Discover the best grilled pineapple recipes for summer! These step-by-step recipes are easy, delicious, and perfect for BBQ season. Pin now, grill later!
I can tell you firsthand that the best grilled pineapple recipes for summer are the ones that caramelize just enough to turn that natural sweetness into something absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re making a tropical side dish, a juicy dessert, or a fresh twist on salsa, grilled pineapple is that underrated summer ingredient that turns heads and disappears fast!!!
The Best Grilled Pineapple Recipes for Summer
1. Classic Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Rings
Ingredients (Serves 4–6):
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into ½-inch rings
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Optional: Vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions:
Prep the pineapple:
- Peel and core your pineapple. Slice it into rings, about ½ inch thick.
- Pat the slices dry with a paper towel—this helps the sugar stick and caramelize properly.
Make the glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt.
Brush and grill:
- Preheat grill to medium-high (around 400°F).
- Brush both sides of each pineapple slice with the brown sugar glaze.
- Grill for 3–4 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the sugar begins to bubble and caramelize.
Serve:
- Serve warm as a dessert on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Why it works: Brown sugar + heat = caramel magic. It’s quick, beautiful on the plate, and even picky eaters go for seconds.
2. Grilled Pineapple Salsa
Ingredients:
- ½ fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into wedges
- ½ red onion, peeled and halved
- 1 jalapeño pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Grill the ingredients:
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Grill pineapple wedges, onion halves, and jalapeño for 4–5 minutes per side until lightly charred.
- Remove from grill and let cool slightly.
Chop and combine:
- Dice grilled pineapple into small chunks.
- Finely chop the grilled red onion and jalapeño (remove seeds if you want less heat).
- In a bowl, combine everything with lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
Serve:
- Great with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled chicken, fish, or even spooned over burgers.
Why it works: Sweet, smoky, spicy, and fresh—this is summer flavor in a bowl.
3. Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Pineapple Bites
Ingredients (Makes 12 bites):
- 12 pineapple chunks (about 1-inch pieces)
- 6 slices bacon, cut in half
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- Toothpicks (soaked in water for 10 minutes if grilling)
Instructions:
Wrap the pineapple:
- Wrap each pineapple chunk with a half-slice of bacon.
- Secure with a toothpick and roll in brown sugar to coat.
Grill:
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Place bites on the grill and cook, turning every 3–4 minutes, for about 10–12 minutes until the bacon is crispy and caramelized.
Serve:
- Serve hot as a sweet-savory appetizer or snack.
Why it works: Smoky bacon + sweet pineapple + caramelized sugar = flavor explosion. These are gone before the tray hits the table.
4. Grilled Pineapple Dessert Skewers
Ingredients:
- 1 pineapple, cut into large chunks
- 1 banana, sliced into thick coins
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional: melted dark chocolate or Greek yogurt for dipping
Instructions:
Assemble skewers:
- Thread pineapple, banana, and strawberry onto skewers in any pattern you like.
Mix glaze:
- Combine honey and cinnamon. Brush over fruit skewers.
Grill:
- Grill over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side, turning carefully until lightly charred.
Serve:
- Drizzle with melted chocolate or serve with yogurt dip on the side.
Why it works: Fruit skewers are fun, colorful, kid-friendly, and healthy-ish for dessert.
5. Grilled Pineapple & Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder (for seasoning)
- 4 pineapple rings (grilled)
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, romaine)
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup toasted pecans or almonds
Optional: feta or goat cheese crumbles
For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Grill the chicken and pineapple:
- Season chicken breasts and brush with olive oil.
- Grill over medium heat until fully cooked (6–7 minutes per side).
- Grill pineapple slices for 2–3 minutes per side until charred.
- Slice chicken into strips and dice the grilled pineapple.
Assemble salad:
- In a large bowl, combine greens, red onion, pecans, chicken, and pineapple.
Mix dressing:
- Whisk all dressing ingredients in a small bowl and pour over salad.
Serve:
- Toss and top with cheese crumbles if using. Serve immediately.
Why it works: Sweet grilled fruit meets savory chicken and tangy dressing—perfect as a light summer lunch or dinner.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests at your next cookout or just want to add something sweet and smoky to your weekly meal plan, these best grilled pineapple recipes for summer have you covered. From salsas and salads to skewers and snacks, grilled pineapple brings that juicy punch of tropical flavor to everything it touches. So fire up that grill and give these a try—you’ll never look at a pineapple the same way again.
Do not miss these Peach Recipes That Celebrate Summer!
