Recipe: Checkerboard Salad

Pineapple–Green Apple Checkerboard Salad

Have you seen the viral checkerboard salads floating around social media lately? They’re everywhere—and for good reason. They’re fun, fresh, and totally Instagram-worthy. Instead of sticking with the usual watermelon and feta combo, I gave this trend a tropical, tangy twist with two of my favorites: pineapple and green apple.

This salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also for your taste buds. Sweet, juicy pineapple meets crisp, tart green apple (tossed in a little lemon juice to keep it fresh and bright). Add a sprinkle of mint, and you’ve got a dish that’s as refreshing as it is beautiful.

The best part? It looks fancy but takes just minutes to put together. Perfect for summer gatherings, brunch tables, or honestly, just when you need to perk up a weekday lunch.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh pineapple, cut into small cubes

  • 2 cups green apple, cut into small cubes (tossed with juice of ½ a lemon)

  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish

  • Optional: drizzle of honey or a squeeze of extra lemon for serving

Instructions

  1. Cut your pineapple and apples into evenly sized cubes. (Pro tip: keep them close in size so the checkerboard effect really pops!)

  2. On a platter or cutting board, arrange the cubes in alternating rows—pineapple, apple, pineapple, apple—until you’ve created a neat checkerboard pattern.

  3. Sprinkle with chopped fresh mint leaves for a burst of color and flavor.

  4. Serve as is, or finish with a drizzle of honey or extra lemon juice.

Dana’s Notes

  • This salad is best served fresh, but you can cube the fruit ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just wait to assemble until right before serving.

  • Don’t stress about making every cube perfect. The fun is in the colorful pattern and the fresh flavors.

  • For a savory spin, you could add a little crumbled feta on top—though I usually keep mine fruit-only for a light, refreshing bite.

This Pineapple–Green Apple Checkerboard Salad is guaranteed to brighten up your table and your day. It’s proof that sometimes the simplest ingredients, arranged with a little creativity, can make the biggest impact. xoxo 💛 — Dana

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