Charring a pineapple slice steps it up from fruit salad and baked ham ornament to a more sophisticated salad sphere. Our sweet and savory charred pineapple salads are all great matches for any style of barbecued pork and run the gamut of pineapple possibilities. Pineapple is easy to char because you’re just adding some smoke and a chic look to the fruit, not cooking it. If you prefer groovy grill marks, use a ridged grill pan to sear in some lines. It takes about 3 minutes a side. For the classic charred diamond grill pattern, rotate the pineapple slices about 45 degrees on one side during the charring process. Skin and core a fresh one yourself, or find one all trimmed in the cut produce section.
Recipe information
Yield
makes 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
HEAT the broiler. Blend the vegetable oil with the bottled smoke in a small bowl.
Step 2
LAY the pineapple slices on a baking sheet. Lightly coat both sides with the oily smoke and lightly sprinkle with sugar to help caramelize the surfaces.
Step 3
BROIL both sides until lightly charred, carefully flipping each slice with a spatula. Char the pineapple rings ahead of time, then refrigerate. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Charred-Pineapple Spinach Salad
Step 4
Toss together baby spinach, toasted almonds or pecans, red onion rings, pineapple chunks, and bottled sesame vinaigrette.
Charred Pineapple with Watercress and Avocado
Step 5
Line a platter with fresh watercress and top with pineapple rings and avocado slices. Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro and drizzle with salsa mixed with bottled vinaigrette. Add a few slices of fresh jalapeño or a splash of pepper sauce to crank up the heat.
Charred Pineapple with Feta and Frisée
Step 6
Top frisée (curly, slightly bitter lettuce) with pineapple chunks, crumbled feta cheese, sliced green onion, and pitted Greek olives. Drizzle with vinaigrette.
Individual Charred-Pineapple Iceberg Cups
Step 7
Fill individual iceberg cups with pineapple rings. Dollop with Thousand Island dressing and sprinkle with shredded sharp Cheddar cheese. A timeless classic!
Next-Day Chef Salad with Charred Pineapple
Step 8
Toss chunks of ham, Cheddar cheese, pineapple, and anything else you like with your favorite lettuce. Dress with a handy bottle of ranch from the fridge.
