The Best Grilled Pineapple Sides for Summer BBQs

A Taste of Summer on the Grill

When summer rolls around, there’s one thing I always make space for on the grill — grilled pineapple sides. There’s just something magical about how the heat caramelizes the sugars, creating a sweet, smoky layer that takes this tropical fruit to the next level.

I still remember the first time I paired grilled pineapple sides with my Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack. I wasn’t even planning to make a side — I just had some extra pineapple slices and threw them on the grill. The result? A warm, golden bite that was sweet, slightly charred, and absolutely unforgettable. It didn’t just complement the meal — it elevated it.

Now, I consider grilled pineapple sides a summer essential. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ or prepping a casual tropical dinner, grilled pineapple is always a hit. It’s quick to prepare, visually stunning on the plate, and offers a balance of flavors that works beautifully with savory mains like grilled chicken, salmon, or pork.

One of the reasons I love serving grilled pineapple sides is because they’re so flexible. Dress them up with a chili-lime glaze, keep them simple with sea salt, or toss them into a salad for extra brightness. However you use them, these sides deliver major flavor with minimal effort.

In this article, I’ll share the best ways to serve grilled pineapple, including quick recipes, unexpected flavor combos, and perfect pairings for your summer meals.

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Simple Grilled Pineapple Side Dishes

If you’re just starting out with grilled pineapple sides, don’t overthink it. The beauty of this tropical side dish lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and a hot grill, you can create sides that feel both effortless and gourmet.

Chili-Lime Grilled Pineapple Rings

One of my favorite grilled pineapple sides is a quick chili-lime version. Simply brush fresh pineapple rings with a mixture of lime juice, honey, a pinch of sea salt, and chili powder. Grill them over medium heat until they have beautiful char marks — about 3 minutes per side.

This combo is sweet, spicy, tangy, and incredibly refreshing. It pairs especially well with smoky mains like Huli Huli chicken or grilled shrimp, and it adds a bright, zesty contrast that keeps the meal exciting.

Pineapple and Bell Pepper Skewers

Another easy crowd-pleaser: pineapple skewers. Thread pineapple chunks, red bell pepper slices, and red onion onto skewers, brush with olive oil, and toss them on the grill. These grilled pineapple sides are colorful, packed with natural sweetness, and perfect for serving alongside meats or grain bowls.

You can even prep these ahead of time and keep them chilled until it’s time to grill. They work well for both casual cookouts and plated tropical dinners — the versatility is unmatched.

Whether you’re grilling rings or skewers, these grilled pineapple sides require minimal effort but deliver maximum impact. They’re the kind of dish that disappears fast — so make more than you think you’ll need.

Creative Tropical Twists on Classic Sides

While simple grilled slices are always a hit, you can elevate your summer table with a few creative takes on grilled pineapple sides that blend sweet and savory flavors in unexpected ways. These twists not only add freshness to your plate but also pair beautifully with anything from Hawaiian chicken to spicy grilled tofu.

Grilled Pineapple and Avocado Salad

This vibrant salad starts with chunks of grilled pineapple tossed with creamy avocado, thin-sliced red onion, and a handful of fresh cilantro. A drizzle of lime vinaigrette ties everything together. It’s one of those grilled pineapple sides that feels both refreshing and indulgent.

Add crumbled feta for a salty finish, or toss in some chopped macadamia nuts for a crunchy tropical flair. The smoky pineapple and cool avocado balance each other perfectly, making this dish a standout alongside bold proteins like Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack.

Pineapple Slaw with Cabbage and Cilantro

Another fun twist on classic sides is this pineapple-packed slaw. Mix shredded cabbage with grilled pineapple chunks, grated carrot, and chopped green onion. Toss it all with a tangy pineapple-lime dressing and let it chill before serving.

This variation on coleslaw is bright, crunchy, and loaded with tropical flavor. It’s one of those grilled pineapple sides that works equally well at a BBQ or inside a sandwich wrap.

When you want to break away from boring sides, these tropical-inspired dishes keep things exciting. They prove that grilled pineapple sides aren’t just simple—they can also be creative, crave-worthy, and totally crowd-pleasing.

Pairing Grilled Pineapple with Proteins

One of the best things about grilled pineapple sides is how effortlessly they complement a wide range of proteins. Their sweet and slightly smoky flavor balances out rich, savory meats and adds contrast to spiced or charred dishes. Whether you’re feeding meat lovers or plant-based guests, grilled pineapple can be your go-to supporting act.

Best Match: Huli Huli Chicken

The most natural partner for grilled pineapple sides is undoubtedly Huli Huli chicken. The sticky-sweet marinade made from soy sauce, ginger, and pineapple juice creates a deep umami base, while grilled pineapple brings brightness and contrast to every bite.

Try stacking grilled pineapple slices right onto the chicken, or serve them as a side with a drizzle of leftover Huli Huli sauce. Either way, you’ll be creating an unforgettable tropical experience. And if you haven’t yet, check out my full recipe for the Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack — it’s the perfect way to bring it all together.

Other Great Pairings

Beyond chicken, grilled pineapple sides work beautifully with grilled pork tenderloin, spicy shrimp skewers, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian twist. The sweet acidity of the pineapple cuts through the richness of meat, while its caramelized edges add depth to lighter proteins.

You can also build your own bowls — just layer grilled pineapple with rice, slaw, and your favorite grilled protein. This creates a full, well-balanced plate that’s as satisfying as it is colorful.

When it comes to pairing, grilled pineapple sides are more than just a sweet addition — they’re a strategic way to enhance flavor, texture, and presentation.

These grilled pineapple sides aren’t just delicious on their own — they also play a starring role in my Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack. In that dish, I layer grilled pineapple with juicy Huli Huli chicken, fluffy rice, and a tangy slaw for the ultimate tropical meal. This recipe shows just how versatile grilled pineapple can be — both as a standalone side and as a key ingredient in a complete Hawaiian-inspired dish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Pineapple Sides

Conclusion: Bring Grilled Pineapple Sides to Your Summer Table

Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a tropical dinner, or just want to add something fresh and exciting to your next meal, grilled pineapple sides are a delicious and flexible choice. Their natural sweetness, combined with that irresistible smoky char, makes them a standout addition to everything from chicken to tofu, from rice bowls to slaws.

These dishes aren’t just about flavor — they’re about elevating the entire dining experience. With a few simple ingredients and a hot grill, you can transform a humble fruit into something vibrant, crave-worthy, and unforgettable.

If you’re looking for the perfect way to showcase these grilled pineapple sides, I highly recommend trying them with my Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack. The flavors were made for each other — and once you’ve tried the combo, it’ll become a go-to in your summer rotation.

So fire up the grill, grab a ripe pineapple, and bring a little sunshine to your table. These grilled pineapple sides are more than just a dish — they’re a tropical escape, one bite at a time.

Looking for more summer-ready recipes to pair with these grilled pineapple sides? Try these favorites from our kitchen:

• Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack
• Autumn Punch Mocktail
• Zucchini Coffee Cake Bread with Cinnamon Streusel
• Garlic Bread Ritz Bits
• Cheesy Taco Pinwheels Recipe
• Sweet Potato Cobbler with Canned Yams
• Smores Cookie Cups
• Detox Southwest Chicken Soup

🔗 Trusted Grilled Pineapple Recipes to Explore

Want more ideas for grilled pineapple sides? These expert recipes offer creative twists and flavor-packed inspiration:

• Brazilian Grilled Pineapple – AllRecipes
• 12+ Grilled Pineapple Recipes – Delish
• Grilled Pineapple with Mint & Lime – Love & Lemons