35 Ways To Add Pineapple To Your Dinner
Juicy is an *understatement* when it comes to these sweet-savory meals.
Whenever we can, we try to eat like we're on vacation as much as possible. And what better way to bring an out-of-office vibe to your weeknight dinner routine than by adding a bit of island flavor in the form of pineapple. Thanks to our spiky friend, we can instantly transport our favorite stir-fries, skewers, and tacos to sweet-savory perfection—no flight required. And it doesn't stop just at eating the pineapple, either. Serve these clever dinners straight from the source (spoiler: in a pineapple BOWL!) like we did chicken teriyaki pineapple bowls or pineapple shrimp. No dishes to clean up and tropical vibes? We're there.
Whatever you do, don't be intimidated by cutting a pineapple. We have all the tips and tricks on the easiest way to properly cut a pineapple so you can maximize all the juicy cubes and, yes, juice. Save that liquid gold for the next marinade or glaze you mix up for our recipes for spicy coconut grilled chicken and Dr.Pepper-pineapple glazed ham.
If you're not in the mood for chopping up a whole pineapple (or only need a little), there's plenty of opportunities to use canned pineapple in these recipes too. We actually prefer the perfectly round pineapple rings for our baked pineapple salmon and for topping Maui burgers. Plus, the best part of having leftover pineapple rings or crushed pineapple is that you now have plenty more to top your favorite kitchen sink sundae or mix into a killer pineapple cocktail.
Can't get enough pineapple? Try our best pineapple desserts and grilled pineapple recipes next!
Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowls
The pineapple in this recipe doesn't just serve as a pretty serving vessel (although wow!), it also adds a fresh and vibrant sweetness to the teriyaki sauce. Use the juice that pools at the bottom of your pineapple when scooping out the chunks. Want to make a more classic teriyaki? We got you.
Tacos Al Pastor
Tacos al pastor are maybe the best taco out there. The slightly spicy marinated pork paired with the sweet and tart pineapple make for the perfect combination to be wrapped in a corn tortilla. If you don't want to make your own achiote paste, you can always buy a pre-made paste to streamline the recipe. Serve it up with some queso and call it a fiesta!
Get the Tacos Al Pastor recipe.
Baked Pineapple Salmon
Giving the salmon a quick broil at the end of cooking lets the marinade caramelize. Make sure to keep a close eye on it—a couple minutes is all you need under a hot broiler. Looking for more salmon recipes? This Greek salmon is another foolproof, quick dinner.
Get the Baked Pineapple Salmon recipe.
Pineapple Chicken
As much as we love pineapple fried rice and these Hawaiian chicken skewers, this pineapple chicken stir-fry might take the crown for our favorite sweet-savory combo. It has the tangy bite from pineapple, a solid crunch from cashews, and a kick from jalapeño. What's not to love?!
Get the Pineapple Chicken recipe.
Pineapple Casserole
When it’s right, it’s right. And this pineapple casserole is right. Sure, on paper it doesn’t make sense: You combine canned pineapple with cheddar and buttered Ritz crackers. Seriously? Seriously. The result is a sweet-and-savory dream and a textural paradise. The sweet pineapple is baked into a soft, gooey base that's balanced by the sharp cheddar and salty, crunchy crackers on top. There’s a reason it’s been a staple of holidays, potlucks, and cookouts for generations. Serve pineapple casserole as Southern folks do, alongside Easter brunch, Thanksgiving spreads, or with a platter of Mississippi roast or pulled pork.
Get the Pineapple Casserole recipe.
Spicy Coconut Grilled Chicken
Get these spicy coconut chicken thighs on the grill, you won’t regret it. They're insanely tender thanks to a tasty duo of coconut milk and tenderizing pineapple juice in the marinade. The marinade is easy to prepare too: Just chop the ginger and garlic and stir the rest together; the thighs can be marinated for as little as 20 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Whatever you do, don't toss any leftover marinade! Boil it on the stovetop until thickened and drizzle all over the chicken before serving for maximum flavor.
Get the Spicy Coconut Grilled Chicken recipe.
Hawaiian Hot Dogs
Half the fun of eating a hot dog is loading it up with all kinds of toppings. This time we took a tropical approach. The pineapple salsa combats the spice from sriracha, creating a nice balance of flavor and texture, especially when you top it on a Hawaiian roll bun.
Get the Hawaiian Hot Dogs recipe.
