Guac Goes Tropical: Grilled Pineapple Edition

Sweet, smoky, and loaded with fresh flavor—this island-inspired guac is anything but ordinary.

Jun 12, 2025

Get ready to have your mind blown! This Grilled Pineapple Guacamole takes everything you love about classic guacamole and kicks it up a notch with the sweetest plot twist—caramelized grilled pineapple. The combination of creamy avocados, smoky-sweet pineapple, and just the right amount of heat creates a dip that's irresistible and guaranteed to be the star of any gathering.

I stumbled upon this recipe during a summer barbecue when I had leftover pineapple rings on the grill and fresh avocados begging to be used. One experimental bite later, and I knew I had discovered something special. The grilled pineapple adds an incredible depth of flavor—the caramelization brings out the natural sweetness while adding those gorgeous grill marks and a subtle smoky note that pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy avocados.

Why This Guacamole is a Game-Changer

Traditional guacamole is perfect as-is, but this tropical version brings something completely new to the table. The grilled pineapple doesn't just add sweetness—it adds complexity. The caramelized edges create little pockets of concentrated flavor that contrast beautifully with the cool, creamy avocado. The purple onion and serrano pepper provide the perfect amount of bite and heat, while the fresh cilantro and lime keep everything bright and balanced.

This isn't just a dip—it's a conversation starter. Every bite delivers different flavor notes, from the buttery richness of perfect Hass avocados to the tropical sweetness of caramelized pineapple, all brought together with that classic Mexican-inspired seasoning profile.

Ingredients You'll Need

The Foundation:

3 Hass avocados
2 pineapple rings, grilled and chopped

For the Flavor Profile:

2 tablespoons purple onion, minced
2 tablespoons serrano pepper, minced (jalapeno can also be used)
1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

The Finishing Touches:

Juice of 1 lime
Sea salt, to taste

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Tips for Guacamole Perfection

Pineapple Selection: Use fresh pineapple rings, not canned. The natural sugars caramelize so much better, and you avoid any metallic taste from the can.

Avocado Ripeness: Your avocados should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not be mushy. If they're too hard, they won't mash well. Too soft, and your guacamole will be more like soup!

Heat Level Control: Serrano peppers are hotter than jalapeños but milder than habaneros. Start with less and add more—you can always make it spicier, but you can't take the heat away.

Make-Ahead Magic: This guacamole improves after sitting for a bit, but don't make it more than a day ahead. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent browning.

Grilling Alternatives: No grill? No problem! You can achieve similar results by cooking the pineapple rings in a cast-iron skillet over high heat until caramelized.

Serving Suggestions

This tropical guacamole is incredibly versatile:

Classic Style: Serve with tortilla chips—the salty crunch is perfect with the sweet-savory dip
Taco Night: Use it as a topping for fish tacos, carnitas, or grilled chicken
Breakfast Vibes: Spread it on toast with a fried egg on top for an incredible powerhouse breakfast
Grilled Meats: It's amazing alongside grilled pork, chicken, cod, or even grilled shrimp
Fresh and Light: Serve with cut vegetables like bell pepper strips, cucumber rounds, or jicama sticks

Storage Tips

Store any leftover guacamole in the refrigerator with plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface to prevent oxidation. It'll keep for up to 2 days, though the texture is best within the first 24 hours. Give it a gentle stir before serving if any liquid has separated.

Variations to Try

Spice It Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for extra smoky depth

Tropical Paradise: Try adding diced mango along with the pineapple for an even more tropical feel

Herb Garden: Experiment with adding fresh mint along with the cilantro for a unique twist

Textural Interest: Toss in some toasted coconut flakes or chopped macadamia nuts for crunch

Step 1: Grill That Pineapple to Perfection

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. If you're using a gas grill, aim for about 400°F. Take your fresh pineapple rings and pat them dry with paper towels—this helps them caramelize beautifully rather than steam.

Grill the pineapple rings for 3-4 minutes per side, until you get those gorgeous caramelized grill marks and the edges start to turn golden brown. You'll know they're ready when they smell incredible and have those beautiful charred lines. The natural sugars will caramelize, creating that perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors.

Remove from the grill and let them cool for a few minutes, then chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. You want pieces that are small enough to distribute evenly throughout the guacamole but large enough that you still get distinct bursts of that grilled pineapple flavor.

Step 2: Prep Your Supporting Cast

While the pineapple is cooling, prepare your other ingredients. Mince the purple onion as finely as you can—you want tiny pieces that won't overpower but will add that perfect sharp bite.

For the serrano (or jalapeno) pepper, remove the seeds if you want less heat, but keep them if you like things spicy. Mince it finely and be careful not to touch your eyes afterward! Roughly chop the fresh cilantro—you want it in small pieces but not pulverized.

Step 3: The Avocado Magic

Cut your avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a large mixing bowl. Here's where technique matters—you want to mash them to your preferred consistency. I like mine with some texture, so I use a fork to mash them until they're mostly smooth with some small chunks remaining. This gives you that perfect creamy base while still having some interesting texture.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add the grilled pineapple pieces to your mashed avocados, followed by the minced purple onion, serrano (or jalapeno) pepper, and chopped cilantro. Squeeze that fresh lime juice over everything—the acidity not only adds incredible flavor but also helps prevent the avocados from browning.

Step 5: Season and Taste

Start with about 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt and gently fold everything together. Now comes the fun part—taste and adjust! You might want more lime for brightness, more salt for depth, or more serrano (or jalapeno) for heat. This is your chance to make it perfect for your palate.

Step 6: Let the Flavors Meld

If you have time, let the guacamole sit for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows all those flavors to marry and develop. The pineapple will release a bit more of its juices, and everything will come together beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Pineapple Guacamole proves that sometimes the best recipes come from happy accidents and creative experimentation. What started as a way to use up extra grilled pineapple has become one of my most requested appetizers. It's the kind of recipe that makes people stop mid-conversation and ask, "What IS this amazing flavor?"

The beauty of this guacamole lies in its perfect balance—the richness of avocado, the sweetness of caramelized pineapple, the heat from the serrano, and the freshness of cilantro and lime. Each element plays its part in creating something familiar yet completely unexpected.

Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, bringing something special to a potluck, or just want to elevate your regular taco Tuesday, this Grilled Pineapple Guacamole will become your secret weapon. Fair warning though—once people try this, they'll never look at regular guacamole the same way again!

Have you tried this tropical twist on guacamole? I'd love to hear what you think and any variations you've created! Drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out.