27 Pineapple Recipes That Go Way Beyond Fruit Salad

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Photo: Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Ana Kelly Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke

Sweet and refreshing pineapple is a summertime staple in homes across the South. While we agree that fresh, juicy pineapple is delicious on its own, these pineapple recipes will show you how many different ways there are to use it while cooking.

From mains to sides to drinks to pineapple desserts, this tropical fruit can be used in both savory and sweet dishes for extra flavor. Next time you have fresh pineapple on hand, try one of these delicious pineapple recipes. We guarantee that you won't be disappointed.

When you're picking out a whole pineapple at the store, green leaves and a firm outer layer are the characteristics you should look for to choose the best fruit. And if you shy away from using fresh pineapple because you're not sure the best way to cut it, fear no more. We're here to show you it's easier than you think.

01 of 27

Piña Colada Quick Bread

Pina Colada Quick Bread
Antonis Achilleos

Recipe: Piña Colada Quick Bread

Think of this decadent quick bread recipe as a baked version of the classic summertime drink. This pineapple recipe captures everything there is to love about the tropical treat: Juicy pineapple studs the delicately sweet loaf, and a topper of crisp toasted coconut chips is both a beautiful decoration and a final touch of sweetness

02 of 27

Pineapple Pepper Slaw

Pineapple-Pepper Slaw
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Pineapple Pepper Slaw

Sweet pineapple and a zesty vinaigrette pair with cabbage for a light and refreshing slaw recipe that's the perfect addition to any summer supper. While unexpected, this pineapple recipe will capture new fans the moment they take a bite.

03 of 27

Pineapple Bread Pudding

Pineapple Bread Pudding
Victor Protasio

Recipe: Pineapple Bread Pudding

Pineapple juice, Hawaiian dinner rolls, and macadamia nuts give classic bread pudding a tropical makeover.

04 of 27

Pineapple Sunshine Cake

Pineapple Sunshine Cake
Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Recipe: Pineapple Sunshine Cake

Our favorite dessert recipes start with a box of cake mix, which is why this pineapple recipe is one we make on repeat. The best part? This cake is made in a 13x9 pan so it's easy to take along with you to picnics or potlucks.

05 of 27

Pineapple-Sweet Tea Punch

Pineapple Sweet Tea
Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry

Recipe: Pineapple-Sweet Tea Punch

Give your a party punch an upgrade for summer with pineapple juice and vodka, if desired.

06 of 27

Pineapple Ice Cream

Pineapple Ice Cream
Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Pineapple Ice Cream

To make this homemade ice cream recipe, you'll need just three ingredients and an electric mixer. No special equipment required.

07 of 27

Glazed Ham with Pineapple Chutney

Glazed Ham with Pineapple Chutney
Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Glazed Ham with Pineapple Chutney

Whether it's for a special occasion or Sunday dinner, serve your next glazed ham with pineapple chutney. Including pineapple in the glaze will give your ham a nice caramelized finish.

08 of 27

Pineapple-Coconut Fizz

Pineapple-Coconut Fizz
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Pineapple-Coconut Fizz

You'll be instantly transported to a tropical vacation after just one sip of this pineapple and coconut drink. It gets the fizz from seltzer water and boozy twist from white rum.

09 of 27

Quesadillas al Pastor Recipe

Quesadillas al Pastor
Skyler Burt

Recipe: Quesadillas al Pastor Recipe

Melted cheese and spicy pork pair with a pineapple-forward fruit salsa in a quesadilla you'll family will want again and again.

10 of 27

Pineapple-Cherry Dump Cake

Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake
Micah A. Leal

Recipe: Pineapple-Cherry Dump Cake

As the name suggests, this dump cake is as easy as dumping all of your ingredients into your trusty 9x13 and baking to perfection. With only five ingredients, this dump cake comes together quickly for any occasion.

11 of 27

Pineapple-Glazed Ham

Pineapple Glazed Ham
Jen Causey

Recipe: Pineapple-Glazed Ham

The classic Easter centerpiece, pineapple-studded ham is captivating and delicious. A layer of mustard and brown sugar adds another crust of flavor.

12 of 27

Carrot-Pineapple Mini Bundt Cakes with Buttermilk-Vanilla Glaze

Carrot-Pineapple Mini Bundt Cakes with Buttermilk-Vanilla Glaze
Cedric Angeles; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Carrot-Pineapple Mini Bundt Cakes with Buttermilk-Vanilla Glaze

Upgrade carrot cake with the addition of crushed pineapple and a vanilla-buttermilk glaze. These mini Bundt cakes are like a cross between a carrot cake and our always-popular hummingbird cake.

