Pineapple Habanero Sauce – quick, easy NO COOK spicy-sweet condiment for grilled chicken, pork or seafood. Quick, easy delicious appetizer – just spoon over cream cheese!
When you find a tasty condiment for chicken, seafood and pork AND easy appetizer in one you can pump the brakes on scrolling Pinterest.
This Pineapple Habanero Sauce is that sweet-and-spicy partner you didn’t know your meals needed.
It’s easy to make, has endless uses from drizzling it over tacos and grilled meats to kicking up your snack game and it whips up in minutes from fresh simple ingredients.
What makes this recipe great?
- Versatile! Use it on chicken, shrimp, pork, a zesty salad dressing or even chicken tacos!
- Perfect flavor fusion. The sweet pineapple is the perfect balance with the spicy habaneros creating a sauce that’s bold but balanced.
- Easy to whip up with NO COOKING or complicated steps. Just a few fresh ingredients, a quick blend, and you’re there.
Ingredients for Pineapple Habanero Sauce:
Habanero Peppers
These little guys bring the heat and are famous for packing a punch. If they’re too fierce for your taste buds, try swapping with jalapeños or serrano peppers for a milder burn.
Pineapple
The fresh sweetness of the pineapple is the star, bringing juicy sweetness and a bit of tang. If fresh isn’t on hand, canned pineapple chunks (drained) can work as a backup, just keep an eye on added sugars.
Lime Juice
The fresh lime juice brightens everything up with acidity that balances the sweet and spicy flavors. Lemon juice could be used in a pinch, but lime gives that signature tang.
Cilantro
For a fresh herby edge that brightens the overall flavor, adds texture and a pop of color.
Apple Cider Vinegar
For a little extra tangy punch that balances sweetness and adds depth.
Salt and Black Pepper
Brings out the best of all the other flavors!
How to make this Pineapple Habanero Sauce recipe:
Add ingredients for the pineapple habanero salsa to the bowl of a food processor.
Blend until smooth or your desired consistency then add to a glass jar or other airtight container.
Refrigerate 15 minutes or ore to give the flavors time to meld. Serve chilled or room temperature.
What to do with Pineapple Habanero Sauce:
- Serve over grilled (or air fried) chicken, pork chops or grilled shrimp. The tropical sweetness and fiery heat pair perfectly with the smoky char
- Scoop with tortilla chips or pita chips.
- Pour over a block of cream cheese and serve with crackers for a perfect pairing.
- Drizzle it over fresh fish tacos for that sweet and spicy kick that really lifts the whole meal.
The sauce is too spicy or sweet:
If your sauce ends up hotter than you’d like, stir in a little extra pineapple juice or honey to cool things down.
Sauce too sweet? Add a squeeze of extra lime juice or a dash of vinegar. That tang will help balance out the sugar from the pineapple and honey.
Tips and variations:
- Use gloves while handling habanero peppers and wash your hands well afterward.
- Adjust heat gradually. Start with one habanero or seed and devein before blending before adding more. These peppers are no joke – one goes a long way!
- For a thinner sauce strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve after blending.
- White vinegar ca be used for apple cider vinegar.
- Sub fresh lemon juice for lime juice – as long as it’s freshly squeezed. Bottled won’t bring out the fresh zing.
- Yellow bell pepper, red pepper or green bell peppers can be added for more of a salsa.
- Garlic Powder or clove of fresh garlic can be added.
- Adding Brown sugar will create a sweeter Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce.
- Fresh ginger pairs really well with pineapple and heat. It adds a little kick without boosting the spice.
Extra FAQs:
Can I make this sauce milder for kids? Yes. Reduce the amount of habanero and increase the pineapple and honey. It’ll still be flavorful without the fire.
How long does the sauce keep in the fridge? About a week, as long as it’s stored in an airtight container. After that, the flavors might start to fade.
Does this sauce freeze well? Yes. Pour the sauce into an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir.
Can I use frozen pineapple instead of fresh? Yes, frozen pineapple works in a pinch—just thaw it before blending and blot with paper towels so the sauce isn’t too watery.
Is this sauce gluten-free and dairy-free? Yep, it’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a great option for many dietary needs.
Can I double the recipe? For sure, it scales up nicely. Just blend in batches if your blender isn’t big enough.
Looking for more easy salsa recipes?
Full details below in the printable recipe card.
Enjoy!
You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for more easy, tasty recipes!
Best Pineapple Habanero Sauce
Equipment
- high speed blender OR food processor
Ingredients
- 1-2 whole habanero peppers start with one, add more to taste (seed and remove stem)
- 2 cups fresh pineapple cubed
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
- 1 whole lime juiced
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the bowl of a food processor OR high speed blender.
- Blend until smooth or desired consistency. Add to glass jar or other airtight container. Refrigerate 15 minutes to let flavors come together.
- Serve chilled or room temp.
The ultimate condiment or appetizer over cream cheese!