Get ready to wake up your taste buds with the vibrant color, fiery zing, and tropical sweetness of Pickled Pineapple & Jalapenos. This quick and easy refrigerator pickle is an absolute revelation, combining fresh fruits and fiery peppers in a snappy, tangy brine. Whether you’re piling them high on tacos, elevating sandwich spreads, or just sneaking forkfuls straight from the jar (no judgment), Pickled Pineapple & Jalapenos offer a crave-worthy balance of sweet, spicy, and tart that’s truly irresistible.

Pickled Pineapple & Jalapenos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s a wonderful simplicity to this recipe, but each ingredient plays a starring role: the sweet pineapple, spicy jalapeños, aromatic red onion, and a lightly sweetened, vinegary brine bring everything together. You’ll be amazed at how these simple ingredients transform into a boldly flavored condiment you’ll want to add to everything.

Fresh Pineapple (2 cups, diced): Choose a ripe pineapple for juicy, fragrant sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the heat.
Jalapeños (2–3, thinly sliced): For that unmistakable kick; adjust the quantity to your spice preference, and remember gloves if you’re sensitive to spicy oils!
Red Onion (1/2 small, thinly sliced): Adds mild sharpness and beautiful color strata in the jar.
Apple Cider Vinegar (3/4 cup): Delivers tangy, fruity acidity that pairs so well with the pineapple and peppers.
Water (3/4 cup): Dilutes the brine just enough, so it doesn’t overpower the fresh ingredients.
Granulated Sugar (2 tablespoons): Essential for balancing the vinegar and heat with a welcome touch of sweetness.
Kosher Salt (1 1/2 teaspoons): Brings out all the flavors and preserves the pickles’ texture.
Whole Black Peppercorns (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a subtle, peppery warmth to the background.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who crave an extra blast of heat in their Pickled Pineapple & Jalapenos.

How to Make Pickled Pineapple & Jalapenos

Step 1: Prepare the Pickling Brine

Start by grabbing a small saucepan and add your apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and kosher salt. Warm everything together over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar and salt have completely dissolved. The brine should be clear and steamy but not boiling. Take it off the heat and let it cool down just a bit. This ensures you don’t cook the pineapple and peppers when you pour it over them, but it’s still warm enough to help the flavors infuse quickly.

Step 2: Layer the Pineapple, Jalapeños, and Onion

While your brine is cooling, gather a clean glass jar or any non-reactive container with a tight-fitting lid. Layer in the fresh pineapple chunks, sliced jalapeños, and ribbons of red onion. Sprinkle in the whole black peppercorns, and, if your spice-loving heart desires, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. The layering is not just for looks—it ensures every bite of your Pickled Pineapple & Jalapenos will have a little of everything!

Step 3: Pour the Brine and Marinate

Once your brine is warm but not piping hot, carefully pour it over the pineapple, peppers, and onions until everything is fully submerged. Give the jar a gentle shake to remove any air pockets, then let it cool to room temperature right on your counter. This resting time lets the flavors begin their magic mingling act.

Step 4: Refrigerate and Wait (the Hardest Part!)

When the mixture is at room temperature, pop on the lid and slip the jar into your fridge. Now comes the wait! Allow your Pickled Pineapple & Jalapenos to marinate for at least 4 hours for a hint of flavor, but if you let them hang out overnight, they become a flavor bomb you’ll never forget. The longer they rest, the more their sweet, spicy, tangy personalities blossom together.

How to Serve Pickled Pineapple & Jalapenos

Garnishes

Top each serving of Pickled Pineapple & Jalapenos with a scattering of fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. These bright, zippy garnishes amplify the colors and flavors, making any dish pop with a bit of extra fresh flair.

Side Dishes

This condiment shines alongside grilled chicken or shrimp, stirred into fluffy rice bowls, or as a topping for veggie tacos and burgers. Their sweet and spicy character complements almost any savory main course, adding that irresistible punch of flavor to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Pickled Pineapple & Jalapenos piled high on homemade nachos, alongside a platter of smoky barbecue, or spooned generously over avocado toast. Try them on a cheese board for an unexpected sweet-heat twist, or tuck them into lettuce wraps at your next party. Their jewel tones and bold flavors make them a total showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Pickled Pineapple & Jalapenos in a sealed container or jar in the refrigerator. They’ll stay crisp and fresh for up to 2 weeks, getting even more flavorful as they continue to marinate. Always use a clean fork when serving to keep them at their best.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended, as it will alter the texture and flavor of your pickles—freshness is really what makes Pickled Pineapple & Jalapenos so addictive. Make just enough to enjoy within a couple of weeks, and they’ll always deliver that perfect snappy crunch.

Reheating

No reheating required! These are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, right out of the fridge. If you like, let them sit for a few minutes before serving to take the chill off and let their flavors shine.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned pineapple in a pinch, but fresh pineapple delivers the brightest, most vibrant flavor and texture in Pickled Pineapple & Jalapenos. If using canned, be sure to drain well and use pineapple packed in juice, not syrup, for the best results.

How spicy do the Pickled Pineapple & Jalapenos get?

The heat level is quite manageable for most spice fans, but it’s easy to adjust! Use fewer jalapeño slices or remove the seeds for less heat, or add extra red pepper flakes if you want things really fiery. As they marinate, the heat will mellow slightly but still pack a punch.

Is there a way to make these pickles even sweeter?

Absolutely! If you have a sweet tooth or want the pickles to be more dessert-like, simply add another tablespoon of sugar to the brine. Taste and adjust as you go to find your perfect balance of sweet and spicy.

What other dishes pair well with Pickled Pineapple & Jalapenos?

The possibilities are endless: tacos, burgers, grilled meats, grain bowls, salads, rice dishes, or even pizza! They add zing to any dish that needs a pop of acidity and brightness, making your meals instantly more interesting.

Can I reuse the pickling brine?

For food safety reasons, it’s best not to reuse the brine for new batches of pineapple and jalapeños. Once you’ve finished a jar, discard the remaining brine and start fresh for your next round—it’s quick and easy!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a condiment with pizzazz, Pickled Pineapple & Jalapenos are your new secret weapon. Their sweet, spicy, and tangy notes turn everyday meals into something truly memorable. Give this simple recipe a try; you’ll find yourself reaching for these bright, zingy pickles again and again!

Pickled Pineapple & Jalapenos Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: About 2 cups 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

Learn how to make delicious and tangy Pickled Pineapple & Jalapenos at home with this easy recipe. These spicy-sweet pickles are perfect for adding a zing to tacos, burgers, and more!

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit and Vegetables:

2 cups fresh pineapple (diced into small chunks)
2–3 jalapeños (thinly sliced)
1/2 small red onion (thinly sliced)

Pickling Liquid:

3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
3/4 cup water
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Pickling Liquid: In a small saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat until dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Layer Ingredients: In a clean glass jar, layer pineapple, jalapeños, and red onion. Add peppercorns and red pepper flakes.
Add Pickling Liquid: Pour warm liquid over the ingredients until submerged. Let cool, seal the jar, and refrigerate.
Marinate: Allow pickles to marinate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before serving.

Notes

These pickles are great as a topping for tacos, burgers, grain bowls, or grilled meats.
For a sweeter version, add an extra tablespoon of sugar.
Use gloves when slicing jalapeños to avoid irritation.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Condiment
Method: Pickling
Cuisine: Fusion