Huli-Huli Chicken
Originating in Hawaii, this chicken recipe is really all about the sauce: In 1955, a businessman from Honolulu grilled some chicken and brushed it with a sauce inspired by his mother's version of teriyaki. It included pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and (stay with us) ketchup. That all makes for an insanely delicious base, and plenty of garlic and ginger bring some acidity and brightness.
Get the Huli-Huli Chicken recipe.
Chipotle Tofu & Pineapple Skewers
Tofu is so much more than a meat substitute, it’s a protein source that stands on its own, and the perfect base to soak up tasty sauces, like this chipotle and guajillo chili marinade inspired by the popular Mexican street food tacos al pastor. Serve the skewers as an appetizer or make it dinner by de-skewering the chile-spiced tofu and charred pineapple right into tortillas for tacos.
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
This retro glazed ham is a classic stunner for the center of any table, and just a few easy sides short of a fantastic feast. Brushing the ham and fruit every 15 minutes or so with the glaze is enough to create a nicely caramelized crust while infusing the ham with sweet pineapple notes.
Get the Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham recipe.
Pineapple Shrimp
Serving your shrimp in an adorable, yet functional, pineapple boat is totally optional, but why skip it? Pro tip: Be sure to reserve the liquid gold that is fresh pineapple juice when you scoop out your pineapple; you'll use the juice to whip up the spicy-sweet sauce.
Get the Pineapple Shrimp recipe.
Hawaiian Chicken Foil Packs
Stay on island time by serving this genius grilled chicken dinner over a bed of coconut rice. You could even make it a completely Hawaiian-themed dinner party with Blue Hawaiian coolers and one of our many pineapple desserts.
Get the Hawaiian Chicken Foil Packs recipe.
Maui Burgers
Give these Maui burgers a try when you want to mix up your grill game. We're particularly fond of the shichimi aioli, which is made with mayo and shichimi togarashi, a Japanese red pepper seasoning you can find at your local Asian grocery store.
Get the Maui Burgers recipe.
Pineapple Salmon Skewers
Pineapple and salmon? A match made in heaven. (It's what makes our baked pineapple salmon so popular!) Smoky, sweet, and just a little spicy, these skewers are a major crowd-pleaser. Make them for your next BBQ, and watch them *disappear*.
Get the Pineapple Salmon Skewers recipe.
Grilled Pineapple Salsa
Grilling the pineapple delivers so much depth of flavor here. We love this salsa with tortilla chips, but also topped on our favorite grilled meats. It just might ruin you for all other healthy dips.
Get the Grilled Pineapple Salsa recipe.
Grilled Pineapple Chicken
Move over, Hawaiian pizza! This tropical chicken is our new favorite savory pineapple dish. The acidity from the pineapple marinade will help tenderize the chicken breast, while the sugar works to caramelize the meat over the hot flames. If you want to take this recipe to the next level, slice the chicken and throw it on a tortilla with pickled red onion and a bright, crunchy slaw.
Get the Grilled Pineapple Chicken recipe.
Skillet Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa
Topped with an insanely delish—and easy—pineapple salsa, these pork chops take on a fresh, tropical flavor. Searing the chops first in a super-hot pan helps create a nice golden crust before a trip to the oven.
Sheet-Pan Pineapple Shrimp Tacos
Utilize your trusty sheet pans to make these easy one-pan weeknight dinner tacos. These shrimp and pineapple tacos are full of flavor and will have you feel like you're sitting on the beach. Use all of your favorite toppings, but avocado and radishes are a must.
Pineapple Cheese Ball
This classic pineapple cheese ball is a timeless blast from the past: creamy and crunchy, sweet and tart, nutty and savory—this appetizer's got it all. If you're a fan of this one, check out these 26 other cheese ball recipes!
Get the Pineapple Cheese Ball recipe.
Coconut Lime Shrimp Bowls
Got a can of coconut milk you've been meaning to use? Well, zero coconut milk goes to waste in this recipe. Some of it is used with fresh pineapple and lime juice to create a creamy and bright marinade. The rest is used to cook the rice, and WOW. It's a total game-changer.
Get the Coconut Lime Shrimp Bowls recipe.
Mackenzie Filson is a food writer and contributing digital food producer at Delish. Her favorite ice cream flavor is chocolate-pine. If wine was an astrological sign she'd be a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. She's never met a bag of Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos she didn't eat in one sitting.
