Grilled Pineapple Salsa

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If you like summer (and summer food) as much as I do, you will go through multiple propane tanks (or bags or charcoal!) this summer as you take most of the cooking outdoors. Whether I'm serving beef, shrimp, or corn, I love any excuse to cook outside.  One of the easiest things I make on the grill is an absolutely perfect side dish for any summer meal: pineapple salsa.

I will serve this as an appetizer with chips and guacamole or as a topping for flank steak (which is on heavy menu rotation during the summer). This recipe keeps well  and is terrific for midday snacking (PLUS it's a great use for pineapple which is past its prime!).

Here's all you need:

  • 1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into circles
  • 1 onion (preferably a sweet variety like Vidalia or Maui, though a white onion will work in a pinch)
  • 4-7 slices of jalapeno pepper (I use the kind in the jar, but if you'd rather use fresh, grill before tossing into the mix!)
  • 1-2 tsp olive oil (enough to coat- I over-poured in the pictures. I do that...)
  • 1 tsp Adobo (optional)
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Slice the pineapple and onions into rings and gently toss with olive oil.  NOTE - in the pictures you see I used half of a sweet onion.  This was a shopping error and so I used what I had which happened to be a mixture of sweet and white onions.  This was fine in terms of taste, but it was a pain to grill around! Grill pineapple and onions on a hot grill for approximately 10 minutes (5 minutes per side)Slice pineapples in half and place in a food processor (or blender) along with the onion and jalapenos.  NOTE - this is your opportunity to control the heat level of the salsa.  3-4 slices will give you a medium heat.  I use 7 because I like more spice.  Pulse until roughly chopped then add the teaspoon of adobo if you're using it.  This is an extra layer of flavor that I really enjoy, but the salsa is perfectly wonderful without this step.  So if you have this goodness, use it, but otherwise blend until you reach the consistency you'd like. You're ready to serve!Serve with chips, avocado, or on top of your favorite grilled meat!Enjoy!!!