Summer means grilling season! Who doesn’t love the all-senses experience of firing up the grill for a cookout? The warmth of the summer sun above. The satisfying sound of the coal catching flame and food sizzling to perfection. The smell of smoke and char. The possibilities of what exciting flavors you can create: juicy burgers, sizzling sausages, sweet corn, marinated veggies — or even caramelized fruit.

You might not think of fruit as a go-to grill favorite, but we would argue that grilled pineapple is an underrated summer gem. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, just want a quick dessert, or if you’re trying to elevate your healthy summer meals this year, consider giving grilled pineapple a try.

Oh, and did we mention that International Pineapple Day is coming up on June 27? So fire up the grill for a pineapple party — let’s walk through the basics of grilling this tropical treat!

Why Grill Pineapple?

Even if we weren’t biased for sunny fruits, we find that grilled pineapple is a summer staple that can go sweet and savory. 

This is an ingredient any level of home chef can prepare, as the heat of the grill caramelizes the fruit’s natural sugars. The caramelization process intensifies its natural sweetness and creates a golden, slightly charred exterior, adding irresistible smoky notes. The complex flavor combination of sweet, tart, juicy, and smoky can instantly compliment any summer dish.

While harvesting fresh pineapple is typically called for in grilled pineapple recipes, it’s a time-consuming and often strenuous process. For quicker prep and less stress, we recommend using Dole^® Tropical Gold^® Pineapple Slices or Dole^® Tropical Gold^® Chunks — perfect for grilled pineapple slices or skewers!

How Do You Grill Pineapple? (Step-by-Step Instructions)

How do you grill a pineapple so it doesn’t stick?

Lightly oil the grill grates or spray both sides of the pineapple slices with oil before grilling. This prevents sticking and helps achieve those perfect grill marks.

How to cut pineapple rings

For a time saving, stress-free hack, use Dole^® Tropical Gold^® Pineapple Slices or Dole^® Tropical Gold^® Pineapple Chunks for premium flavor and less hassle.

How to grill a pineapple

• Simply drain and pat the fruit dry. 

• Preheat your grill to medium heat.

• Add your favorite seasoning to your pineapple pieces. Brush with honey, sprinkle with cinnamon or chili powder, toss it in brown sugar, or just give it a squeeze of lime juice.

• Place pineapple slices or chunks directly on the grill in one even layer. For chunks, use skewers for easy turning.

• Grill for 3–5 minutes per side, or until the caramelized pineapple is golden with clear grill marks.

• Remove from the grill and immediately serve warm in a salad, on a pizza, alone — whatever!

Recipes to Ring in National Pineapple Day

June 27 is National Pineapple Day — the perfect excuse to try some easy grilled pineapple recipes and show off your grillmaster prowess!

Just a few of our favorite grilled pineapple recipes include:

• Grilled Pineapple Farro Salad with Chicken, Yogurt & Pitas: This hearty summer salad combines smoky grilled chicken,pineapple, nutty farro, and crisp veggies, all drizzled with a creamy yogurt dressing. Served with warm pita bread, it’s a perfect meal for outdoor gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner.
  
• Grilled Pineapple & Jalapeño Mezcal Margarita: Shake up your summer with this bold, refreshing cocktail. Grilled pineapple and jalapeños add smoky-sweet and spicy notes to a classic mezcal margarita, creating a drink that’s both unique and crowd-pleasing. A toast to your next barbecue!
  
• Grilled Pineapple Shortcake Sundaes: Can’t forget dessert! Juicy grilled pineapple slices are layered with tender shortcake and topped with scoops of vanilla ice cream, then finished with a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s a tropical twist on a classic treat that’s sure to “wow” guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Need some more summer grill recipes? Explore recipes from Dole to elevate your snacks to new tropical heights every season, for every occasion.

So grab a can of Dole^® Tropical Gold^® Pineapple and get grilling! And make sure to tag us on social media with your creations using #DoleSunshine.