If you’re on the hunt for a dish that bursts with tropical sweetness and a hint of warm spice, the Grilled Pineapple Salsa with Cinnamon Chips Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This vibrant salsa, featuring caramelized pineapple grilled to perfection, combined with crisp cinnamon-dusted tortilla chips, offers a playful balance of flavors and textures that will brighten any gathering or snack time. Imagine juicy, smoky pineapple mingling with the zesty kick of jalapeño and fresh cilantro, all paired with crunchy, fragrant chips that have just the right touch of cinnamon sweetness. It’s refreshing, fun, and downright addictive.

Grilled Pineapple Salsa with Cinnamon Chips Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a pivotal role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the natural sweetness of pineapple to the aromatic essence of cinnamon, every element here is essential for an unforgettable experience.

1 fresh pineapple peeled, cored, and sliced into rings: The star ingredient, offering juicy sweetness and a perfect base for grilling char.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the pineapple caramelize beautifully without sticking to the grill.
½ cup diced red bell pepper: Adds a subtle crunch and a pop of vibrant color.
¼ cup finely diced red onion: Brings a mild sharpness to balance the fruit’s sweetness.
1 jalapeño seeded and minced: Provides just the right touch of heat; leave seeds in if you like more kick.
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice: Infuses brightness and acidity that lifts the salsa.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro: Offers a herbal freshness that complements the tropical flavors.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the salsa.
6 flour tortillas: The canvas for your irresistible cinnamon chips.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted: Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the chips.
2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes during baking, creating a delightful chip coating.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Introduces a warm spice that perfectly contrasts the tangy salsa.

How to Make Grilled Pineapple Salsa with Cinnamon Chips Recipe

Step 1: Grill the Pineapple

Start by heating your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Lightly brush the pineapple slices with olive oil to prevent sticking and help caramelize the natural sugars. Grill each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until you see those gorgeous grill marks and the pineapple softens with a little smoky sweetness. Once done, remove from the grill and let it cool just enough to handle. Then, chop it finely so every bite of salsa will have a juicy burst of pineapple.

Step 2: Mix the Salsa

Transfer your chopped pineapple into a bowl and add the diced red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, fresh lime juice, cilantro, and salt. Stir everything together gently, making sure the flavors marry beautifully without mashing the pineapple. Place the salsa into the fridge to chill and let those fresh flavors meld while you prepare the chips.

Step 3: Prepare Cinnamon Chips

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush both sides of each flour tortilla with the melted butter, ensuring an even coating. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture generously over the tortillas. For easy serving, cut the tortillas into wedges and spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the tortilla wedges for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to achieve an even crispness and a lovely golden hue. Keep a close eye so they don’t overbake—they should be crisp and firm but not burnt. Once out of the oven, let your cinnamon chips cool completely to develop that perfect crunch.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Now, simply scoop heaping spoonfuls of your chilled grilled pineapple salsa onto a platter alongside those addictive cinnamon chips. Dive right in and enjoy the extraordinary contrast of sweet, spicy, smoky, and crisp textures. Trust me—this is a snack that guests will rave about.

How to Serve Grilled Pineapple Salsa with Cinnamon Chips Recipe

Garnishes

To take presentation and flavor up a notch, garnish your salsa with a few extra sprigs of fresh cilantro for a burst of green and an additional sprinkle of finely diced red onion or jalapeño slices if you want more color and heat. A lime wedge on the side adds a fresh zing your guests can squeeze over their serving.

Side Dishes

This salsa pairs wonderfully alongside grilled chicken or fish, adding a tropical twist that livens up your protein. You can also serve it as a standalone appetizer at parties or even as a bright topping for tacos and burritos to add unexpected depth and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salsa in hollowed-out grilled pineapple halves for an eye-catching centerpiece. Or, place the cinnamon chips standing upright in a mason jar for easy grabbing at casual gatherings. Consider layering this salsa on crostini or stuffed avocados for an elegant appetizer variation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your grilled pineapple salsa and cinnamon chips separately in airtight containers. The salsa stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days, maintaining that vibrant flavor and juicy texture. Keep the chips in a sealed container at room temperature to retain crunch.

Freezing

While freezing is an option for the salsa, it’s not ideal because the texture of tropical fruits changes after thawing. For best results, freeze only if necessary and use within a month, then thaw overnight in the fridge. The cinnamon chips do not freeze well as they may become soggy.

Reheating

Reheat cinnamon chips gently in a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes to refresh their crispness if they’ve softened. The salsa, however, is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature and does not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Fresh pineapple is key to achieving that perfect balance of sweetness and texture in this recipe. Canned pineapple tends to be overly soft and lacks the natural caramelization that grilling provides, so it’s best to stick with fresh whenever possible.

How spicy is the salsa?

The heat level depends on how much of the jalapeño seeds you include. Removing all seeds will keep the salsa mild with just a gentle warmth, while leaving some seeds in will give it a noticeable kick without overpowering the sweet flavors.

Can I make the cinnamon chips gluten-free?

Yes! Swap out regular flour tortillas for your favorite gluten-free varieties. Just be sure they’re sturdy enough to hold up during baking and crisp well in the oven.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian or vegan diet?

Absolutely! The Grilled Pineapple Salsa with Cinnamon Chips Recipe is vegetarian friendly. To make it vegan, substitute the melted butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine.

What other fruits could I try grilling for a similar salsa?

Grilled mango, peaches, or even nectarines work beautifully as substitutes or additions. They’ll bring their own unique sweetness and charred flavor, keeping the salsa fresh and exciting.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely can’t recommend the Grilled Pineapple Salsa with Cinnamon Chips Recipe enough if you want to impress friends or treat yourself to something fresh, vibrant, and simply delightful. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a mini vacation with every bite, perfect for warm weather or anytime you crave a delicious burst of sunshine. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for the salsa and those cinnamon chips again and again.