With its yummy sweet and sour flavor, pineapple is a treat on its own. But this tropical fruit also plays well with other foods. Here are some of pineapple's best pairings.
Fruitful Medleys
The tangy, sweet taste of pineapple goes well with most other fruits. Combine chunks of pineapple with pieces of watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, grapes, strawberries and other fruits to create a tropical fruit salad. For a fun twist, make fruit kebabs and serve fresh or with chocolate sauce, whipped cream or plain yogurt. Fruit smoothies of blended pineapple, strawberries, bananas and other tropical fruits make a refreshing treat on a hot day.
Meat Pairings
Pineapple pairs well with many types of meat. Ever had a Hawaiian pizza? The ham and pineapple are a pretty dynamic duo. Also, grilled pineapple adds a nice sweetness to grilled ham steak seasoned with a zesty Dijon mustard. Try pineapple with smoked chicken sausage or in kebabs with chicken and bell peppers, too.
To add some zip to seafood, chicken or pork, whip up a delicious pineapple salsa or a pineapple glaze. Simmer a mixture of chopped pineapple, red bell pepper, tomato and jalapeno, and let it cool before serving it atop the meat.
Sweet Treats
Moist golden cake and pineapple come together in a classic pineapple upside-down cake. Sliced pineapple rings with maple syrup, brown sugar and butter gives this cake great depth of flavor. For a lighter dessert, whip up a refreshing pineapple-coconut sorbet inspired by the famous piña colada.