Welcome to the ultimate guide for a vibrant and utterly delicious summer meal: Grilled Chicken Sausage with Homemade Pineapple Salsa! This recipe takes ordinary grilled sausage and elevates it into an extraordinary culinary experience with a fresh, sweet, and savory pineapple salsa topping. It’s the perfect dish for a backyard barbecue, a casual weeknight dinner, or a festive Fourth of July gathering. Forget the mundane hot dogs; these spiral-cut grilled chicken sausages, paired with a lively salsa bursting with pineapple, ripe tomatoes, crisp red onion, and colorful bell pepper, are guaranteed to become your new favorite summer picnic food.
This post is proudly sponsored by al fresco all natural, a brand we trust for high-quality, delicious chicken sausages that make healthy eating incredibly easy and flavorful.
As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, our grills beckon, promising smoky flavors and effortless cooking. If you’re searching for a standout recipe for upcoming celebrations like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or simply a delightful summer evening, I enthusiastically recommend you skip the usual fare. Instead, fire up your grill for these incredible chicken sausages, enhanced by my absolute favorite warm-weather topping: a homemade Pineapple Salsa that’s nothing short of spectacular. This brilliant combination is not only ideal for special occasions but also perfect for busy weeknights when you prefer to keep the kitchen cool and outdoor cooking simple.
For this recipe, I’ve chosen al fresco all natural Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage. These sausages are not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly versatile. To elevate both presentation and grilling efficiency, I’ve introduced a simple yet impressive technique: the spiral cut. By threading the sausage onto a skewer and cutting it in a spiral, you create more surface area for those coveted grill marks and ensure even heating. Just a few minutes on the grill, and these perfectly sizzled sausages are ready to be adorned with their vibrant, sweet, and tangy pineapple salsa. This, my friends, is seriously good summer food that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
Why This Grilled Chicken Sausage with Pineapple Salsa Recipe is a Summer Must-Have
In partnership with al fresco all natural, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that perfectly embodies the spirit of summer: quick, fresh, and bursting with flavor. This isn’t just another grilled sausage recipe; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create an unforgettable meal. The Pineapple Salsa is a true game-changer, offering a magnificent blend of sweet, savory, and a hint of tang that perfectly complements the rich flavor of al fresco all natural Fully Cooked Chicken Sausage.
What makes this dish so appealing?
- Effortless Preparation: From start to finish, you can have this delectable meal on the table in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Unbeatable Flavor Combination: The juicy, expertly seasoned chicken sausage forms the perfect canvas for the bright, fresh, and slightly spicy notes of the pineapple salsa.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Made with lean chicken sausage and a medley of fresh vegetables and fruit, this meal is packed with nutrients without sacrificing taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The vibrant colors and dynamic flavors make this a visually appealing and universally loved dish that’s perfect for entertaining.
The pairing of pineapple and chicken is a classic for a reason, creating a harmonious balance that is both refreshing and satisfying. I’ve explored this winning combination before in my Slow Cooker Pineapple Salsa Chicken and these delightful Pineapple Chicken Kabobs. Both recipes are crazy delicious, and this grilled chicken sausage version continues the tradition of culinary excellence with minimal effort.
Crafting Your Perfect Grilled Chicken Sausage and Pineapple Salsa
The Star: al fresco All Natural Chicken Sausage
One of the key advantages of using al fresco all natural Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage is its convenience and quality. These sausages are made with lean, skinless chicken meat, offering a healthier alternative with 70% less fat than traditional pork sausage and 30% less sodium. They come already seasoned and fully cooked, which means your primary task is simply to heat them up on the grill until they achieve a beautiful sizzle and those appealing grill marks. This significantly cuts down on prep and cook time, allowing you to enjoy more of your summer day. You can learn more about their commitment to natural, wholesome products on the al fresco all natural website.
The Topping: Fresh Pineapple Salsa
The pineapple salsa is where this dish truly shines. It’s a symphony of fresh, bright flavors that perfectly cuts through the richness of the sausage. To make it, you’ll simply combine finely chopped pineapple, juicy tomatoes (Roma tomatoes work wonderfully for their firm texture), finely diced red bell pepper for crunch and color, and a touch of minced red onion for a subtle bite. A generous drizzle of fresh lime juice ties all these ingredients together, adding a zesty brightness, and a simple seasoning of salt and pepper to taste ensures every bite is perfectly balanced. This salsa can be prepared moments before serving or made in advance and refrigerated, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Tips for Grilling Success
While al fresco sausages are pre-cooked, a proper grilling technique enhances their flavor and texture.
