Creamy Citrus Dressing + Grilled Pineapple Salad

If you’re looking for a refreshing and vibrant dish to brighten up your meal, you’ve come to the right place! The Creamy Citrus Dressing + Grilled Pineapple Salad is a favorite of mine, especially during those sunny summer days. It combines the sweetness of grilled pineapple with the zesty kick of a creamy citrus dressing, creating a delightful mix that’s perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights when you want something quick and satisfying.

This salad is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re packing it for lunch or serving it as a light dinner, this recipe will surely impress everyone at the table. Let’s dive into why this dish deserves a spot on your dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, this salad is perfect for those nights when time is tight.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of grilled pineapple and creamy dressing creates an explosion of taste that your taste buds will thank you for.
• Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with fresh fruits and veggies, it’s a guilt-free option that feels indulgent.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make extra dressing or salad components in advance, so you have lunch ready to go throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids love the sweet grilled pineapple, making it an easy way to get them excited about eating their greens!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients for this fabulous salad! You might already have some of these staples in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Creamy Citrus Dressing

• 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
• 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 1 Tablespoon Califia unsweetened almond milk
• 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh parsley
• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon minced shallots
• Pinch of salt

For the Salad

• 4 slices pineapple
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 corn on the cob
• 1/2 cup pepitas
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 2-3 cups fresh mixed greens

Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add Another Fruit: Toss in some sliced strawberries or mango for an extra burst of sweetness.
• Change Up the Greens: Swap out mixed greens for kale or spinach if you prefer a heartier base.
• Introduce Some Crunch: Add some croutons or even toasted nuts for an added texture contrast.
• Make It Heartier: Include grilled chicken or chickpeas for a more filling meal option.

How to Make Creamy Citrus Dressing + Grilled Pineapple Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a mason jar, combine all the dressing ingredients: orange juice, lemon juice, almond milk, parsley, olive oil, rice vinegar, shallots, and salt. Using an immersion blender, blend until smooth. This creamy citrus dressing will add brightness and flavor to your salad.

Step 2: Grill the Pineapple

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, lightly brush each slice of pineapple with olive oil. This step helps caramelize the natural sugars in the fruit while grilling. Sear the pineapple directly over the flame for about 2 minutes on each side until grill marks appear.

Step 3: Cook the Corn

While your pineapple is grilling, place your corn on the cob directly on the grill as well. Cook it for about 5 minutes per side until slightly charred. This adds a lovely smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the pineapple.

Step 4: Assemble Your Salad

Once everything is grilled and slightly cooled, cut off the kernels from your corn cob. Take two salad bowls and fill them with mixed greens as your base. Arrange two slices of grilled pineapple in each bowl alongside sliced avocado, charred corn kernels, pepitas, and blueberries.

Step 5: Drizzle with Dressing and Enjoy!

Finish off by drizzling as much creamy citrus dressing as desired over each bowl. Mix everything together or leave it layered—either way is delicious! Dig in and enjoy this beautiful summer salad!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Citrus Dressing + Grilled Pineapple Salad

Creating a delicious salad is all about the details, and with these helpful tips, you’ll be elevating your Creamy Citrus Dressing + Grilled Pineapple Salad to new heights!

• Use fresh ingredients: Freshly squeezed juices and ripe fruits not only enhance flavor but also add vibrant colors that make your dish visually appealing.

• Experiment with herbs: Don’t hesitate to mix in different herbs like cilantro or basil with the parsley. This adds depth to your dressing and complements the sweetness of the pineapple beautifully.

• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dressing, consider adding a drizzle of maple syrup or agave nectar. This balances the acidity from the citrus juices and rounds out the flavors.

• Toast pepitas for extra flavor: Lightly toasting your pepitas in a dry skillet brings out their nutty flavor and gives your salad an added crunch that’s hard to resist.

• Chill before serving: Letting your dressing sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together. It makes for a refreshing addition to your salad!

How to Serve Creamy Citrus Dressing + Grilled Pineapple Salad

Presentation can make all the difference when serving this delightful salad. Here are some ideas on how to showcase your beautiful creation!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkle some extra chopped parsley or mint on top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Edible flowers: Add a few edible flowers like nasturtiums or pansies for an eye-catching touch that elevates the entire presentation.
• Citrus zest: A sprinkle of orange or lemon zest right before serving enhances both aroma and flavor, making every bite a delightful experience.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf with herbs and spices complements the freshness of the salad while adding an earthy component.
• Grilled vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies like zucchini or bell peppers can bring additional textures and flavors, creating a well-rounded meal.
• Chickpea salad: A simple chickpea salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon dressing provides protein and pairs nicely with the fruity notes of the main dish.
• Garlic bread: Crunchy garlic bread is always a favorite! Its savory notes balance out the sweetness of the grilled pineapple beautifully.

With these serving ideas, you’re ready to impress friends and family alike with your Creamy Citrus Dressing + Grilled Pineapple Salad. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Creamy Citrus Dressing + Grilled Pineapple Salad is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the dressing and salad ingredients in advance, making it an easy grab-and-go option for busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Keep the dressing separate in a jar or container. It will stay fresh for about a week.
• If you’ve already dressed the salad, consume it within a day for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

• Unfortunately, this salad does not freeze well due to the fresh ingredients. However, you can freeze the dressing in ice cube trays and thaw as needed.

Reheating

• If you have leftover grilled pineapple or corn, reheat them on a grill pan over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side until warmed through.
• Avoid reheating the mixed greens or blueberries, as they are best enjoyed fresh.

FAQs

Here are some common questions readers might have about this delicious recipe:

Can I make the Creamy Citrus Dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! The Creamy Citrus Dressing can be made a few days in advance. Store it in the fridge in a sealed jar, and give it a good shake before using.

What pairs well with Grilled Pineapple Salad?

The Grilled Pineapple Salad goes wonderfully with grilled chicken or shrimp if you’re looking to add protein. It complements any light summer meal beautifully!

How long does the Creamy Citrus Dressing last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, the Creamy Citrus Dressing will last up to one week in the refrigerator. Just remember to shake it well before using!

Can I substitute ingredients in this salad?

Certainly! Feel free to swap out any fruits or nuts based on your preferences. For example, try using mango instead of pineapple or walnuts instead of pepitas.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Creamy Citrus Dressing + Grilled Pineapple Salad as much as I do! It’s a refreshing dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings or a light dinner at home. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings and enjoy every bite. Happy cooking!