter → almond butter or tahini
- no lime → lemon juice
- no honey → maple syrup or sugar
- add cashews instead of peanuts → for a softer crunch
Instructions
- Add the salad greens to a wide bowl so they form a light base.
- Scatter the pineapple, avocado, cucumber, and red onion over the top.
- Sprinkle chopped peanuts across the salad for texture and crunch.
- Tip: Use pineapple that’s ripe and sweet so the spicy dressing balances well.
- In a small bowl, whisk peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, chili flakes, and warm water.
- Stir until the dressing looks smooth, creamy, and lightly glossy.
- Taste and adjust — if needed, add more chili for heat or honey for sweetness.
- Tip: The dressing should taste slightly stronger than you want, since it will mellow on the salad.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Toss gently until everything is coated but the avocado stays chunky.
- Tip: Mix slowly so the salad keeps its fresh, clean look.
Variations
Add grilled chicken or shrimp if you want something more filling, or toss in mango for an even fruitier sweet-spicy mix.
FAQ
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients, but add the avocado and dressing right before serving for the best texture.
2. How spicy is the dressing?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can easily adjust the chili flakes up or down.
3. What works instead of peanuts?
Cashews, almonds, or even sunflower seeds work well for crunch.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve it alongside grilled fish for a fresh contrast.
- Spoon it into wraps for an easy sweet-spicy lunch option.
I love making this when I want something fresh and fruity but still a little fiery and different.
More ideas: Easy Bean and Avocado Salad with Lemon Dressing
Easy Spinach-Stuffed Mushrooms with Garlic Flavor
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