- Indirect Heat is Key: To prevent burning and ensure even heating, place your skewered sausages on indirect heat rather than directly over open flames. This allows them to warm through gently while still getting that delicious smoky flavor.
- Spiral Cut Perfection: The spiral cut isn’t just for show. It helps the sausage cook more evenly and creates fantastic nooks and crannies for the salsa to nestle into. To achieve this, pierce each sausage link lengthwise with a skewer. Using a sharp knife, make continuous diagonal cuts around the sausage, rotating it as you go. Gently stretch it along the skewer to reveal the spiral.
- Monitor for Sizzle: Grill until the sausages are heated through and lightly browned with appealing grill marks. Since they’re already cooked, you’re primarily aiming for texture and flavor development.
Customizing Your Salsa
While the base recipe for the pineapple salsa is fantastic, don’t hesitate to customize it to your liking:
- Add a Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, finely dice a jalapeño or serrano pepper and add it to the salsa. Remove the seeds for less heat.
- Herb Power: Fresh cilantro or parsley (as suggested for garnish) can be incorporated directly into the salsa for an added layer of freshness.
- Avocado Creaminess: Diced avocado adds a wonderful creamy texture and healthy fats to the salsa. Add it just before serving to prevent browning.
- Cucumber Crunch: For extra crispness and hydration, try adding finely diced cucumber.
This dish offers a complete sensory experience: the smoky aroma from the grill, the vibrant colors of the salsa, and the explosion of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite. It’s a healthy, quick, and undeniably delicious meal that celebrates the best of summer ingredients.
Grilled Chicken Sausage with Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Anna
Pin Recipe
10 minutes
15 minutes
25 minutes
Main Course
American
4
people
205
kcal
Ingredients
- 4 links al fresco all natural chicken sausage
- 1 cup chopped pineapple
- ½ cup chopped tomatoes I used Roma
- ¼ cup chopped red bell pepper
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- 3 Tablespoons lime juice
- salt and pepper to taste
- parsley to garnish
Instructions
- Pierce each sausage link with a skewer, lengthwise. Using a sharp knife, make continuous spiral-style cuts around the sausage, rotating it as you go. Gently stretch the sausage along the skewer to open up the spiral.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewered sausages on the grill, ideally over indirect heat to prevent burning, but ensuring enough heat for sizzling. Grill until thoroughly heated through and nicely sizzling with desired grill marks, typically 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove from grill onto a plate.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped pineapple, tomatoes, red bell pepper, and red onion. Drizzle with fresh lime juice. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste, then stir to combine all ingredients well. You can serve this vibrant salsa immediately or refrigerate it until ready to use, allowing the flavors to meld further.
- Carefully remove the grilled spiral-cut sausage from the skewer. Place each sausage in a bun (or serve without for a lighter option). Generously top with the freshly prepared pineapple salsa. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for an extra burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your amazing summer meal!
Nutrition
Calories:
205
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
13
g
|
Protein:
13
g
|
Fat:
12
g
|
Saturated Fat:
2
g
|
Cholesterol:
60
mg
|
Sodium:
913
mg
|
Potassium:
148
mg
|
Fiber:
1
g
|
Sugar:
6
g
|
Vitamin A:
650
IU
|
Vitamin C:
39.7
mg
|
Calcium:
15
mg
|
Iron:
1.1
mg
Tried this recipe?
Leave a comment with rating below!
Beyond being incredibly easy and delicious, this Grilled Chicken Sausage with Pineapple Salsa offers fantastic versatility. You can serve the sausages in traditional hot dog buns, or for a lighter, gluten-free option, enjoy them as part of a vibrant salad bowl. They also make excellent fillings for tacos or lettuce wraps. The fresh salsa can be a side dish on its own, perfect for dipping tortilla chips, or a topping for grilled fish or chicken breasts.
This recipe also packs a nutritional punch. The al fresco chicken sausages provide a lean source of protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety. The pineapple salsa is a powerhouse of vitamins and antioxidants. Pineapple offers a significant dose of Vitamin C and bromelain, an enzyme known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, while bell peppers contribute even more Vitamin C and A. Red onion adds quercetin, a potent antioxidant. Together, these ingredients create a meal that is not only satisfying for your taste buds but also beneficial for your overall health.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an unforgettable summer recipe that combines ease, flavor, and health benefits, look no further than this Grilled Chicken Sausage with Pineapple Salsa. It’s a dish that celebrates the freshness of summer produce and the convenience of quality ingredients, making outdoor entertaining and casual weeknight dinners equally delightful. Give it a try, and prepare to impress your family and friends with this vibrant, sweet, and savory creation.
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- Pineapple Chicken Kebobs
- Pineapple Salsa Chicken