13 of 27

Salmon with Pineapple-Pepper Salsa and Coconut Cauliflower Rice

Salmon with Pineapple-Pepper Salsa and Coconut Cauliflower Rice
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Salmon with Pineapple-Pepper Salsa and Coconut Cauliflower Rice

Turn pineapple into a fruity-spicy salsa that is the perfect complement to fat-rich salmon. If you have leftover salsa, turn it into a dip for tortilla chips, or serve on chicken tacos.

14 of 27

Pineapple Casserole

pineapple casserole in a white square casserole dish
Photographer: Jen Causey, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle,Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

Recipe: Pineapple Casserole

This classic Southern pineapple recipe calls for just six ingredients and is the ideal salty-sweet combo.

15 of 27

Buttery Pineapple Crumble Bars

Buttery Pineapple Crumble Bars
Antonis Achilleos

Recipe: Buttery Pineapple Crumble Bars

Take a break from classic lemon squares to try this buttery pineapple spin.

16 of 27

Two-Ingredient Pineapple Angel Food Cake

a corner slice of Two-Ingredient Pineapple Angel Food Cake on a white plate with a fork
Jessica Furniss/Southern Living

Recipe: Two-Ingredient Pineapple Angel Food Cake

A box of cake mix and a can of fruit are all you need to turn out a fluffy, fruity cake. The whipped topping is optional, but it adds a cloud-like finish to the airy cake.

17 of 27

Pineapple-Ginger Upside-Down Cake

Pineapple-Ginger Upside-Down Cake
CREDIT: ANTONIS ACHILLEOS; PROP STYLING: KAY E. CLARKE; FOOD STYLING: EMILY NABORS HALL

Recipe: Pineapple-Ginger Upside-Down Cake

This skillet version of the classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake uses twice as much pineapple as the original.

18 of 27

Orange Sherbet Salad

Orange Sherbet Salad
Jennifer Causey

Recipe: Orange Sherbet Salad

Nostalgia meets essential Southern in this old-fashioned orange sherbet salad. Pineapple and oranges are served up in fluffy marshmallow fluff-like gelatin.

19 of 27

Pineapple Granita

Pineapple Granita
ANTONIS ACHILLEOS; PROP STYLING: KAY E. CLARKE; FOOD STYLING: EMILY NABORS HALL

Recipe: Pineapple Granita

During the summer, the best desserts are those that don't require you to turn on the oven. This pineapple granita is icy and fresh—and easy to make.

20 of 27

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Recipe: Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Layering pineapple slices and cherries in the pan before pouring in the batter gives you an impressive finish once you flip this cake out of the pan.

21 of 27

Pineapple Pie

pineapple_pie

Recipe: Pineapple Pie

If you prefer, you can substitute the homemade crust for store-bought to make prep a little easier.

22 of 27

Hummingbird Cupcakes with Candied Pineapple Wedges Recipe

Hummingbird Cupcakes with Candied Pineapple Wedges
Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Hummingbird Cupcakes with Candied Pineapple Wedges Recipe

These cupcakes are an easier take on our most popular cake recipe ever, the Hummingbird Cake. Candied pineapple wedges give a nod to the canned pineapple that gives the cupcakes a moist texture.

23 of 27

Piña Colada Icebox Pie

Piña Colada Icebox Pie
Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Piña Colada Icebox Pie

Shortbread cookies serve as the crust for this Piña colada-inspired pie.

24 of 27

Spicy Pineapple Slaw

Spicy Pineapple Slaw
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Kellie Kelley; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Recipe: Spicy Pineapple Slaw

This lightened-up version of slaw is mayonnaise-free for folks who like a lighter spin on the classic side.

25 of 27

Brown Sugar-Glazed Pineapple

Brown Sugar-Glazed Pineapple
Antonis Achilleos

Recipe: Brown Sugar-Glazed Pineapple

Preparing pineapple in a pan with a brown sugar glaze allows it to shine as a dessert on its own.

26 of 27

Pineapple-Coconut Cake

Pineapple Coconut Cake
Micah A. Leal

Recipe: Pineapple-Coconut Cake

Cutting the two layers of this cake in half after they bake to create four allows more surface area for frosting.

27 of 27

Ambrosia Macaroons

Dipped Pistachio Shortbread Cookies
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Ambrosia Macaroons

Chewy macaroons have a hint of tropical flavor with crushed pineapple and flaked coconut.

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